Expositor's Bible Commentary 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)

Regarding the meal that evidently preceded the communion service, the apostle condemns the conduct of the believers as harmful and degrading to the communion (see v.20). Their actions at the common agape meal were betraying their divisions, including class distinctions between the rich and the poor. Though he might discount part of what he heard, Paul felt he had to believe some of it. Knowing human nature, he assumes some such divisions are inevitable even among Christians, so that those who act worthy of God’s approval might be evident.