Is 1 Corinthians 11:19 intended as irony?

"And I believe it in part, for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized. "

The bold phrase And I believe it in part is an indication that Paul himself recognizes the statement as both true and false.

It is false since we have been commanded to be 'one' and to have no divisions. We are 'one body' as Paul has been emphasizing.

But the true part is that those who are false are to be distinguished so that they do not have undue influence on the body. Jesus taught that it was better to cut off a 'body part' than to have the whole body condemned.

Paul also teaches to cast out the one who is causing others to sin. So he recognizes the truth that there must be divisions among those who call themselves the church, but some are not.