1 Corinthians 11:2
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 11:2
2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 11 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of love, judgment, creation. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church existed in a prosperous, cosmopolitan, morally permissive Roman colony.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-34: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Corinthians 11:2
2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Cross-References
- Resurrection: 1 Corinthians 11:17, 11:22
- Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 4:17, 15:2, Luke 1:6, 1 Thessalonians 3:6, 2 Thessalonians 2:15, 3:6