# Connecting Statement:

As Paul talks about communion, the Lord's supper, he reminds them to have right attitudes as well as unity. He reminds them that if they fail in those things when taking communion, they will become sick and die, as has already happened to some of them.

# in the following instructions, I do not praise you. For when

Another possible meaning is "as I give you these instructions, there is something for which I cannot praise you: when"

# instructions

"directions" or "policies"

# come together

"gather together" or "meet"

# it is not for the better but for the worse

"you do not help each other; instead, you harm each other"

# in the church

"as believers." Paul is not talking about being inside a building.

# there are divisions among you

"you divide yourselves into opposing groups"

# For there must also be factions among you

Possible meanings 1) The word "must" indicates that that this situation is likely to happen. AT: "For there will probably be factions among you" or 2) Paul was using irony to shame them for having factions. AT: "For you seem to think that there must be factions among you" or "For you seem to think that you must divide yourselves" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])

# factions

opposing groups of people

# so that those who are approved may be recognized among you

Possible meanings are 1) "so that people will know the most highly regarded believers among you" or 2) "so that people can display this approval to the others among you." Paul may have been using irony, saying the opposite of what he wanted the Corinthians to understand, to shame them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])

# who are approved

Possible meanings are 1) "whom God approves" or 2) "whom you, the church, approve."