The phrase, "discerning the body" has been interpreted in two basic ways since the time of the Reformation. In historic faith it has been interpreted as recognizing the real physical presence of Christ in communion. The alternative interpretation is that the "body" here refers to the "Church." Lassman considers this an important passage to interpret correctly as a protection against the believer eating and drinking judgment upon himself.
It seems clear from the context that the "divisions" and "distinctions" the Corinthians were making were condemned by Paul. Yet this is exactly the verb Paul uses to tell us to "judge" or "discern" in this passage. It is used here in a positive manner, as something we are to do. So what is that body we are to "discern"? It makes little sense to say that it is the Church. That would lead to a perplexing situation indeed. We are not supposed to "discern" but we are supposed to "discern." However, if indeed the "body" is the body of Christ, we do not have this issue with the verbs at all.
Is it legitimate to affirm that Paul is speaking about the physical body of Christ present in communion? Paul elsewhere uses the word σῶμα to refer to the Lord's Supper at 1 Corinthians 10.16, 11.24, and 11.27. In chapters 10-11 of 1 Corinthians, three of the four references other than 1 Cor. 11.29 refer to the Lord's Supper. Furthermore, it seems clear that Paul is using the technique of synecdoche (say "Gesundheit" when someone says synecdoche), mentioning a part to refer to a whole. Think about "head" of cattle or a ship being crewed by a number of hands. Paul seems to use "eat" to include drinking as well. For instance, in 1 Corinthians 11.20-21, 33, we see people "eating" and becoming drunk, which clearly indicates drinking as well. If Paul had mentioned "not discerning the body and the blood" the passage would make immediate sense as a reference to the real physical presence of Christ. However, he refers to only one of the elements. Yet the context seems to be very clear that there is eating and drinking going on. How then should we understand the term "body"? We would understand it as the thing which is being eaten.
Lassman, then, concludes that Paul is clearly referring to a right discernment of the true body and blood of Christ as physically present in communion. Though we can't understand it and don't perceive it rightly with our senses, the Scripture says this is what is present. Paul tells us that if we do not discern it rightly we eat and drink condemnation upon ourselves. It is therefore correct to withhold communion from those who do not discern it rightly, as a caring protective measure.
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Dave Spotts
blogging at http://capnsaltyslongvoyage.blogspot.com and http://alex-kirk.blogspot.com
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