1 Corinthians 11:18

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 11:18, the Apostle Paul initiates his direct confrontation of the severe disunity plaguing the Corinthian church, specifically as it manifested during their communal gatherings for worship and the Lord's Supper. He reveals that credible reports have reached him concerning the presence of "divisions" among them, a reality he finds partly believable given the Corinthians' demonstrated propensity for factionalism. This verse serves as a crucial pivot, setting the stage for Paul's detailed instructions on proper conduct, reverence, and the profound theological significance of the Eucharist, all aimed at restoring unity and order within the fractured assembly.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a significant transition in Paul's letter, moving from discussions on head coverings and gender roles in worship (1 Corinthians 11:2-16) to the profound internal strife affecting the Corinthian church's corporate gatherings, particularly in anticipation of the Lord's Supper. The phrase "For first of all" (πρῶτον μέν) signals that this issue of divisions is paramount among Paul's concerns regarding their assembly. It harks back to Paul's initial rebuke of their factionalism in the opening chapters of the letter, where he implored them to be "perfectly united in mind and thought" as seen in [1 Corinthians 1:10](/1-corinthians/1-10 "1 Corinthians 1:10 - Paul's Plea for Unity") and addressed the problem of allegiance to various leaders in [1 Corinthians 3:3-4](/1-corinthians/3-3-4 "1 Corinthians 3:3-4 - Divisions Due to Carnality"). Here, he shows that these earlier divisions have not only persisted but have infiltrated the very heart of their sacred communal worship, undermining its purpose and spiritual integrity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city, renowned for its wealth, diverse population, and a culture that often celebrated individual achievement, philosophical debate, and social stratification. This environment, while fostering intellectual vibrancy, also contributed to a competitive and often divisive social fabric. Within the early Christian community, converts came from various social strata, including wealthy patrons and slaves, Jews and Gentiles. The Corinthian church, therefore, mirrored some of the societal tendencies towards elitism, class distinctions, and the formation of cliques based on perceived status, wisdom, or spiritual gifts. These cultural predispositions, coupled with a misunderstanding of Christian liberty and love, created fertile ground for the "divisions" Paul addresses, which would become particularly evident in their shared meals and the Lord's Supper, where social hierarchies often dictated seating and portions.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme emerging from this verse is the pervasive problem of **disunity and factionalism** within the nascent Christian community. Paul's immediate concern is the disruption of the church's corporate gatherings, highlighting the importance of **order and reverence in worship**. The presence of divisions directly contradicts the core Christian values of **love, humility, and mutual edification**, which Paul consistently champions throughout the epistle (e.g., [1 Corinthians 13](/1-corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Superiority of Love")). Furthermore, Paul's statement, "I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it," underscores his **pastoral concern and apostolic authority** to address these troubling reports, even if he exercises a degree of discernment regarding their full extent. This sets the stage for his subsequent teaching on the proper conduct of the Lord's Supper, which is intrinsically linked to the unity of the body of Christ, as further elaborated in [1 Corinthians 10:16-17](/1-corinthians/10-16-17 "1 Corinthians 10:16-17 - The Cup of Blessing and the Loaf").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **church (Greek, _ekklēsía'_):** From G1577, meaning "a calling out," referring to a popular meeting or, specifically, a religious congregation. In this context, it denotes the assembly of believers in Corinth gathered for worship. Paul's use of "in the church" emphasizes that these divisions were not merely external disputes but were actively manifesting within the sacred space and time of their corporate worship, defiling the very essence of their identity as God's called-out people.
* **divisions (Greek, _schísma'_):** From G4978, meaning "a split or gap," literally a "rent" or "tear." Figuratively, it signifies factions, parties, or schisms within a community. This term is stronger than mere disagreement; it implies a tearing apart of the fabric of unity, creating distinct groups or cliques within the body of believers. It suggests a serious breach in fellowship, where members were separating themselves from others, often due to social status, personal loyalties, or perceived spiritual superiority, rather than maintaining the unity of the Spirit.
* **believe (Greek, _pisteúō'_):** From G4100, meaning "to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit." Paul's statement "I partly believe it" indicates that while he may not fully credit every detail of the reports, the core accusation of divisions is sufficiently corroborated for him to accept its veracity and address it authoritatively. This reflects both his pastoral discernment and the serious nature of the problem, which demanded his immediate attention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For first of all, when ye come together in the church":** Paul begins by identifying the setting and the primary issue. The phrase "first of all" (πρῶτον μέν) underscores the gravity and priority of the problem he is about to address. The phrase "when ye come together in the church" (συνερχομένων ὑμῶν ἐν ἐκκλησίᾳ) specifies that these divisions are not just general disagreements among members, but are actively present and disruptive during their communal gatherings for worship and fellowship, highlighting the desecration of their sacred assembly.
* **"I hear that there be divisions among you":** This clause reveals the source of Paul's information—reports from within the Corinthian community (likely from Chloe's household, as mentioned in [1 Corinthians 1:11](/1-corinthians/1-11 "1 Corinthians 1:11 - Reports of Divisions")). The term "divisions" (σχίσματα) signifies severe internal fractures, not just minor disagreements. It points to the formation of cliques or factions that were tearing apart the unity of the body of Christ, a direct contradiction to the Gospel message of reconciliation and unity.
* **"and I partly believe it":** Paul's admission that he "partly believe[s] it" (καὶ μέρος τι πιστεύω) is a nuanced statement. It suggests that while he may not accept every rumor or exaggeration, the fundamental truth of the reports—that significant divisions exist—is credible enough to warrant his strong pastoral intervention. This phrase also showcases Paul's careful and discerning approach to information, not dismissing it outright but also not accepting it uncritically, yet recognizing the undeniable reality of the problem.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several **rhetorical strategies** in this verse. The phrase "For first of all" serves as a **marker of emphasis**, signaling the paramount importance of the issue he is about to discuss. His declaration, "I hear that there be divisions among you," functions as a **direct confrontation**, immediately laying bare the painful truth he has received. The subsequent "and I partly believe it" acts as an **understatement** or **litotes**, subtly reinforcing the reality of the divisions. By stating he "partly" believes it, Paul implies that the evidence is compelling, and the situation is indeed dire, perhaps even worse than he fully acknowledges, thereby lending credibility to his subsequent rebuke. The very word "divisions" (σχίσματα) itself is a **metaphor**, drawing on the imagery of a "tear" or "rent" in fabric, vividly portraying the destructive impact of disunity on the cohesive body of Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The presence of divisions within the Corinthian church, particularly during their sacred assemblies, stands in stark opposition to the very nature of the church as the unified body of Christ. Theologically, the church is called to reflect the unity of the Godhead and to be a visible testament to the reconciling power of the Gospel. Divisions not only hinder the church's witness to the world but also undermine its internal health, spiritual growth, and ability to minister effectively. Paul's strong condemnation here sets the stage for his profound teaching on the Lord's Supper as a meal of unity, not division, and underscores the imperative for believers to live in harmony, reflecting the self-giving love of Christ rather than self-serving factionalism.

