For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.

First of all. Instead of secondly, follows "therefore," . The "divisions" (Greek, schisms) of opinion () were the PRIMARY evil, causing, at the Lord's supper, their eating apart from brethren () - a secondary evil.

In the church - not the place of worship; for Isidore of Pelusium denies that there were such places set apart for worship in the apostles' times ('Ep.' 246, 2); but 'in the congregation' met for worship, where especially love, order, and harmony should prevail. The very ordinance instituted for uniting believers was made an occasion of "divisions."

Partly - he excepts the innocent. 'I am loath to believe all I hear; but some I am forced to believe, while my love is unaffected by it.'

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