1 Corinthians 11:18-19
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Paul doesn't just hear about divisions; he believes it in part, a phrase that shows his deep disappointment and his firsthand knowledge of the church's struggles. It's a stark reminder that even early on, the church wasn't a perfect picture but a messy, human community wrestling with internal conflict right from the start.
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, for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is addressing the chaotic and divisive ways the Corinthian church is gathering for worship. Right before this, he's been talking about head coverings and public prayer, but here he shifts to a more fundamental problem: their meetings are characterized by factionalism, where some people are clearly being favored over others. This verse kicks off a section where Paul directly confronts these deep-seated divisions that are undermining the very unity of Christ's body.
Paul kicks off this letter with a strong warning about something happening in the Corinthian church. It wasn't about doctrine, but about behavior when they met.
More Than Just Disagreements
Paul isn't talking about minor disagreements here. The Greek word he uses implies a tearing apart, a factionalism that threatens to rip the community to shreds.
A Pattern of Disunity
When the Corinthian believers came together – likely for a shared meal that evolved into a worship service – Paul heard reports of 'divisions.' This suggests that their gatherings, meant to be unifying expressions of Christ's body, were actually highlighting their differences and creating social strata. It seems some were elevating certain teachers or social groups above others, which was directly contradicting the purpose of the gathering.
Paul doesn't immediately condemn. He starts with what he's heard, and then expresses a cautious, partial belief. What does this cautious approach tell us?
Hearing Before Judging
Paul demonstrates a pastor’s heart. He doesn't jump to conclusions or spread gossip. He says, 'I hear…' This shows he's received reports, not witnessed it firsthand in that moment, but he takes them seriously enough to address them.
Partial Confirmation
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Then he adds, 'And I believe it in part.' This isn't indecisiveness; it suggests that while he hasn't seen the full extent of the problem himself, the reports are credible and consistent enough for him to address. It's a measured response, acknowledging the seriousness without overstating what he personally knows of its current manifestation.
Understand the original words
schismata · Greek Noun
Used in a negative sense, it refers to schisms, fragmentations, or discord within the fellowship of believers that disrupts the unity and harmony intended by the Holy Spirit.
haireseis · Greek Noun
Refers to groups or sects formed by personal preferences or disagreements. In the early church, these were often viewed as errors that hindered the oneness of the faith.
dokimoi · Greek Adjective
Refers to something that has been tested or proven by trial, specifically metal being refined by fire. Biblically, it describes believers whose faith has stood the test of trials or opposition.
Paul's letter to the Corinthians was a direct response to serious disunity that threatened the very fabric of the church community. The divisions he addresses were not minor disagreements but symptomatic of deeper issues regarding pride, social hierarchy, and a lack of Christ-like love.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's First Missionary Journey
Paul establishes the church in Corinth during his extensive travels spreading the gospel.
c. AD 53-57
Paul's Ministry in Ephesus
While in Ephesus, Paul receives reports about the Corinthian church's issues, possibly from Chloe's household.
c. AD 55— this verse
Writing of 1 Corinthians
Paul writes his first letter to the Corinthian believers from Ephesus in response to their problems and questions.
c. AD 55
Reports of Divisions and Disorder
The letter addresses severe disunity within the church, including issues related to social status, worship practices, and the Lord's Supper.
c. AD 57
Paul's Second Visit to Corinth
Paul makes a difficult second visit to Corinth, which he mentions in 2 Corinthians as a time of sorrow.
c. AD 57
Writing of 2 Corinthians
Paul writes his second letter to the Corinthians, reflecting on their relationship and the ongoing struggles within the church.
Paul directly addresses the problem of divisions and disunity within the Corinthian church, echoing the same concern he raises in chapter 11.
Philippians 2:3This passage offers the antidote to division, urging believers to act out of humility and consider others better than themselves, a principle Paul clearly sees lacking in Corinth.
Galatians 3:28It reminds us that in Christ, the barriers that often cause division (like social status) are broken down, highlighting the spiritual unity that should characterize the church.
1 Corinthians 12:25Paul uses the analogy of the body to show that divisions harm the whole, emphasizing that the different parts should have equal concern for each other.
Paul doesn't just hear about divisions; he believes it in part, a phrase that shows his deep disappointment and his firsthand knowledge of the church's struggles. It's a stark reminder that even early on, the church wasn't a perfect picture but a messy, human community wrestling with internal conflict right from the start.
Paul is addressing the chaotic and divisive ways the Corinthian church is gathering for worship. Right before this, he's been talking about head coverings and public prayer, but here he shifts to a more fundamental problem: their meetings are characterized by factionalism, where some people are clearly being favored over others. This verse kicks off a section where Paul directly confronts these deep-seated divisions that are undermining the very unity of Christ's body.
Paul is addressing the chaotic and divisive ways the Corinthian church is gathering for worship. Right before this, he's been talking about head coverings and public prayer, but here he shifts to a more fundamental problem: their meetings are characterized by factionalism, where some people are clearly being favored over others. This verse kicks off a section where Paul directly confronts these deep-seated divisions that are undermining the very unity of Christ's body.
"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, for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized." — Paul doesn't just hear about divisions; he believes it in part, a phrase that shows his deep disappointment and his firsthand knowledge of the church's struggles. It's a stark reminder that even…
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Last reviewed October 2026
