1 Corinthians 11:18
New International Version
In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it.

New Living Translation
First, I hear that there are divisions among you when you meet as a church, and to some extent I believe it.

English Standard Version
For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part,

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.

Berean Literal Bible
For first indeed, on your⁺ coming together in an assembly, I hear there to be divisions among you⁺, and in part I believe it.

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

New King James Version
For first of all, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it.

New American Standard Bible
For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that divisions exist among you; and in part I believe it.

NASB 1995
For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that divisions exist among you; and in part I believe it.

NASB 1977
For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that divisions exist among you; and in part, I believe it.

Legacy Standard Bible
For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that divisions exist among you, and in part I believe it.

Amplified Bible
For, in the first place, when you meet together in church, I hear that there are divisions among you; and in part I believe it,

Berean Annotated Bible
First of all, I hear that when you⁺ come together as a church {ekklēsia}, there are divisions among you⁺, and in part I believe it.

Christian Standard Bible
For to begin with, I hear that when you come together as a church there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For to begin with, 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.

Contemporary English Version
I am told you can't get along with each other when you worship, and I am sure that some of what I have heard is true.

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
In the first place, I hear that when you gather as a church you split up into opposing groups. I believe some of what I hear.

Good News Translation
In the first place, I have been told that there are opposing groups in your meetings; and this I believe is partly true. (

International Standard Version
For in the first place, I hear that when you gather as a church there are divisions among you, and I partly believe it.

NET Bible
For in the first place, when you come together as a church I hear there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it.

New Heart English Bible
For first of all, when you come together in the church, I hear that divisions exist among you, and I partly believe it.

Webster's Bible Translation
For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there are divisions among you; and I partly believe it.

Weymouth New Testament
for, in the first place, when you meet as a Church, there are divisions among you. This is what I am told, and I believe that there is some truth in it.
Majority Text Translations
Majority 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.

World English Bible
For first of all, when you come together in the assembly, I hear that divisions exist among you, and I partly believe it.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for first, indeed, coming together in an assembly, I hear of divisions being among you, and I partly believe [it],

Berean Literal Bible
For first indeed, on your⁺ coming together in an assembly, I hear there to be divisions among you⁺, and in part I believe it.

Young's Literal Translation
for first, indeed, ye coming together in an assembly, I hear of divisions being among you, and partly I believe it,

Smith's Literal Translation
For truly first, ye coming together in the church, I hear divisions to be among you; and some part I believe.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For first of all I hear that when you come together in the church, there are schisms among you; and in part I believe it.

Catholic Public Domain Version
First of all, indeed, I hear that when you assemble together in the church, there are schisms among you. And I believe this, in part.

New American Bible
First of all, I hear that when you meet as a church there are divisions among you, and to a degree I believe it;

New Revised Standard Version
For, to begin with, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you; and to some extent I believe it.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
First of all, when you gather in the church, I hear that there are divisions among you; and I partly believe it.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For whenever you gather with the assembly, I have heard that there is division among you, and certain things I believe.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For, in the first place, when you come together in the church, I hear that there are schisms among you, and I partly believe it:

Godbey New Testament
For in the first place, indeed you coming together, I hear that there are schisms among you; and I in part believe it.

Haweis New Testament
For in the first place, when ye assemble in the church, I hear that there are divisions among you; and I partly believe it.

Mace New Testament
for first, I hear, that when you come together in the church, you fall into parties; and I believe it is true of some of you.

Weymouth New Testament
for, in the first place, when you meet as a Church, there are divisions among you. This is what I am told, and I believe that there is some truth in it.

Worrell New Testament
For, first, when ye come together in an assembly, I hear that divisions exist among you; and I partly believe it;

Worsley New Testament
For first when ye come together in the church, I hear there are divisions among you, and I partly believe it.

Additional Translations ...



Context
Sharing in the Lord's Supper
17In the following instructions I have no praise to offer, because your gatherings do more harm than good. 18 First of all, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it. 19And indeed, there must be differences among you to show which of you are approved.…

Cross References
First of all,

1 Timothy 2:1
First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone—

2 Peter 1:20
Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation.

1 Corinthians 15:3
For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,
I hear that when you come together as a church,

1 Corinthians 14:23
So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who are uninstructed or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your minds?

Hebrews 10:25
Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Acts 20:7
On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Since Paul was ready to leave the next day, he talked to them and kept on speaking until midnight.
there are divisions among you,

1 Corinthians 1:10
I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction.

Romans 16:17
Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them.

Titus 3:10
Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition,
and in part I believe it.

1 Corinthians 13:12
Now we see but a dim reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

1 Corinthians 13:9
For we know in part and we prophesy in part,

1 Timothy 5:19
Do not entertain an accusation against an elder, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses.
Acts 2:42
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

Galatians 5:20
idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions,

James 3:16
For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice.

Philippians 2:14
Do everything without complaining or arguing,


Treasury of Scripture

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

I hear.

1 Corinthians 1:10-12
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 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 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.

divisions.

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 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?

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1 Corinthians 11
1. He reproves them, because in holy assemblies,
4. their men prayed with their heads covered,
6. and women with their heads uncovered;
17. and because generally their meetings were not for the better, but for the worse;
21. as, namely, in profaning with their own feast the Lord's supper.
25. Lastly, he calls them to the first institution thereof.












First of all,

Paul begins with a serious concern affecting the church’s worship and fellowship. He will address additional disorders, but the divisions among them require immediate attention.

