Verse (Click for Chapter) 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, of you 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, 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 BibleFirst 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 Versionfor 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, of you 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 BibleFor 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 BibleFirst 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 TestamentFor, 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 ... Audio Bible Context Sharing in the Lord's Supper17In 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 Acts 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 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. 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. 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. 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, Jude 1:19 These are the ones who cause divisions, who are worldly and devoid of the Spirit. Ephesians 4:3 and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 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. 1 Corinthians 3:3 for you are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and dissension among you, are you not worldly? Are you not walking in the way of man? 1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace—as in all the churches of the saints. Matthew 18:20 For where two or three gather together in My name, there am I with them.” 2 Corinthians 12:20 For I am afraid that when I come, I may not find you as I wish, and you may not find me as you wish. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, rage, rivalry, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder. Colossians 3:13 Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 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? Jump to Previous Assemble Assembly Believe Church Credit Divisions Ears Exist First Hear Indeed Meet Part Partly Statement Together True. TruthJump to Next Assemble Assembly Believe Church Credit Divisions Ears Exist First Hear Indeed Meet Part Partly Statement Together True. Truth1 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, This phrase indicates that the Apostle Paul is addressing a primary concern within the Corinthian church. It suggests a sequence of issues that Paul intends to address, highlighting the importance of the matter at hand. The use of "first" underscores the urgency and priority of resolving the divisions within the church. I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it. Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe 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 UnityUnity 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? 11. Which church is considered the true one? 12. What is taking communion unworthily? 13. How should we reconcile Paul's instruction for women to remain silent in church (1 Corinthians 14:34-35) with modern views on gender equality? 14. If Jesus is the foundation of the church in other parts of the New Testament, why does Matthew 16:18 single out Peter's role, and how is that not inconsistent? What Does 1 Corinthians 11:18 Mean First of all• Paul signals that this matter takes precedence. He will address other issues later, but unity comes first. • Similar urgency appears in “First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people” (1 Timothy 2:1). The pattern shows that what follows is foundational for the church’s health. • Priority on unity echoes Jesus’ own emphasis: “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). I hear • Paul has reliable reports. Earlier he wrote, “My brothers, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you” (1 Corinthians 1:11). • He pays attention to testimony while maintaining discernment, reflecting Proverbs 18:13’s wisdom about listening fully before judging. • This mindfulness models Philippians 4:9: “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—put these things into practice.” When you come together as a church • The phrase highlights the sacredness of gathering. Acts 2:42 portrays early believers who “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship.” • Hebrews 10:24–25 urges, “Let us consider how to spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not forsaking the assembly of ourselves together.” • Paul pictures the congregation as one body (1 Corinthians 12:12), so what happens in the meeting shapes the entire fellowship. There are divisions among you • The word echoes earlier rebukes: “I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree… and that there be no divisions among you” (1 Corinthians 1:10). • Such schisms betray the gospel’s witness; Jesus prayed “that they may all be one… so that the world may believe” (John 17:21). • Ephesians 4:3–6 calls believers to “make every effort to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace,” grounding unity in one Lord, one faith, one baptism. • Divisions spring from the flesh (Galatians 5:19–21) and quench the Spirit’s work among God’s people. And in part I believe it • Paul exercises balanced judgment. He neither gullibly accepts every report nor dismisses it. • “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses” (2 Corinthians 13:1). • 1 Thessalonians 5:21 advises, “Test all things. Hold fast to what is good.” • By saying “in part,” Paul asserts that even limited evidence is serious enough to warrant correction. His pastoral heart seeks restoration, not gossip. summary 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. (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.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. Links 1 Corinthians 11:18 NIV1 Corinthians 11:18 NLT 1 Corinthians 11:18 ESV 1 Corinthians 11:18 NASB 1 Corinthians 11:18 KJV 1 Corinthians 11:18 BibleApps.com 1 Corinthians 11:18 Biblia Paralela 1 Corinthians 11:18 Chinese Bible 1 Corinthians 11:18 French Bible 1 Corinthians 11:18 Catholic Bible NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 11:18 For first of all when you come (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) |
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