Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Corinthians 11:18

"For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that divisions exist among you; and I partly believe it." — 1 Corinthians 11:18 (ASV)

For first of all.—We look in vain for the “secondly,” which, in a perfectly systematic treatise, should follow this “first.” Some writers maintain that 1 Corinthians 11:18–19 form the first point, and 1 Corinthians 11:20–34 the second. However, there is no indication that a new subject is introduced with 1 Corinthians 11:20. Instead, the repetition of the words “come together” immediately brings to mind the phrase “come together” in 1 Corinthians 11:18. This indicates the continuation of the subject begun there, from which the Apostle had momentarily digressed parenthetically at the mention of the word “divisions.”

It is better to consider the “first point” to be the abuse regarding the Lord’s Supper, which is more immediately addressed, and the “second point,” the abuse of spiritual gifts, commencing with 1 Corinthians 12:1. They are two branches of the one general subject, namely, “Irregularities in religious assemblies.” Although the latter is not connected with the former by a definite “secondly,” there is a sufficient verbal indication that a second topic is entered upon.

It is well to remember in this and similar cases that this is not a treatise, but a letter—and not only a letter, but an answer to a letter. If we had a copy of the letter to which this is a reply, many points of sequence and arrangement, which currently present difficulties, would be as clear to us as they were to those who originally received this Epistle.

When ye come together in the church.—The reference here is not to a locality, but to the character of the assembly, as we should say “in church,” or, “in parliament.” The spirit of faction, which has already, in the earlier part of this Epistle, been dealt with, as pervading Christian society, had invaded the Christian assemblies.

I partly believe it.—These words are full of the courtesy and charity so characteristic of the Apostle; and they suggest to us all a lesson regarding our belief of evil reports, even when reaching us on “the very best authority.” The general practice is to believe a little more than we are told. St. Paul believed a part only of what he was told.