What does 1 Corinthians 11:2 mean when Paul says to keep the things he delivered?
Paul means the Corinthians should follow the instructions he gave them, because he was the apostle to the Gentiles and this was a predominantly Gentile congregation. They were to go by what he had delivered, not deviate from his apostolic teaching.
Les explains that 1 Corinthians 11:2 is Paul telling the Corinthians to keep the things he delivered, meaning they should go by what he had instructed, since he was the apostle of the Gentiles and the congregation was predominantly Gentile. Les notes that Paul always went first to the Jew, so early congregations likely had a smattering of Jewish believers. Les also points out that the following verses deal with women in the church and their covering, subjects far removed from present-day America and affected by customs and environment. He says God's Word does not change, but customs do, so he takes these verses with a grain of salt without denying they are the Word of God. He adds that Paul himself was not anti-woman.
Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.
More Questions
Why does Paul tell the Corinthians to keep what he delivered to them?
Paul could tell the Corinthians to follow what he instructed because he was the apostle of the Gentiles and theirs was a predominantly Gentile congregation.