John Calvin Commentary 1 Corinthians 1:11

"For it hath been signified unto me concerning you, my brethren, by them [that are of the household] of Chloe, that there are contentions among you." — 1 Corinthians 1:11 (ASV)

It has been declared. As general observations usually have little effect, he intimates that what he had said was more particularly applicable to them. The application, therefore, is designed to lead the Corinthians to perceive that it was not without good reason that Paul had mentioned harmony.

For he shows that they had not merely turned aside from a holy unity, but had even fallen into contentions, which are worse than mere disagreements of opinion. And so that he might not be charged with believing too readily what was said, as if he had carelessly listened to false accusations, he speaks with commendation of his informants, who must have been held in the highest esteem, as he did not hesitate to adduce them as competent witnesses against an entire Church.

It is not indeed entirely certain whether Chloe is the name of a place or of a woman, but to me it appears more probable that it is the name of a woman. I am of the opinion, therefore, that it was a well-ordered household that informed Paul about the disordered condition of the Corinthian Church, desiring that he might remedy it.

The idea entertained by many, in accordance with Chrysostom’s view, that he refrained from mentioning names lest he should bring odium upon them, appears to me to be absurd. For he does not say that some of the household had reported this to him, but, on the contrary, mentions them all, and there is no doubt that they would willingly have allowed their names to be used.

Furthermore, so that he might not exasperate their minds by undue severity, he has modified the reproof with an engaging form of address; not as though he would make light of the disorder, but with the purpose of bringing them to a more teachable spirit for perceiving the severity of the ailment.