For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.
For {G1063} there must {G1163} be {G1511} also {G2532} heresies {G139} among {G1722} you {G5213}, that {G2443} they which are approved {G1384} may be made {G1096} manifest {G5318} among {G1722} you {G5213}.
(granted that there must be some divisions among you in order to show who are the ones in the right).
And indeed, there must be differences among you to show which of you are approved.
For there must be also factions among you, that they that are approved may be made manifest among you.
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1 John 2:19
They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would [no doubt] have continued with us: but [they went out], that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. -
Titus 3:10
A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; -
Acts 20:30
Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. -
Luke 17:1
¶ Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe [unto him], through whom they come! -
Deuteronomy 13:3
Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. -
Matthew 18:7
¶ Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! -
2 Peter 2:1
¶ But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
1 Corinthians 11:19 is a profound statement by the Apostle Paul, emphasizing that divisions or differing opinions within the Christian community are not only inevitable but can also serve a divine purpose. This verse suggests that the presence of "heresies" (or factions) ultimately helps to distinguish and reveal those who are truly genuine and approved in their faith.
Context
This verse is part of Paul's broader discussion concerning order and conduct within the Corinthian church, specifically as it relates to their gatherings for worship and the observance of the Lord's Supper. The Corinthian church was plagued by various issues, including pride, social stratification, and a lack of unity, which manifested even during their communal meals. Paul had previously addressed divisions among them in earlier chapters, lamenting that some identified with specific leaders rather than with Christ alone. Here, the apostle discusses their conduct during the observance of the Lord's Supper, where their selfish behavior was creating further schisms. Verse 19 acts as a theological explanation for why such divisions are allowed to exist.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
Practical Application
1 Corinthians 11:19 offers timeless wisdom for the church today: