Question 1

What does 1 Corinthians 11:18 mean?

Accepted Answer

1 Corinthians 11:18 means that Paul has heard reports of divisions among the believers in Corinth when they gather as a church, and he finds these reports at least partly believable. Paul is addressing the problem of disunity within the church community during their meetings. Paul is writing to the Christians in Corinth, responding to issues he has heard about their gatherings. He points out that even when they come together as a church, there are still divisions among them, which goes against the unity expected in Christian fellowship. This verse sets the stage for his later instructions about proper conduct and attitudes during church meetings, especially regarding the Lord’s Supper.

Question 2

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 11:18

Accepted Answer

The word for "church" is ἐκκλησίᾳ (ekklēsia), which means an assembly or gathering, not just a building. Paul is talking about the people coming together as a community. The word for "divisions" is σχίσματα (schismata), meaning splits or separations. This highlights that the problem is not just disagreement but actual breaks in their relationships. The word for "come together" is συνέρχεσθε (synerchesthe), which means to assemble or gather. Paul is addressing what happens when the whole group meets, not just private disagreements.

Question 3

Why 1 Corinthians 11:18 matters

Accepted Answer

This verse shows that problems in church unity are not new; even early Christians struggled with division, which Paul takes seriously. Paul’s concern is not just about personal disagreements but about how these divisions affect the whole community when they gather for worship. Understanding this verse helps clarify why Paul goes on to give detailed instructions about how the church should conduct itself, especially in shared practices like the Lord’s Supper.

1 Corinthians 11:18 (KJV)