1 Corinthians 11:2

Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered [them] to you.

Now {G1161} I praise {G1867} you {G5209}, brethren {G80}, that {G3754} ye remember {G3415} me {G3450} in all things {G3956}, and {G2532} keep {G2722} the ordinances {G3862}, as {G2531} I delivered {G3860} them to you {G5213}.

Now I praise you because you have remembered everything I told you and observe the traditions just the way I passed them on to you.

Now I commend you for remembering me in everything and for maintaining the traditions, just as I passed them on to you.

Now I praise you that ye remember me in all things, and hold fast the traditions, even as I delivered them to you.

In 1 Corinthians 11:2, the Apostle Paul begins a new section of his letter to the Corinthian church by offering a rare commendation. After addressing numerous issues and conflicts within the community, he expresses praise for their faithfulness in remembering his instructions and maintaining the traditions he delivered.

Context

This verse serves as a strategic rhetorical move by Paul. Before delving into potentially contentious topics like head coverings (1 Corinthians 11:3-16) and the proper observance of the Lord's Supper (1 Corinthians 11:17-34), he acknowledges their positive efforts. This commendation softens the tone, reminding the Corinthians that despite their significant failings (as highlighted in previous chapters regarding divisions, immorality, and lawsuits), they were still adhering to certain foundational teachings and practices Paul had established during his time with them.

Key Themes

  • Apostolic Authority and Tradition: Paul emphasizes his role in delivering these "ordinances," implying they carry divine authority as communicated through him. This highlights the importance of established Christian teaching passed down from the apostles, which forms the bedrock of New Testament doctrine.
  • Faithfulness to Instruction: The praise indicates that the Corinthians were, at least in some areas, obedient to Paul's teachings. This faithfulness is presented as a virtue, contrasting with their disobedience in other matters.
  • Memory and Obedience: The phrase "ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances" links the act of remembering Paul's teachings directly to the practice of obeying them. True remembrance is demonstrated through consistent application.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "ordinances" translates the Greek term paradosis (παράδοσις), which literally means "that which is handed down" or "tradition." In this context, it refers not to human traditions that might contradict God's word (as criticized by Jesus in Mark 7:8), but to the divinely inspired instructions and practices Paul had delivered to the Corinthian believers. These were the core teachings of the Gospel and practical guidelines for Christian living, such as those concerning the Lord's Supper (as he later states in 1 Corinthians 11:23) and the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3).

Practical Application

This verse reminds believers today of the enduring value of Christian tradition—not merely human customs, but the faithful transmission of biblical truth and foundational practices established by the apostles. It encourages us to:

  • Remember and Apply: Just as the Corinthians were praised for remembering Paul's teachings, believers are called to remember and apply the truths of God's Word in their daily lives.
  • Uphold Sound Doctrine: The "ordinances" represent sound Christian doctrine and practice. This verse underscores the importance of adhering to these established biblical principles.
  • Value Apostolic Teaching: The writings of the apostles, preserved in the New Testament, serve as our primary source for understanding these essential "ordinances" for the church. We are called to hold fast to them, as Paul also exhorted in 2 Thessalonians 2:15.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:15

    Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:17

    ¶ For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.

  • Proverbs 31:28

    Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband [also], and he praiseth her.

  • Proverbs 31:31

    Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

  • 1 Corinthians 11:17

    ¶ Now in this that I declare [unto you] I praise [you] not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:6

    ¶ Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

  • 1 Corinthians 11:22

    What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise [you] not.

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