1 Corinthians 11:18

First. Paul had already dealt with quarrels and factions in the church at Corinth that had arisen from differences at Corinth that had risen from differences of belief and practice (see ch. 1:10–12). Here he may be referring to the habit of congregating in several separate groups to celebrate the Lord’s Supper. This separation into cliques is the first thing to be reproved. In chs. 12; 14 he deals with the second matter that needs correction, namely, a misunderstanding as to the nature and purpose of the various spiritual gifts.

Church. Gr. ekklēsia, “gathering together,” “assembly.” Ekklēsia does not mean a building, as the word “church” so often does in English, but the church members.

I hear. Literally, “I am hearing,” or “I continue hearing.” Paul was doubtless receiving repeated reports. Paul had a great burden of soul for the churches that he had been instrumental in establishing, and anything that disturbed their orderly functioning was a cause of distress to him (see Gal. 3:1; 4:19; cf. Phil. 1:7, 8; Col. 1:24).

Divisions. Gr. schismata (see on ch. 1:10). The spirit of unity and harmony that should prevail in gatherings of the saints, was absent (see above under “first”).

Partly. The criticism of their behavior in this respect was somewhat softened by this expression, which would indicate that Paul had too high a regard for them to give full credit to everything that had been reported to him about their factious condition.