1 Corinthians 11:18
For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.
1 Corinthians 11:18
Paul continues, “For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.” This verse reveals that the issue isn’t merely private disagreements; it manifests in public divisions during assemblies. “First of all” signals priority: the most foundational problem Paul hears about when they gather is disunity. In Corinth, factions had formed around leaders or charismatic personalities. The church’s gatherings became arenas for displays of factional loyalty rather than worship of Christ. Paul’s measured response—“I partly believe it”—shows prudence; he doesn’t dismiss reports outright but recognizes their plausibility. The verse sets up the subsequent corrective instructions and emphasizes that disunity in worship has serious theological and pastoral consequences.
Unity is central to Paul’s ecclesiology. The verse highlights how internal divisions undermine the church’s witness to the world and contradict the Spirit’s work of reconciliation. The body of Christ is intended to function as one, with many parts working harmoniously. Disunity obstructs Gospel proclamation and undermines the nature of Christian community. This leads to a broader theological theme: church practice should reflect the triune God’s unity and love. The verse also guards against a privatized faith, reminding believers that communal worship is an expression of the gospel’s transformative power to bring people together across differences.
Today, this invites churches to audit how they gather. Are meetings politicized by factions, or are they spaces where mutual care and shared truth prevail? Practical steps include establishing shared practices that prioritize edification and shared confession, encouraging smaller groups to cultivate unity, and addressing divisions promptly with grace-centered conversations. Individuals can practice humility, listening for another’s perspective, and choosing to align with the Spirit’s call to unity rather than marching to a personal beat. The goal is to experience a worshiping community that models reconciliation and reflects the diverse body of Christ.
Cross-References: John 17:20-23; Romans 12:16; 1 Corinthians 3:3; Ephesians 4:3-6; James 4:1-3