Footwashing in the Context of 1 Corinthians 11:23-25: Some Theological Reflections
Peter Obeng Manu 
& Kenneth Oppong
Issue: Vol.4 No.4 November 2022 Article 1 pp. 71-78
DOI : https://doi.org/10.38159/motbit.2022441 | Published online 10th November, 2022.
© 2022 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
There is the tendency to cite Paul’s obvious silence on the rite of foot washing in 1 Corinthians 11:23-25 as evidence of not perpetuating the practice in the Christian Church. This study sought to make a case for Paul’s silence over foot washing in 1Corinthians11:23-25. The study used comparative and analytical methodologies to arrive at an understanding of foot washing in 1 Corinthians 11:23-25. As a theological paper, this study made clear the status and role of the rite of foot washing as it relates to the Lord’s Supper, and why Paul does not address it in 1 Corinthians 11:23-25. It was observed that in 1 Corinthians 11:23-25, Paul was addressing one of the complaints and anomalies in the Corinth Church, which obviously was the Lord’s Supper and not foot washing. Again, Paul did not state foot washing in 1 Corinthians 11:23-25 because perhaps his oral source did not mention it. On the other hand, John states foot washing because of his peculiar interest in Jesus’ humility. This study, therefore, proposes that foot washing which is unique in John’s account reveals some theological understanding. Based upon Jesus’ initiative, it should be appreciated as a rite of humility, a rite of acceptance and inclusion in the church of Christ, and ultimately a cohort rite to the Lord’s Supper. Paul’s silence in 1 Corinthians 11:23-25 does not warrant the abrogation of the ordinance because he had a different purpose in mind other than discussing the rite of foot washing. Thus, the use of Paul’s silence on foot washing as evidence against its practice in the Christian Church today is a mark beside the point.
Keywords: Lord’s Supper, Footwashing, 1 Corinthians 11:23-25, Theological Reflections
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Peter Obeng Manu is an Ordained Minister of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He is a Lecturer at Valley View University, Ghana. Currently, he is a Ph.D. candidate in Systematic Theology at Adventist University of Africa, Kenya.
Kenneth Oppong is an Ordained Minister of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He serves as a Part-time Lecturer for Valley View University, Ghana. He holds Master of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies from Adventist University of Africa, Kenya. Currently, he is an MPhil Student at the Department of Religious Studies at KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana.
Obeng Manu, P. & Oppong K.”Footwashing in the Context of 1 Corinthians 11:23-25: Some Theological Reflections,” Journal of Mother-Tongue Biblical Hermeneutics and Theology 4, no.4(2022): 71-78. https://doi.org/10.38159/motbit.2022441
© 2022 The Author(s). Published and Maintained by Noyam Publishers. This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
