1 Corinthians 11:2
Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul actually starts by commending the Corinthian believers, highlighting their faithful memory and commitment to the teachings he'd already given them. This isn't about Paul demanding new rules, but about the good work they're already doing in holding onto what's true.
Paul is addressing issues in the Corinthian church, specifically concerning worship practices and the Lord's Supper. This verse, praising their faithfulness to his teachings, sets the stage for him to then correct some of their disorderly conduct and teach them how to properly participate in communion. He’s starting with a commendation before diving into the tougher stuff.
Paul kicks off this chapter with a surprising commendation. What exactly are these 'traditions' he praises?
Paul isn't talking about outdated customs or rigid rules here. He's commending the Corinthian believers for holding onto the core teachings and practices he personally handed down to them. These traditions were the foundational truths of the gospel, the ethical standards of Christian living, and the practices of worship he established during his ministry among them. They represented the authentic transmission of God's truth through His apostles.
Think of it like this: A tradition, in this biblical sense, is a truth or practice passed down faithfully from one generation to the next, rooted in apostolic teaching. It's about preserving the integrity of the message and the life of faith.
Paul starts by saying they 'remember me in everything.' What does this tell us about the relationship between the teacher and the taught?
The commendation begins with a personal touch: "you remember me in everything." This isn't just about recalling Paul's name. It signifies that the Corinthians were reflecting his teaching, his character, and his way of life in their own lives. When believers faithfully remember and apply the teachings of those God has placed over them in faith (like apostles, pastors, or spiritual mentors), they are, in a profound sense, honoring Christ.
This remembering is active. It means their actions, their priorities, and their very way of thinking were shaped by Paul's influence and the truths he conveyed. It shows a deep respect not just for the messenger, but for the divine message itself.
Understand the original words
paradoseis · Greek Noun
Acts, beliefs, or teachings passed down from one generation to the next, often referring to the authoritative apostolic teaching that formed the foundation of the early church.
Paul's commendation highlights the Corinthian church's commitment to the teachings he passed on, despite the tumultuous spiritual and cultural environment of Corinth where many different philosophies and practices vied for attention.
c. AD 47-49
Paul's First Missionary Journey
Paul, along with Barnabas, travels through Asia Minor, establishing churches in cities like Antioch, Lystra, and Derbe. This marks the initial spread of the gospel to Gentile communities.
c. AD 50
Council of Jerusalem
A pivotal meeting where apostles and elders decide that Gentile converts do not need to adhere to all Mosaic laws, particularly circumcision. This allows for wider church growth.
c. AD 50-52— this verse
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
Paul spends a significant amount of time ministering in the bustling, cosmopolitan city of Corinth. He establishes a church there, facing challenges but also seeing many believe.
c. AD 53-57
Paul's Third Missionary Journey
Paul revisits churches established earlier, including Corinth, strengthening them and addressing ongoing issues through letters and personal visits.
Paul begins this chapter by reminding the Corinthians of the gospel he preached and that they received, emphasizing its importance and urging them to hold fast to it.
2 Thessalonians 2:15This verse echoes the call to stand firm and hold to the traditions, both spoken and written, that Paul taught them, highlighting the importance of sound doctrine.
Philippians 4:9Paul encourages the Philippians to continue to practice what they have learned and received from him, connecting their actions to the God of peace, similar to how he commends the Corinthians for remembering and maintaining his teachings.
Galatians 1:6-9Here, Paul warns strongly against accepting a different gospel, underscoring the gravity of the teachings he delivered and the need to adhere strictly to them.
Paul actually starts by commending the Corinthian believers, highlighting their faithful memory and commitment to the teachings he'd already given them. This isn't about Paul demanding new rules, but about the good work they're already doing in holding onto what's true.
Paul is addressing issues in the Corinthian church, specifically concerning worship practices and the Lord's Supper. This verse, praising their faithfulness to his teachings, sets the stage for him to then correct some of their disorderly conduct and teach them how to properly participate in communion. He’s starting with a commendation before diving into the tougher stuff.
Paul is addressing issues in the Corinthian church, specifically concerning worship practices and the Lord's Supper. This verse, praising their faithfulness to his teachings, sets the stage for him to then correct some of their disorderly conduct and teach them how to properly participate in communion. He’s starting with a commendation before diving into the tougher stuff.
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c. AD 55
Writing of 1 Corinthians
Paul writes this letter from Ephesus, responding to reports of divisions, doctrinal errors, and behavioral problems within the Corinthian church. This letter aims to correct and guide them.
"Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you." — Paul actually starts by commending the Corinthian believers, highlighting their faithful memory and commitment to the teachings he'd already given them. This isn't about Paul demanding new rules, b…
