1 Corinthians 11

In 1 Corinthians 11, Paul addresses two main topics concerning order and decorum in worship within the church: head coverings and the proper way to partake in the Lord’s Supper. Paul discusses the significance of gender roles within worship settings, emphasizing respect and honor for God’s design. He then moves to correct abuses and misunderstandings surrounding the observance of the Lord's Supper, reminding the Corinthians of the reverence and unity that should define their gatherings. The chapter underlines themes of reverence, unity, and respect in worship, promoting orderly conduct that glorifies God.

1 Corinthians 11:1-2 (NKJV)
1 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.
2 Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you.

Paul begins by encouraging the Corinthians to follow his example as he follows Christ, setting a foundation for his teachings. By doing so, he emphasizes the importance of faithful adherence to apostolic tradition, highlighting that the guidance he offers aligns with Christ's teachings and should be honored in church practice. His praise for their remembrance of traditions reflects a call to unity and continuity in the ways of worship.

1 Corinthians 11:3 (NKJV)
3 But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.

Here, Paul introduces the concept of a divine order in relationships, where Christ is the head of man, man is the head of woman, and God is the head of Christ. This framework emphasizes respect for God-given roles within both the family and church, not as a hierarchy of value but as an order meant for harmonious relationships. Paul’s emphasis is on respect and honor within this structure.

1 Corinthians 11:4-6 (NKJV)
4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head.
5 But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved.
6 For if a woman is not covered, let her also be shorn. But if it is shameful for a woman to be shorn or shaved, let her be covered.

Paul explains how men and women should present themselves during worship. For men, covering the head would dishonor Christ, their head, while women are encouraged to cover their heads to honor their roles. This cultural practice in Corinth signified respect for gender roles and the authority structure Paul described. Paul’s concern is for the symbolism of respect and reverence in worship settings.

1 Corinthians 11:7-10 (NKJV)
7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man.
8 For man is not from woman, but woman from man.
9 Nor was man created for the woman, but woman for the man.
10 For this reason the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.

In these verses, Paul underscores the order of creation as part of his reasoning for head coverings. Man reflects God’s glory directly, while woman reflects the glory of man, rooted in the creation narrative where Eve was created from Adam. The mention of angels signifies the sacredness of worship, as angels observe believers' conduct, highlighting the importance of respectful and reverent behavior.

1 Corinthians 11:11-12 (NKJV)
11 Nevertheless, neither is man independent of woman, nor woman independent of man, in the Lord.
12 For as woman came from man, even so man also comes through woman; but all things are from God.

Paul clarifies that although there is an order, men and women are interdependent in the Lord. Each needs the other, and both are ultimately dependent on God. This interdependence emphasizes equality and mutual respect, balancing his previous statements on authority with a reminder of shared purpose in Christ.

1 Corinthians 11:13-15 (NKJV)
13 Judge among yourselves. Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered?
14 Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him?
15 But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her; for her hair is given to her for a covering.

Paul appeals to the Corinthians’ sense of propriety, suggesting that even cultural norms reflect God’s design for men and women. He uses hair length as an example of gender distinction, where long hair on women symbolizes beauty and honor, while shorter hair for men signifies their role. Paul’s point is that natural distinctions reflect God’s intention for order and beauty.

1 Corinthians 11:16 (NKJV)
16 But if anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God.

Paul addresses possible dissent, affirming that the practices he describes are consistent across the churches. He encourages the Corinthians not to debate these traditions, as they were established to maintain unity and respect within the community of believers.

1 Corinthians 11:17-19 (NKJV)
17 Now in giving these instructions I do not praise you, since you come together not for the better but for the worse.
18 For first of all, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it.
19 For there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be recognized among you.

Paul begins addressing issues in their gatherings, noting that divisions are harming the church’s unity. Factions reveal deeper issues, but they also serve to identify those who are faithful. Paul emphasizes the need for unity and the detrimental effect of divisions during worship.

1 Corinthians 11:20-22 (NKJV)
20 Therefore when you come together in one place, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper.
21 For in eating, each one takes his own supper ahead of others; and one is hungry and another is drunk.
22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I do not praise you.

Paul rebukes the Corinthians for their selfish behavior during the Lord’s Supper. Instead of a reverent observance, some were indulging while others went without. This selfishness dishonored the church community and disregarded the purpose of the gathering. Paul calls them to remember the sacred purpose of the meal and to show respect for one another.

1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (NKJV)
23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread;
24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”
25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”
26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.

Paul recounts the institution of the Lord’s Supper, emphasizing it as a memorial of Christ’s sacrifice. The bread represents His body, and the cup His blood, symbolizing the new covenant. By partaking, believers remember and proclaim Jesus’ death until His return, highlighting the solemnity and unity required for this observance.

1 Corinthians 11:27-29 (NKJV)
27 Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.
29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.

Paul warns against partaking in the Lord’s Supper without reverence. Self-examination is necessary to avoid judgment, as failing to recognize the significance of Christ’s body and blood dishonors His sacrifice. This serves as a call to prepare one’s heart and approach the table with sincerity.

1 Corinthians 11:30-32 (NKJV)
30 For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep.
31 For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged.
32 But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.

Paul explains that neglecting reverence in the Lord’s Supper has resulted in sickness and even death among the Corinthians. By self-assessing, believers can avoid such judgment. God’s discipline is meant to correct and protect them from condemnation, showing His mercy even in correction.

1 Corinthians 11:33-34 (NKJV)
33 Therefore, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another.
34 But if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, lest you come together for judgment. And the rest I will set in order when I come.

Paul advises the Corinthians to wait for each other when they gather, fostering unity and mutual respect. If they are hungry, they should eat at home to prevent selfishness and disrespect in worship. This counsel points to a broader principle of respect and harmony in the body of Christ.