1 Corinthians 11:18

For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.

For {G1063}{G3303} first of all {G4412}, when ye {G5216} come together {G4905} in {G1722} the church {G1577}, I hear {G191} that there be {G5225} divisions {G4978} among {G1722} you {G5213}; and {G2532} I partly {G3313} believe {G4100} it {G5100}.

For, in the first place, I hear that when you gather together as a congregation you divide up into cliques; and to a degree I believe it

First of all, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it.

For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that divisions exist among you; and I partly believe it.

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Corinthians 11:18

In 1 Corinthians 11:18, the Apostle Paul begins to address serious issues concerning the conduct of the Corinthian church during their communal gatherings, particularly as they prepared to partake in the Lord's Supper. This verse sets the stage for his detailed instructions on proper worship and the significance of the Eucharist, revealing a deeply troubling problem within the early Christian community in Corinth.

Context

This verse serves as a transition in Paul's letter. Having discussed matters of head coverings and gender roles in the preceding verses, he now pivots to the internal strife and disorder that plagued the Corinthian assembly. The phrase "For first of all" indicates that this is a primary concern. The church in Corinth, though gifted in many ways, struggled profoundly with internal conflicts, pride, and a lack of unity, which manifested even in their sacred gatherings. Paul addresses the problem of divisions and factions early in this epistle, and here he revisits it with specific reference to their corporate worship.

Key Themes

  • Divisions in the Church: The central issue highlighted is the presence of "divisions" among the believers. These were not mere disagreements but actual factions or cliques that disrupted the harmony and purpose of their coming together. This strife undermined the very essence of Christian fellowship.
  • Disorderly Gatherings: The setting for these divisions was "when ye come together in the church," referring to their regular assemblies for worship, teaching, and fellowship. The divisions suggested a chaotic and self-serving atmosphere rather than one of reverence and mutual edification.
  • Paul's Credibility and Concern: Paul states, "I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it." This shows that the reports he received were consistent enough to be credible, and his pastoral heart was grieved by the disunity. His "partly believe it" might suggest a degree of skepticism towards rumors, but enough truth in the reports to warrant a strong rebuke.

Linguistic Insights

The key word here is "divisions," which translates the Greek word schismata (σχίσματα). This term literally means "tears" or "rents," as in a torn garment. Figuratively, it denotes splits, factions, or parties within a community. It implies a serious breach in unity, where groups have formed and separated themselves from the larger body, often with conflicting loyalties or interests. This is a strong word, indicating a tearing apart of the fabric of the church, rather than just minor disagreements. These schismata are distinct from, though can lead to, heresies (αἱρέσεις), which imply doctrinal errors.

Practical Application

Paul's concern for the Corinthian church's divisions remains highly relevant today.

  • Importance of Unity: This verse underscores the vital importance of unity within the body of Christ. Divisions hinder the church's witness and undermine its spiritual health. Believers are called to strive for peace and to maintain the unity of the Spirit.
  • Self-Examination: Churches and individual believers should regularly examine if their gatherings are truly fostering unity and love, or if internal strife, cliques, or selfish attitudes are creating divisions.
  • Addressing Conflict: Paul's direct address to the problem teaches us that divisions must be confronted, not ignored. Healthy churches address conflicts constructively, seeking reconciliation and mutual understanding rather than allowing factions to fester. These divisions directly contradicted the spirit of Christian love and unity that Christ commanded.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Corinthians 3:3

    For ye are yet carnal: for whereas [there is] among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

  • 1 Corinthians 1:10

    ¶ Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and [that] there be no divisions among you; but [that] ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:12

    Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.

  • 1 Corinthians 5:1

    ¶ It is reported commonly [that there is] fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.

  • 1 Corinthians 6:1

    ¶ Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?
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