1 Corinthians 11:32

32 Better to be confronted by the Master now than to face a fiery confrontation later.

1 Corinthians 11:32 Meaning and Commentary

1 Corinthians 11:32

But when we are judged
This is said by way of consolation to the saints, that when the hand of the Lord is upon them, and he is afflicting them, they should consider these things, not as the effects of his vindictive wrath and justice, as proper punishments for their sins, but as fatherly chastisements for their good:

we are chastened of the Lord;
as children by a father, in love and kindness, in order to bring to a sense of sin, repentance for it, and acknowledgment of it, and behave the better for the future:

that we should not be condemned with the world;
the world of ungodly men, the men of the world, carnal, worldly, and Christless sinners. There is a world, a multitude of them that will be condemned. So far has Christ been from dying for the redemption and salvation of every individual person in the world, that there is a world of men that will be righteously condemned at the last day. Now the present afflictions and chastisements of the saints are laid upon them, and blessed to them for their spiritual good, that they may not be condemned to the second death, to everlasting fire, to endless damnation, or be punished with everlasting destruction along with them.

1 Corinthians 11:32 In-Context

30 That's why so many of you even now are listless and sick, and others have gone to an early grave.
31 If we get this straight now, we won't have to be straightened out later on.
32 Better to be confronted by the Master now than to face a fiery confrontation later.
33 So, my friends, when you come together to the Lord's Table, be reverent and courteous with one another.
34 If you're so hungry that you can't wait to be served, go home and get a sandwich. But by no means risk turning this Meal into an eating and drinking binge or a family squabble. It is a spiritual meal - a love feast. The other things you asked about, I'll respond to in person when I make my next visit.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.