1 Corinthians 11:18
ESV
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,
NIV
In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it.
NASB
For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that divisions exist among you; and in part I believe it.
CSB
For to begin with, I hear that when you come together as a church there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it.
NLT
First, I hear that there are divisions among you when you meet as a church, and to some extent I believe it.
KJV
For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.
NKJV
For first of all, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it.
What does 1 Corinthians 11:18 mean?
The Christians in Corinth are being called out over a serious issue. Paul received reports of divisions between them when coming together to observe the Lord's Supper. He states that he believes it, at least in part. He seems to be saying he doesn't want to believe they are divided even during their practice of communion, but he does believe it.Paul began this letter by calling out divisions amongst the Corinthians over other issues, including to which apostle or minister each claimed loyalty (1 Corinthians 1:10–17; 3:1–23). Paul made clear that their divisions were evidence of both a misunderstanding of truth, spiritual immaturity, and a lack of loving concern for each other. While these divisions are not a good thing, overall, Paul points out that some "factions" are necessary: they reveal the difference between those on the side of truth, and those on the side of error.
Those same issues will be raised in the following correction from the apostle about how to conduct the Lord's Supper together.
