1 Corinthians 11:2
Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.
Original Language Analysis
ἀδελφοί
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
4 of 15
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
5 of 15
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
μέμνησθε
ye remember
G3415
μέμνησθε
ye remember
Strong's:
G3415
Word #:
8 of 15
to bear in mind, i.e., recollect; by implication, to reward or punish
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
2 Thessalonians 2:15Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.1 Corinthians 4:17For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.1 Corinthians 11:22What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.1 Corinthians 15:2By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.1 Corinthians 11:17Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.2 Thessalonians 3:6Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.Luke 1:6And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.1 Thessalonians 3:6But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you:
Historical Context
In first-century culture, apostolic tradition carried authority before the New Testament canon was complete. Paul's oral and written teaching functioned as living tradition for early churches. The Corinthian church had received foundational instruction during Paul's 18-month founding visit (Acts 18), but false teachers and cultural pressures were distorting his message. This letter aims to re-establish apostolic authority and correct aberrant practices.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'traditions' or teachings have you received from Scripture and faithful teachers—and are you keeping them faithfully or selectively?
- How can a church balance honoring historic Christian teaching while avoiding mere traditionalism?
- Where might you be intellectually affirming biblical truth while practically denying it in your lifestyle?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you—Paul begins with qualified commendation (contrast v. 17: "I praise you not"). The Greek παραδόσεις (paradoseis, ordinances/traditions) refers to authoritative apostolic teaching passed down orally and in writing. Paul uses technical rabbinic terminology: paredōka (I delivered, v. 23) and katechete (ye keep/hold fast). This isn't human tradition but apostolic tradition rooted in Christ's own words and actions.
The commendation is strategic—Paul will immediately correct their practice of these traditions regarding head coverings (vv. 3-16) and the Lord's Supper (vv. 17-34). The Corinthians remembered his teaching intellectually but applied it badly, revealing their underlying problems: gender confusion in worship and class divisions at the Table. Orthodoxy without orthopraxy is deficient discipleship.