1 Corinthians 11:19

Heresies. Gr. haireseis, singular hairesis. Originally hairesis meant “choosing,” “choice,” then “that which is chosen,” “opinion.” Later it came to signify a group of people holding to a particular opinion, a sect, a party. Here the word is probably used, not in a bad sense, as referring to opinions. When a number of individuals of various backgrounds associate closely in Christian fellowship, there will of necessity be varying degrees of appreciation of truth. These different degrees of understanding of the principles of the gospel give rise to discussion. Discussions may have wholesome effects and need not lead to divisions.

They which are approved. That is, those who are willing to obey God and to cooperate with Him. Divisions in the church have the effect of revealing those who are restless, ambitious, and dissatisfied, those who are not willing to be led by the Holy Spirit, but who seek to do their own will, and are not prepared to abandon their own opinions for the sake of peace and harmony in the church. Individuals of this type are to be avoided (see on Rom. 16:17). On the other hand, there are those who recognize their own natural sinfulness and who are unwilling to place any confidence in their own opinions, realizing the danger of being influenced by the impulses, desires, and inclinations of unconverted flesh. Such church members declare themselves to be in favor of peaceful and happy compliance with all the instruction of God (see Rom. 8:14; Gal. 5:16, 17, 19–26). During the world-shaking events that will usher in the close of earth’s history, when all men will be required to demonstrate their allegiance, many whose fidelity to truth has passed almost unnoticed will then shine like brilliant stars on a dark night.

Made manifest. The presence in the Corinthian church of some who were out of harmony with the mind of Christ, necessitated bringing into the open differences of belief that would stimulate believers to earnest search for a knowledge of God’s will, and that would lead to a disclosure of those who refused to be led by the Holy Spirit (see Luke 2:34, 35; 1 John 2:18, 19). Thus the presence of doctrinal differences, and various opinions relative to correct methods of procedure in the church, served as a means of sifting the church and separating the chaff from the wheat.