1 Corinthians 11:2

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 11:2, the Apostle Paul offers a strategic commendation to the Corinthian church, acknowledging their faithfulness in remembering his comprehensive teachings and diligently observing the "ordinances" or traditions he had personally delivered to them. This rare praise serves as a rhetorical bridge, setting a positive tone before Paul addresses more challenging issues of conduct and worship within the community, reinforcing the foundational importance of apostolic instruction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a pivotal transition in Paul's letter. Having previously addressed severe issues such as divisions, immorality, and lawsuits ([1 Corinthians 1:10-17](/1_corinthians/1-10-17 "Paul on Divisions"), [1 Corinthians 5:1-13](/1_corinthians/5-1-13 "Paul on Immorality"), [1 Corinthians 6:1-11](/1_corinthians/6-1-11 "Paul on Lawsuits")), Paul now shifts to matters of public worship and order within the church. His commendation here serves as a rhetorical softening, acknowledging their positive adherence to certain instructions before delving into potentially contentious topics like head coverings ([1 Corinthians 11:3-16](/1_corinthians/11-3-16 "Head Coverings in Worship")) and the proper observance of the Lord's Supper ([1 Corinthians 11:17-34](/1_corinthians/11-17-34 "The Lord's Supper")). This approach highlights Paul's pastoral wisdom, affirming their strengths even as he prepares to correct their weaknesses.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was situated in a bustling, cosmopolitan Roman city known for its diverse religious practices, philosophical schools, and moral laxity. Converts came from various backgrounds, including paganism, Judaism, and different social strata. Paul had spent a significant period establishing this church, imparting foundational Christian doctrine and practical guidelines for community life. The "ordinances" he refers to were not arbitrary rules but essential practices and teachings necessary for the church's distinct identity and holy conduct in a pagan environment. These would have included instructions on worship, ethics, and the nature of the Gospel, distinguishing Christian communal life from surrounding cultural norms.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within 1 Corinthians and Pauline theology. It underscores the theme of **Apostolic Authority and Tradition**, emphasizing Paul's role as a divinely appointed messenger who delivered authoritative instructions to the churches ([1 Corinthians 4:1-2](/1_corinthians/4-1-2 "Stewards of God's Mysteries")). The Corinthians' "remembering" and "keeping" highlight the theme of **Faithfulness and Obedience** to revealed truth, a virtue contrasted with their failings in other areas. Furthermore, the concept of "ordinances" (Greek _paradosis_) points to the importance of **Sound Doctrine and Practice** as transmitted from the apostles, forming the bedrock of Christian communal life and worship, as Paul also stresses in his teaching on the resurrection ([1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "The Gospel Tradition")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **praise (Greek, _epainéō'_):** From ἐπί and αἰνέω; to applaud, commend, or laud. Here, Paul expresses genuine approval and commendation for the Corinthians' adherence to his teachings, a rare positive opening in a letter largely focused on correction. This commendation is not flattery but an acknowledgment of their genuine effort in certain areas.
* **remember (Greek, _mnáomai'_):** Middle voice of a derivative of μένω or perhaps of the base of μασσάομαι; to bear in mind, recollect, or keep in memory. This implies not just a passive mental recall but an active preservation and consideration of Paul's instructions, demonstrating a continued respect for his apostolic ministry.
* **ordinances (Greek, _parádosis'_):** From παραδίδωμι; transmission, or concretely, a precept or tradition. In this context, it refers to the authoritative teachings, practices, and traditions Paul had personally "delivered" (παραδίδωμι, _paradídōmi_) to the church. These are not human traditions, but divinely inspired instructions for Christian belief and conduct.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now I praise you, brethren":** Paul initiates this section with a commendation, strategically softening the tone and affirming the Corinthians before addressing potentially sensitive topics. This pastoral approach acknowledges their positive efforts, fostering a more receptive audience for the subsequent instructions.
* **"that ye remember me in all things":** The Corinthians had not forgotten Paul's personal ministry, his apostolic authority, or the comprehensive scope of the teachings he had imparted during his time with them. This remembrance signifies an ongoing respect and a mental retention of the foundational truths he had established.
* **"and keep the ordinances, as I delivered [them] to you":** This clause clarifies the nature of their remembrance: it was demonstrated through their active obedience and adherence to the "ordinances" or traditions Paul had faithfully transmitted. This emphasizes the importance of preserving and practicing the apostolic teaching as it was originally communicated, highlighting the continuity of truth from apostle to church.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs a significant **Rhetorical Strategy** in this verse by beginning with commendation before moving into correction. This Pauline technique, often seen in his epistles, aims to establish common ground and affirm the recipients, making them more receptive to the difficult truths that follow. The phrase "in all things" serves as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Generalization**, indicating a broad, though likely not absolute, adherence to his teachings, emphasizing their overall positive disposition in this specific regard. The term "ordinances" itself functions as a **Metonymy** for the entire body of apostolic teaching, practical instructions, and established practices that Paul had transmitted to the Corinthian church.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse highlights the crucial role of apostolic teaching in the early church and its enduring relevance for believers today. The "ordinances" Paul delivered were not merely suggestions but foundational truths and practices essential for the church's health and purity. They represent the authoritative transmission of the Gospel and its implications for Christian life, underscoring that genuine remembrance of Christ's teachings is demonstrated through faithful obedience. This principle ensures the continuity of sound doctrine and practice across generations, safeguarding the church from error and promoting unity.

