Greetings!
Here’s a summary of the Bible study on April 6.
When We Come Together (1 Corinthians 11:2-34)
This Sunday we considered "propriety in worship" ("propriety" means "what is proper"). In particular, we considered two specific issues in the Corinthian church: 1) wearing head coverings; and 2) the Lord's Supper.
Should Women Wear Head Coverings? (11:2-16)
To many of us, the wearing of head coverings may sound like a trivial matter. However, in first century Corinth, it was important enough for Paul to address in his letter to the church. For some Christians, it’s still important. Some Christian groups and individuals today think women should wear head coverings in church (at least when praying). What’s the issue?
Though explanations differ, it’s clear that women were expected to wear head coverings when praying or prophesying in the Corinthian church. In this context, to “prophesy” means to communicate a Spirit-prompted “revelation” for the benefit of the church assembly (14:26, 29-31). Both men and women were free to publicly pray or prophesy in the church meeting.
However, Paul said "every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head" (11:5). In this verse, Paul uses the word “head” in different ways. The first “head” is a part of the body. The second “head” refers to a position of authority or leadership (as in Ephesians 5:22-23). (Some define this “head” differently, but “authority” is the traditional understanding.)
Who is this “head?” Paul wrote, “The head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God” (11:3). Thus, the woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors the man (likely meaning her husband, or father). In verse 3, the ESV translates the Greek words gynē (woman) and anēr (man) as “wife” and “husband.” (By the way, there aren’t separate Greek words in the New Testament for “man” and “husband,” or “woman” and “wife.”)
But why would a woman’s praying or prophesying with her head uncovered be dishonoring? As traditionally understood, women were supposed to wear head coverings to signify they were under male authority. Some say an uncovered head could be associated with the immoral lifestyle of “loose women” or pagan worship. Others say the behavior was an attempt to diminish gender distinctions. In any case, the behavior was improper and dishonoring.
The teaching of male authority in marriage and church leadership can be controversial. There are reasonable concerns, especially in view of examples of failed male leadership and the devaluing, mistreatment, or subjugation of women. Such failures oppose God’s will for human relationships. But as I’ve written elsewhere, I think the Bible does teach that human authority structures are part of God’s design, and we are called to fulfill our roles in a faithful manner.
It should be emphasized that Paul wasn’t implying the woman is inferior to the man. After referring to the creation order in Genesis 2:18-23, Paul made it clear that man and woman are dependent on each other (11:11-12). The first woman came from man (11:8-9), but every man since then has come from a woman! Both are equally important.
What’s the point of all this? In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul differentiated between men and women. He differentiated between what is proper for men, and what is proper for women. In first century Corinth, women were supposed to wear head coverings in church, and men were not (11:4-5). So how does this apply to us today, especially in cultures where women wearing head coverings doesn’t really mean anything?
The lasting principle is this: When God created humans, he made two sexes – male and female (Genesis 1:27). God made them different, and in certain areas of life he gave them different roles and instructions. These God-given differences are beautiful and should be celebrated. Let us embrace God’s design of men and women, and live out our lives together for His glory.
The Lord's Supper (11:17-34)
The Lord's Supper is the regularly practiced remembrance of Jesus Christ's atoning death on the cross. The bread and cup symbolize the body and blood of Christ, offered as provision for our forgiveness and salvation. The Lord’s Supper was instituted by Jesus prior to his arrest and crucifixion (Luke 22:14-20). He said, “Do this in remembrance in me” (Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:23-25).
At BCF, the Lord's Supper is observed in the chapel every Sunday at 9 AM, and in the auditorium at least quarterly. In the early church, the Lord’s Supper was usually eaten in conjunction with a communal meal. Based on Paul’s comments, some of the Corinthians were not observing the Lord's Supper with the proper attitude and behavior, which reflected divisions in the church.
The “haves” (those of greater wealth and higher social status) were eating without sharing their food with the “have-nots” (including the poor and lower social class). In doing this, they were despising the church and humiliating the “have-nots” (11:22). Such behavior reflected the social stratification of Roman society, and was prideful, selfish, and self-indulgent.
So, Paul reminded them of the meaning of the Lord's Supper (11:23-26). Christ was without sin, but he gave himself as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. He suffered and died in our place so that we could be forgiven and restored to a relationship with God. The "new covenant" (including forgiveness of sins, the indwelling Holy Spirit, and intimate relationship with God forever) was made possible by Jesus' shed blood (Jeremiah 31:31; Hebrews 9:20; 10:16-18).
The behavior of the prideful and selfish Corinthians was in direct contrast to the meaning of the Lord's Supper. Reflecting on the gracious, sacrificial, self-giving love of Christ should result in deep thankfulness, humility, and unity among the recipients of God’s salvation. Paul warned that partaking of the Lord’s Supper in an “unworthy manner” would bring judgment (11:27-32).
So, Paul told the Corinthians, “Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink of the cup” (11:28). So, how may this apply to us today?
Application to Us
The Lord’s Supper is for those who have believed the good news of Jesus Christ, and have trusted in him as Lord and Savior. If you haven’t done this, I encourage you to think carefully about the meaning of the Lord's Supper. Can you accept the essential truths recognized in the Lord's Supper? Do you have questions about this? Seek answers. Seek answers to the question, "Who is Jesus, and what was the meaning of his death?"
The Lord's Supper is a special act of worship for believers. Brothers & sisters, don’t neglect the practice of the Lord's Supper. As Jesus said, "do this in remembrance of me" (11:24-25).
And as we approach the Lord's Supper, we should “examine ourselves” (11:28). It’s proper to do this personally, thinking deeply about our own relationship with God in the light of his gracious provision. But the emphasis of Paul’s instructions in 1 Corinthians 11 is communal, involving our relationships with one another. So, we should ask, "Do I have proper attitudes toward others in the body of Christ? Is there humility and unity? Do I have the attitude of Christ?" (Philippians 2:1-11)
Your Servant,
Jay