1 Corinthians 11:18 – “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.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

In this verse, the Apostle Paul addresses a serious problem in the church at Corinth—divisions among believers. He is writing to them because he has received reports that when they gather as a church, there are factions and disagreements. These divisions are not just minor disagreements but are causing harm to the unity of the body of Christ. Paul is not dismissing the reports as mere rumors; he acknowledges that they are likely true.

The core issue here is that the church, which is meant to be a place of unity, love, and fellowship, has become divided. Instead of coming together in harmony, they are separating into different groups based on status, personal preference, or possibly even doctrinal disputes. This is especially troubling because they are gathering to partake in the Lord’s Supper, a time meant for remembering Christ’s sacrifice and affirming their unity in Him.

Historical Context

The church in Corinth was made up of believers from diverse backgrounds, including Jews and Gentiles, the wealthy and the poor, and people from various social standings. In the Roman world, social divisions were common, and the wealthy often had privileges that others did not.

In the context of the Lord’s Supper, historical evidence suggests that wealthier members of the church were eating separately from the poorer members. Some would have plenty of food while others went hungry. This behavior was not just inconsiderate; it was a complete contradiction to the message of Christ, who taught love, humility, and self-sacrifice. Paul rebukes them because their gatherings were no longer about worshiping God but about reinforcing worldly divisions.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches that the church is meant to be united, not divided. The body of Christ is supposed to reflect the love, humility, and selflessness of Jesus. When believers allow divisions—whether based on wealth, status, or personal differences—to take root in the church, they dishonor God.

It also highlights the importance of true Christian fellowship. The gathering of believers should not be about personal gain, self-promotion, or social superiority. Instead, it should be about worshiping God together and encouraging one another in faith.

Additionally, this passage warns us that human pride and selfishness can distort worship. The Corinthians had turned their gatherings into something that mirrored the world rather than the kingdom of God. True worship must reflect God’s character—marked by humility, love, and unity.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s wording in this verse is strong and direct. The phrase “I hear that…” suggests that he has received reliable reports about the issue. The word “divisions” (Greek: schismata) refers to literal splits or separations, emphasizing that this was not just a minor issue but a deep fracture in their fellowship.

Paul uses a rhetorical style that prepares the reader for the correction that follows. By saying, “to some extent I believe it,” he is not expressing doubt but rather showing a measured response. He acknowledges that some reports may be exaggerated but still finds enough truth in them to be deeply concerned.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• John 17:20-23 – Jesus prays for His followers to be united so that the world may believe in Him.
• 1 Corinthians 1:10 – Paul urges the Corinthians to be united and avoid divisions.
• Galatians 3:28 – There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female in Christ; all are one.
• Ephesians 4:3 – Believers should make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a reminder that unity in the church is crucial. Today, churches can be divided over many things—doctrinal differences, personal preferences, leadership styles, or even social and political issues. While differences are natural, they should never lead to division that harms the body of Christ.

Instead, Christians should focus on what unites them—faith in Jesus Christ. The church should be a place where all believers, regardless of background, come together in love and humility to worship and serve God. This verse challenges modern Christians to examine their own hearts and attitudes toward fellow believers and to work toward genuine unity in Christ.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God desires unity among His people because He Himself is a God of unity. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit exist in perfect relationship, and He calls His people to reflect that unity. God’s love is not exclusive to one group; it is for all who believe in Him. When believers allow divisions to separate them, they go against the very nature of God’s love.

This verse also shows that God cares about how His people treat each other. He does not overlook selfishness, pride, or favoritism within the church. His love calls believers to humble themselves, serve one another, and put aside personal differences for the sake of the gospel.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus came to break down divisions, not create them. Through His death and resurrection, He united people from all backgrounds into one family.

• Ephesians 2:14-16 – Jesus “made the two groups one” and destroyed the dividing wall of hostility between Jews and Gentiles.
• John 13:34-35 – Jesus commands His followers to love one another as He has loved them.
• Philippians 2:3-5 – Believers are called to imitate Christ’s humility and put others before themselves.

At the Last Supper, Jesus demonstrated the heart of true fellowship. He washed His disciples’ feet, teaching them to serve one another in humility. The Corinthians had corrupted the Lord’s Supper by making it about themselves, but Jesus had intended it as a symbol of self-sacrificial love.

Paul’s rebuke in 1 Corinthians 11:18 is ultimately a call to return to Christ’s example—unity, humility, and love.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Are there any divisions in your church or Christian community that need to be addressed?
2. Do you contribute to unity or division within the body of Christ?
3. How can you actively show love and humility toward fellow believers, even those you disagree with?
4. In what ways does your church reflect the unity that Jesus prayed for in John 17?
5. How can the Lord’s Supper be a meaningful reminder of Christian unity in your life?

This verse challenges believers to examine their hearts and their role in the church. Are we bringing people together in Christ, or are we allowing differences to create unnecessary divisions? God calls His people to unity, love, and humility—qualities that reflect the heart of Jesus Himself.