* [2 Thessalonians 2:15](/2_thessalonians/2-15 "Hold Fast to Traditions")
* [2 Timothy 1:13](/2_timothy/1-13 "Hold to Sound Teaching")
* [Jude 1:3](/jude/1-3 "Contend for the Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's commendation in 1 Corinthians 11:2 serves as a powerful reminder that genuine faith is not merely intellectual assent but active remembrance and diligent obedience to God's revealed truth. Just as the Corinthians were praised for "keeping the ordinances" delivered by Paul, believers today are called to immerse themselves in the Scriptures, which contain the apostolic teachings, and to apply them faithfully in every area of life. This involves not only knowing what the Bible says but actively living it out, allowing its truths to shape our character, guide our decisions, and inform our worship. Our commitment to sound doctrine and practice is a testament to our remembrance of Christ and His apostles, ensuring that the church remains a faithful witness in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways do I actively "remember" and "keep" the teachings of Christ and His apostles in my daily life?**
* **Are there areas where my practice deviates from the "ordinances" of Scripture, and what steps can I take to align more fully?**
* **How does my church community demonstrate its commitment to upholding and transmitting sound biblical traditions?**

### FAQ

**What does Paul mean by "ordinances" in this context?**

Answer: When Paul refers to "ordinances" (Greek: _parádosis_), he is speaking of the authoritative teachings, instructions, and practices that he, as an apostle, had personally "delivered" or "handed down" to the Corinthian church. Unlike the negative sense of human traditions that contradict God's word (as seen in [Mark 7:8](/mark/7-8 "Jesus on Human Traditions")), these "ordinances" are divinely inspired and essential for the church's faith and conduct. They include core Gospel truths (like the resurrection in [1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "The Gospel Delivered")) and practical guidelines for Christian living and corporate worship (such as the instructions for the Lord's Supper in [1 Corinthians 11:23-26](/1_corinthians/11-23-26 "The Lord's Supper Tradition")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Corinthians 11:2 directly addresses the Corinthians' adherence to Paul's apostolic traditions, its ultimate fulfillment and significance are found in Christ. The "ordinances" Paul delivered are not arbitrary rules but expressions of the new covenant life established by Jesus. Christ Himself is the ultimate "tradition" or truth handed down from God the Father ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")). His life, death, and resurrection are the foundational "ordinance" that Paul consistently preached ([1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "The Gospel of Christ")). Therefore, "remembering" Paul and "keeping the ordinances" ultimately means remembering Christ and living according to His teachings and example, as revealed through the apostles. Jesus commanded His disciples to "make disciples... teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you" ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "The Great Commission")), demonstrating that the apostolic traditions are extensions of Christ's own commands, leading believers into deeper conformity with Him, the Head of the Church ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Christ, the Head of the Church")).

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

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.