What does 1 Corinthians 11:23 mean?

Paul has been correcting the Christians in Corinth for the terrible way in which they have been observing the Lord's Supper. Their abuse of this sacrament, also called communion, is reportedly so bad that it's not even worth being called by that name (1 Corinthians 11:20). Earlier verses indicated Paul had heard reports of gross inequality, in an event meant to emphasize Christian unity (1 Corinthians 11:21). Likewise, there were incidents of drunkenness during a meeting meant to be reflective and thoughtful.

Given how extensive his reply is, Paul apparently felt these believers didn't understand the basic concept of communion, even though he had taught it to them when he was with them. Here and in the following verses, he gives a now-classic explanation. Paul says he received this from the Lord. Some suggest this doesn't necessarily mean Christ spoke this truth directly to Paul. His meaning of "from the Lord" here might be in the same sense as the Corinthians received the gospel "from the Lord," by way of men like Paul. Most interpreters believe Paul does have some direct revelation in mind, in keeping with statements such as Galatians 1:11–12. Also supporting that idea is the fact that Paul wrote these words before the three synoptic Gospels were in circulation.

What follows in this passage describes part of the night Jesus was betrayed by Judas: the evening before His crucifixion.