1 Corinthians 11:2
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Paul's commendation isn't just about remembering him, but about their commitment to the teachings he passed down. It’s a powerful reminder that healthy community is built on a shared understanding of truth, not just personal affection.
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)
Paul is addressing issues within the Corinthian church, starting with their practices during worship, particularly regarding head coverings for men and women. He begins by commending them for holding onto the teachings he previously shared, setting a positive tone before he dives into the more corrective parts of his letter concerning their behavior and orderliness in corporate worship. This verse serves as a bridge, acknowledging their faithfulness before he gets to the heart of the matter.
Sometimes we think the Apostle Paul was always correcting the Corinthians. But here, he starts with praise! What was so good about them?
Paul opens this section with sincere commendation. He's not just being polite; he genuinely appreciates their faithfulness in remembering him and holding onto what he taught. This highlights a crucial aspect of Christian community: the importance of remembering and honoring the foundational teachings passed down from the apostles.
The word 'traditions' can sometimes sound negative, like something old and outdated. But Paul uses it here as a high compliment. What’s the deal?
Paul isn't talking about human traditions that can obscure God's truth. He's referring to the specific, authoritative teachings he received from Christ and passed on to the church. These are the core doctrines and practices essential for faithful living and understanding the gospel. Maintaining them is a sign of spiritual health and obedience.
Understand the original words
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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 acknowledges the Corinthians' faithfulness to his teaching despite the church's other struggles, highlighting the importance of sound doctrine as a foundation for Christian life and practice.
c. AD 47-48
Paul's First Missionary Journey
Paul, with Barnabas, preaches the gospel in Cyprus and Asia Minor, establishing early churches.
c. AD 49
Council of Jerusalem
A crucial meeting addresses the inclusion of Gentiles in the church, solidifying that salvation is by grace through faith, not adherence to Jewish law.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Second Missionary Journey
Paul travels through Asia Minor and into Greece, founding the church in Corinth and spending significant time there.
c. AD 52-55
Paul's Third Missionary Journey
Paul revisits churches in Asia Minor and Greece, including a lengthy stay in Ephesus, from where he likely writes letters to Corinth.
c. AD 55— this verse
Writing of 1 Corinthians
Paul writes this letter from Ephesus in response to reports about divisions and various issues within the Corinthian church. He commends them for holding onto the teachings he established.
c. AD 56-57
Paul's Third Corinthian Visit and 'Severe Letter'
Paul makes a difficult visit to Corinth and later writes a 'severe letter' (possibly 2 Corinthians 10-13) addressing ongoing problems.
This passage directly precedes Paul's commendation, reminding the Corinthians of the importance of learning from past examples and the traditions set down for them to avoid falling into similar errors.
2 Thessalonians 2:15Paul urges the Thessalonians to stand firm and hold to the traditions they have been taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter, echoing the 'maintaining the traditions' mentioned in 1 Corinthians 11:2.
Acts 2:42This verse describes the early church's devotion to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, which represents the foundational 'traditions' that believers were meant to uphold.
Philippians 4:9Paul encourages the Philippians to practice what they have learned and received from him, mirroring the commendation in 1 Corinthians 11:2 for remembering and maintaining his teachings.
Paul's commendation isn't just about remembering him, but about their commitment to the teachings he passed down. It’s a powerful reminder that healthy community is built on a shared understanding of truth, not just personal affection.
Paul is addressing issues within the Corinthian church, starting with their practices during worship, particularly regarding head coverings for men and women. He begins by commending them for holding onto the teachings he previously shared, setting a positive tone before he dives into the more corrective parts of his letter concerning their behavior and orderliness in corporate worship. This verse serves as a bridge, acknowledging their faithfulness before he gets to the heart of the matter.
Paul is addressing issues within the Corinthian church, starting with their practices during worship, particularly regarding head coverings for men and women. He begins by commending them for holding onto the teachings he previously shared, setting a positive tone before he dives into the more corrective parts of his letter concerning their behavior and orderliness in corporate worship. This verse serves as a bridge, acknowledging their faithfulness before he gets to the heart of the matter.
"Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you." — Paul's commendation isn't just about remembering him, but about their commitment to the teachings he passed down. It’s a powerful reminder that healthy community is built on a shared understanding…
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Last reviewed October 2026
