1 Corinthians 11
Directions Concerning Attire; Female SubjectionIn this chapter, Paul moves from answering questions to correcting problems in the church. The first verse actually closes his teaching on Christian liberty, showing that Paul not only taught the right things but also lived them as an example. He encourages believers to follow his example only as far as he follows Christ. Then Paul begins to address a new issue: the way men and women behaved and dressed during worship, especially concerning women’s head coverings. He stresses the importance of order, respect, and the proper relationship between men and women in the church.v. 1: Paul says, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ”(1 Corinthians 11:1 a). He invites the believers to follow his example, but only as he follows Jesus. Paul does not want blind followers; he wants people to copy him only when he is copying Christ. Every Christian leader should be followed only as they themselves follow Christ. v. 2: Paul praises the Corinthians, “I praise you for remembering me in everything and for holding to the traditions just as I passed them on to you”(1 Corinthians 11:2 b). He starts by recognizing what they do right. This makes it easier for them to accept his corrections. Paul shows it is wise to notice the good in others, even when we also correct their mistakes. v. 3: Paul teaches about order, “But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God”(1 Corinthians 11:3 c). He explains that just as Christ is under God, so men and women also have their proper places. The man is the leader in the family and church, and the woman should respect this order. This does not mean the woman is less important, but that there is a God-given arrangement in relationships. v. 4-5: Paul gives a specific rule: “Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head”(1 Corinthians 11:4-5 d). In Paul’s culture, men covering their heads during worship looked disrespectful, while women uncovered looked rebellious. He wants men and women to show respect for God and for each other by their appearance during worship. – v. 6: He adds, “If a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off”(1 Corinthians 11:6 e). For a woman of that time, having her hair cut short was shameful. So, Paul says, if women do not want to cover their heads, they are acting as if they are rejecting their role. Covering the head showed respect and acceptance of God’s order. v. 7-9: Paul explains, “A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man. For man did not come from woman, but woman from man; neither was man created for woman, but woman for man”(1 Corinthians 11:7-9 f). Men are to show their leadership and responsibility, and women their respectful support. This is based on the creation story, where woman was made from man and for man. – – v. 10: Paul says, “It is for this reason that a woman ought to have authority over her own head, because of the angels”(1 Corinthians 11:10 g). The head covering was a sign of respect, not only to people but also to angels, who are present in worship. It showed that the woman accepted her place in God’s order. v. 11-12: Paul balances his teaching: “Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God”(1 Corinthians 11:11-12 h). He reminds them that men and women need each other. God’s order does not mean one is better than the other. Both are important, and both depend on God. – v. 13-15: Paul asks them to use common sense: “Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory?”(1 Corinthians 11:13-15 i). He points out that even nature teaches a difference between men and women. In most cultures, women’s long hair is seen as beautiful, and men’s long hair as improper. Paul uses this to support the idea of different roles and appearances for men and women. – – v. 16: He ends by saying, “If anyone wants to be contentious about this, we have no other practice—nor do the churches of God”(1 Corinthians 11:16 j). Paul says that all the churches follow this custom. Those who argue against it are going against the practice of all God’s people. He encourages unity and respect for good traditions in worship. Profanation of the Lord's SupperIn this passage, Paul rebukes the Corinthians for serious problems when they gathered to celebrate the Lord’s Supper. In the early church, the Lord’s Supper was often connected with a communal meal called a “love feast.” Instead of showing love and unity, these gatherings had become full of disorder and selfishness. Paul explains that such behavior goes against the true meaning of this holy practice.v. 17: Paul says, “Now in this that I declare to you I praise you not, that you come together not for the better, but for the worse”(1 Corinthians 11:17 k). He makes it clear that he cannot praise them, only correct them. Instead of helping them grow spiritually, their gatherings were actually making things worse. Paul warns that if we do not take part in Christ’s ordinances with the right heart, they can harm us instead of helping us. v. 18-19: He explains, “In the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you; and I partly believe it. For there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized”(1 Corinthians 11:18-19 l). Paul points out that there were quarrels and divisions, even though they met together as one church. This is called “schism.” Sometimes, God allows these problems to test who is truly faithful and sincere. – v. 20-21: Paul continues, “When you come together, it is not the Lord’s supper that you eat. For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk”(1 Corinthians 11:20-21 m). He describes how the rich were eating and drinking too much, while the poor were left with nothing. Instead of sharing, they were selfish. This was a complete misuse of a sacred time meant to show unity and love. – v. 22: Paul says, “What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not”(1 Corinthians 11:22 n). He blames them for acting in a way that shows disrespect to both the church and the poorer believers. If they just wanted to eat and drink, they could do that at home. But at the Lord’s table, their greed and selfishness showed contempt for God’s people and the meaning of the Lord’s Supper. Paul gives a strong warning that such behavior is a serious sin and has no place among Christians. Design of the Lord's SupperIn this passage, Paul corrects the Corinthians’ wrong behavior at the Lord’s Supper by explaining the true meaning and purpose of this holy meal. He reminds them of the way Jesus Himself began this ordinance and teaches them how it should be observed with respect and self-examination. Paul warns that treating the Lord’s Supper lightly brings guilt and even God’s discipline, but careful and honest self-examination leads to blessing.v. 23: Paul says, “For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you”(1 Corinthians 11:23 o). He explains that he learned about the Lord’s Supper directly from Jesus, not just from other people. Paul faithfully passed on exactly what he received, without changing anything. v. 24-25: He describes the institution: “The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me’”(1 Corinthians 11:24-25 p). Jesus started this meal to help us remember His sacrifice. The bread and cup are symbols of His body and blood, showing the new covenant with God. When Christians eat and drink, they remember Jesus’ death and all the blessings it brings. – v. 26: Paul explains the purpose: “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes”(1 Corinthians 11:26 q). Each time we celebrate the Lord’s Supper, we are telling others about Jesus’ death and looking forward to His return. This meal is both a remembrance and a declaration of our faith in Jesus. v. 27: He warns, “Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord”. Taking part in this meal carelessly or with a sinful heart is a serious sin. It is as if we are treating Jesus’ sacrifice as unimportant, which brings guilt before God (Hebrews 10:29 r). v. 28-29: Paul instructs, “Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself”(1 Corinthians 11:28-29 s). Before taking the Lord’s Supper, each person should honestly look at their own heart and actions. If we do not respect the meaning of the Lord’s body, we bring God’s judgment on ourselves. – v. 30-32: He explains, “That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged. But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world”(1 Corinthians 11:30-32 t). Some of the Corinthians had become sick or even died because they took the Lord’s Supper in the wrong way. God sometimes uses discipline to correct His children. This discipline is meant to help us, so we will not be condemned with those who reject God (Hebrews 12:6 u). – – v. 33-34: Paul closes with practical advice: “So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another—if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home—so that when you come together it will not be for judgment”(1 Corinthians 11:33-34 v). He tells the believers to show love and respect during the Lord’s Supper. They should wait for everyone and not turn this holy meal into a common feast. Paul warns them to avoid any behavior that would dishonor God or harm the church. If they have more questions, he will correct them when he visits in person.
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