1 Corinthians 11:2

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Corinthians 11:2 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Now I praise you that ye remember me in all things, and hold fast the traditions, even as I delivered them to you.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Now I praise you that ye remember me in all things, and hold fast the traditions, even as I delivered them to you.
1 Corinthians 11:2 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Corinthians 11

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
2Now I praise you that ye remember me in all things, and hold fast the traditions, even as I delivered them to you.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Now I praise you, brethren, etc.] The apostle prefaces what he had to say by way of commendation of them; though some think that this is said in an ironical way, because there are many things both in this chapter, and in the following part of this epistle, delivered in a way of reproof; but whoever considers the change of style in (<461117>1 Corinthians 11:17) will easily see, that this must be spoken seriously here, and is designed to raise the attention to what he was about to say, and to prepare their minds to receive, and take in good part, what he should say by way of rebuke; who could not well be angry when he praised them for what was praiseworthy in them, and reproved them for that…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Here the chapter ought to begin. ye remember me in all things--in your general practice, though in the particular instances which follow ye fail. ordinances--Greek, "traditions," that is, apostolic directions given by word of mouth or in writing (Co1 11:23; Co1 15:3; Th2 2:15). The reference here is mainly to ceremonies: for in Co1 11:23, as to the LORD'S SUPPER, which is not a mere ceremony, he says, not merely, "I delivered unto you," but also, "I received of the Lord"; here he says only, "I delivered to you." Romanists argue hence for oral traditions. But the difficulty is to know what is a genuine apostolic tradition intended for all ages. Any that can be proved to be such ought to be…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Now I praise you, brethren - Paul always chose to commend Christians when it could be done, and never seemed to suppose that such praise would be injurious to them. See the note at 1 Corinthians 1:4-5. On this occasion he was the more ready to praise them as far as it could be done, because there were some things in regard to them in which he would have occasion to reprove them. That ye remember me in all things - That you are disposed to regard my authority and seek my direction in all matters pertaining to the good order of the church. There can be little doubt that they had consulted him in their letter (1 Corinthians 7:1) about the proper manner in which a woman ought to demean herself…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“I praise you - The greater part of you. 1 Corinthians 11:3”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“11:2 the teachings I passed on to you: This language generally refers to an authoritative tradition of Christian teaching being passed down orally (see also 11:23; 15:1-3; 2 Thes 2:15).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“I praise: Co1 11:17, Co1 11:22; Pro 31:28-31 that: Co1 4:17, Co1 15:2 keep: Co1 7:17; Luk 1:6; Th1 4:1, Th1 4:2; Th2 2:15, Th2 3:6 ordinances: or, traditions 1 Corinthians 11:3”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification