1 Corinthians 11:2

My Notes

What Does 1 Corinthians 11:2 Mean?

Paul praises the Corinthians for remembering him in all things and keeping the ordinances (paradoseis — traditions, handed-down teachings) as he delivered them. Before launching into corrections about head coverings and communion practices, he affirms what they're doing right.

The word "ordinances" (traditions) means teachings passed down from one person to another — the oral and practical instructions Paul gave when he was present. These aren't Old Testament laws. They're apostolic practices that Paul established in the church and expects to be maintained.

"As I delivered them to you" — Paul is the source of the traditions. He received them (from Christ, 11:23) and delivered them to the church. The chain is: Christ → Paul → the church. The ordinances carry authority because of their origin, not their age.

Reflection Questions

• 1.Do you lead with affirmation before correction — or do you skip straight to what's wrong?
• 2.What apostolic 'traditions' (teachings handed down through the church) do you maintain — and do you know their origin?
• 3.How does knowing the chain (Christ → Paul → church) give weight to practices you might otherwise dismiss as tradition?
• 4.What are you doing right in your faith that needs to be acknowledged before the areas that need correction?

Devotional

"I praise you that ye remember me and keep the ordinances." Paul starts with what's working before he addresses what's broken.

The Corinthian church gets a lot of criticism in Paul's letters — and most of it is earned. But before he corrects their worship practices (head coverings, communion), he acknowledges what they're doing right. You remembered me. You kept what I delivered. That matters.

The word "delivered" (paradidōmi) is the same word used for handing something valuable from one person to another. Paul received traditions from Christ. He handed them to the Corinthians. They held on. The chain held. And Paul praises the holding.

This is how healthy correction works: affirmation before critique. Paul doesn't lead with what's wrong. He leads with what's right. You remembered. You kept. Now — let me address some things that need adjustment.

The traditions Paul delivered weren't suggestions. They were apostolic instruction with Christ as the source. "As I delivered" means: these came from somewhere. They have authority. They're not Paul's personal preferences. They're Christ's instructions, transmitted through Paul, maintained by the church.

There's a principle here about spiritual formation: receive what's been delivered. Maintain what's been given. The traditions aren't arbitrary. They connect you to Christ through the apostles. When you keep them, you're participating in a chain that stretches back to the upper room.

And when the correction comes (as it will in the next verses), it's easier to receive because the praise came first.

Commentary

Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.

Cross References

Related passages throughout Scripture