* [Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4-5 "Romans 12:4-5 - Many Members, One Body")
* [Ephesians 4:3](/ephesians/4-3 "Ephesians 4:3 - Preserving the Unity of the Spirit")
* [John 17:20-23](/john/17-20-23 "John 17:20-23 - Jesus' Prayer for Unity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's direct confrontation of divisions in the Corinthian church serves as a timeless warning and a profound call to unity for believers in every age. The presence of "schisms" during corporate worship highlights how easily human pride, social distinctions, and personal preferences can infiltrate and corrupt even the most sacred of Christian practices. For us today, this verse compels us to critically examine the state of our own church communities. Are our gatherings characterized by genuine love, mutual respect, and a shared devotion to Christ, or do subtle (or not-so-subtle) divisions based on social status, political views, theological preferences, or personal cliques undermine our witness and hinder our spiritual growth? True Christian fellowship demands a commitment to humility, forgiveness, and active pursuit of peace, recognizing that our unity in Christ transcends all earthly distinctions. We are called to be vigilant against anything that would tear the fabric of the body of Christ, striving instead to build up one another in love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might subtle "divisions" or cliques manifest in our contemporary church gatherings, and how do they hinder genuine fellowship?**
* **How does our personal conduct contribute to either the unity or disunity of our local church body?**
* **What practical steps can we take to actively promote unity and reconciliation when we observe or experience divisions within the Christian community?**

### FAQ
**Why was Paul only "partly" believing the reports of divisions, and what does this imply about his pastoral approach?**

Answer: Paul's statement "I partly believe it" (καὶ μέρος τι πιστεύω) does not imply skepticism about the existence of divisions, but rather a discerning and measured approach to the specific details of the reports. It suggests that while the core accusation of "divisions" (σχίσματα) was undeniably true and sufficiently concerning to warrant his apostolic intervention, he might have been reserving judgment on the full extent or specific nuances of every rumor. This approach demonstrates Paul's pastoral wisdom: he doesn't dismiss the reports outright, showing he takes the concerns seriously, but he also avoids reacting solely based on unverified gossip. Instead, he addresses the undeniable reality of disunity that was clearly manifesting in their gatherings, as evidenced by their behavior during the Lord's Supper, which he details in the subsequent verses (e.g., [1 Corinthians 11:20-22](/1-corinthians/11-20-22 "1 Corinthians 11:20-22 - Disorder at the Lord's Supper")). His "partly believe it" serves to validate the reports enough to justify his strong rebuke, while also subtly asserting his apostolic authority to judge the situation accurately.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divisions in the Corinthian church, which Paul so sharply rebukes, stand in stark contrast to the unifying work of Christ. Jesus himself prayed for the unity of His followers, that "they may be one, just as we are one" ([John 17:22](/john/17-22 "John 17:22 - Jesus' Prayer for Unity")). His entire ministry was dedicated to breaking down dividing walls—between Jew and Gentile, slave and free, male and female—to create "one new humanity" in Himself ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). The cross of Christ is the ultimate display of reconciliation, not just between God and humanity, but also among humanity, bringing together all who believe into a single body. Therefore, when Paul addresses the "divisions" in Corinth, he is not merely correcting a social faux pas but confronting a fundamental contradiction to the very essence of the Gospel and the unifying power of Christ's atoning work. The Lord's Supper, which immediately follows this discussion, is meant to be a profound expression of this Christ-purchased unity, where believers partake in one bread and one cup, symbolizing their shared identity in the one body of Christ ([1 Corinthians 10:16-17](/1-corinthians/10-16-17 "1 Corinthians 10:16-17 - The Cup of Blessing and the Loaf")). Any division within the church, especially during this sacred meal, tragically undermines the very truth that Christ died to establish: a unified people redeemed by His blood, called to live in harmony as members of His body ([Romans 12:5](/romans/12-5 "Romans 12:5 - One Body in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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?