What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 11:2?

Now I commend you

Paul begins, “Now I commend you…” (1 Corinthians 11:2).

• Commendation highlights genuine approval, not flattery. He has just finished correcting serious issues (1 Corinthians 10), yet he pauses to encourage.

• Scripture often couples correction with affirmation: “I myself am convinced about you… that you are full of goodness” (Romans 15:14).

• Healthy discipleship mirrors this balance—truthful rebuke, gracious praise (Proverbs 27:5–6; 2 Corinthians 7:4).

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for remembering me in everything

The Corinthians “remember” Paul by holding his teaching and example in mind.

• Memory shapes practice: “Remember those who led you… imitate their faith” (Hebrews 13:7).

• Personal loyalty reflects spiritual humility: “I thank my God every time I remember you” (Philippians 1:3).

• Even immature believers can honor spiritual fathers when they keep gospel priorities central (1 Corinthians 4:15–17).

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and for maintaining the traditions

Paul notes their effort “for maintaining the traditions.”

• “Traditions” (paradoseis) are authoritative apostolic instructions, not man-made customs; compare “stand firm and hold to the traditions we passed on to you” (2 Thessalonians 2:15).

• Guarding doctrine is an ongoing charge: “retain the standard of sound words” (2 Timothy 1:13–14) and “contend earnestly for the faith once for all delivered” (Jude 3).

• Stability in truth protects against compromise (Ephesians 4:14).

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just as I passed them on to you

The measure of fidelity is conformity to what Paul delivered.

• Paul transmits, the church receives; see the same pattern with the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:23) and the resurrection creed (1 Corinthians 15:3).

• He delivered “the whole counsel of God” without omission (Acts 20:27).

• Receiving without alteration guards the gospel for the next generation (1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 2:2).

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summary

1 Corinthians 11:2 affirms a church that, despite flaws, remembers its apostle, holds tightly to the truths he taught, and seeks to live them out unchanged. Commendation encourages perseverance, memory fuels loyalty, tradition secures orthodoxy, and faithful transmission safeguards the gospel.