1Ti 2:1 First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers…
2Pe 1:20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture…
1Co 15:3 For what I received I passed on to you: that Christ died…

I hear that when you come together as a church,

The Corinthian believers gathered regularly, likely in homes, for worship, instruction, prayer, and the Lord’s Supper. Their meetings were meant to display their unity in Christ.

1Co 14:23 So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks…
Heb 10:25 Let us not neglect meeting together, as some…
Act 20:7 On the first day of the week we came together…

there are divisions among you,

Social standing, wealth, and personal loyalties had created factions within the congregation. Such separation contradicted their shared identity as one body under Christ.

1Co 1:10 I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord…
Rom 16:17 Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who…
Tit 3:10 Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition,

and in part I believe it.

Reports from Corinth were credible enough that Paul could not ignore them, though he allows that not every detail may be fully accurate. He addresses the matter as a real and damaging problem within the church.

1Co 13:12 Now we see but a dim reflection as in a mirror;…
1Co 13:9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part,
1Ti 5:19 Do not entertain an accusation against an elder…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the letter, addressing the Corinthian church with pastoral concern and authority.

2. The Corinthian Church
The recipients of the letter, a diverse and often divided congregation in the city of Corinth.

3. Divisions in the Church
The specific issue Paul addresses, indicating a lack of unity among the believers when they gather.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Unity
Unity is essential for the health and witness of the church. Divisions can hinder the church's mission and testimony.

Self-Examination
Believers should examine their own hearts and attitudes to ensure they are contributing to unity rather than division.

The Role of Leadership
Church leaders have a responsibility to address and resolve divisions, fostering an environment of love and cooperation.

The Power of the Gospel
The gospel is a unifying force that transcends cultural, social, and personal differences, calling all believers to a higher standard of love and unity.

Practical Steps for Unity
Engage in open and honest communication, practice forgiveness, and prioritize the common mission over personal preferences.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 11:18?

2. How can we address "divisions among you" in our church community today?

3. What causes divisions in the church according to 1 Corinthians 11:18?

4. How does 1 Corinthians 11:18 relate to Jesus' teachings on unity?

5. What practical steps promote unity and reduce divisions in our congregation?

6. How can we discern and address the root causes of church divisions?

7. What divisions were present in the Corinthian church according to 1 Corinthians 11:18?

8. How does 1 Corinthians 11:18 address the issue of church unity?

9. What historical context led to the divisions mentioned in 1 Corinthians 11:18?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 11?


(18) For first of all.--We in vain look for the "secondly," which, in a perfectly systematic treatise, should follow this "first." Some writers maintain that 1Corinthians 11:18-19 form the first point, and 1Corinthians 11:20-34 the second. There is, however, no indication of a new subject being introduced with 1Corinthians 11:20, but the repetition of the words "come together" carries the mind back at once to the "come together" in 1Corinthians 11:18, and indicates the continuation of the subject there commenced, and from which the Apostle had, at the mention of the word "divisions," for a moment parenthetically digressed.

It is better to consider the "first point" to be the abuse regarding the Lord's Supper, which is more immediately treated of; and the "second point," the abuse of spiritual gifts, commencing with 1Corinthians 12:1. They are two branches of the one general subject, viz., "Irregularities in religious assemblies," and although the latter is not connected with the former by a definite "secondly," there is a sufficient verbal indication that a second topic is entered upon. It is well to remember in this and similar cases that this is not a treatise, but a letter, and not only a letter, but an answer to a letter, and that if we had a copy of the epistle to which this is a reply, many points of sequence and arrangement, which at present present difficulties, would be as clear to us as they were to those who originally received this Epistle. . . .

Verse 18. - First of all. The "second" rebuke is not clearly stated, but is no doubt meant to refer to the abuses in "speaking with the tongue." In the Church; rather, in congregation, or assembly. The reference is not to a particular building. The Lord's Supper was administered frequently (originally every day, Acts 2:46), and often in private houses. Divisions; schisms (ch. 1:10, 12). Here, however, he is referring to cliques and quarrels at the love feasts. Partly! cannot think, he says, in a tone of kindness, that these reports are wholly false. There must be some ground for them, even if the facts have been exaggerated.

Paul’s statement in 1 Corinthians 11:18 underscores that unity is essential whenever believers assemble. Reliable reports of divisions grieve the apostle because gatherings are meant to display Christ’s love, not human factions. He addresses the issue first, models wise discernment, and calls the church to live out the oneness secured by the Lord. The verse reminds today’s congregations to prize fellowship, guard against strife, and pursue harmony that honors Jesus before a watching world.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
First of all,
πρῶτον (prōton)
Adverb - Superlative
Strong's 4412: First, in the first place, before, formerly. Neuter of protos as adverb; firstly.

I hear that
ἀκούω (akouō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 191: To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.

[when] you
ὑμῶν (hymōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

come together
συνερχομένων (synerchomenōn)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 4905: From sun and erchomai; to convene, depart in company with, associate with, or, cohabit.

as
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

a church,
ἐκκλησίᾳ (ekklēsia)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1577: From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation.

there are
ὑπάρχειν (hyparchein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 5225: To begin, am, exist, be in possession. From hupo and archomai; to begin under, i.e. Come into existence; expletively, to exist (verb).

divisions
σχίσματα (schismata)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4978: A rent, as in a garment; a division, dissention. From schizo; a split or gap, literally or figuratively.

among
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

you,
ὑμῖν (hymin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

in part
μέρος (meros)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3313: A part, portion, share. From an obsolete but more primary form of meiromai; a division or share.

I believe
πιστεύω (pisteuō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 4100: From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust.

it.
τι (ti)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.


Additonal Resources
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NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 11:18 For first of all when you come (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor)

1 Corinthians 11:17
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