1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also [am] of Christ.
2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered [them] to you.
3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman [is] the man; and the head of Christ [is] God.
4 Every man praying or prophesying, having [his] head covered, dishonoureth his head.
5 But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with [her] head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.
6 For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.
7 For a man indeed ought not to cover [his] head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.
8 For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man.
9 Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.
10 For this cause ought the woman to have power on [her] head because of the angels.
11 Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.
12 For as the woman [is] of the man, even so [is] the man also by the woman; but all things of God.
13 Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?
14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?
15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for [her] hair is given her for a covering.
16 But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.
17 Now in this that I declare [unto you] I praise [you] not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.
18 For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.
19 For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.
20 When ye come together therefore into one place, [this] is not to eat the Lord’s supper.
21 For in eating every one taketh before [other] his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken.
22 What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise [you] not.
23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the [same] night in which he was betrayed took bread:
24 And when he had given thanks, he brake [it], and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
25 After the same manner also [he took] the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink [it], in remembrance of me.
26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.
27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink [this] cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of [that] bread, and drink of [that] cup.
29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.
30 For this cause many [are] weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.
31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
33 Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another.
34 And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.
Overview of 1 Corinthians Chapter 11
1 Corinthians Chapter 11 addresses several important issues within the Corinthian church, including the proper conduct of worship, the role of women, and the observance of the Lord’s Supper. This chapter is pivotal in understanding the cultural context of the early church and the theological implications of worship practices.
Key Themes
- Head Coverings: The chapter begins with a discussion on head coverings, emphasizing the cultural significance of this practice in Corinth.
- Authority and Order: Paul discusses the relationship between men and women in worship, highlighting the concept of authority and the order established by God.
- The Lord’s Supper: The latter part of the chapter focuses on the observance of the Lord’s Supper, addressing issues of division and improper conduct during the meal.
Head Coverings (Verses 1-16)
In the first section, Paul addresses the issue of head coverings for women during worship. He establishes a theological foundation for this practice, linking it to the created order and the concept of authority.
- Imitation of Christ: Paul encourages the Corinthians to imitate him as he imitates Christ (verse 1).
- Authority Structure: He outlines a hierarchy: God, Christ, man, and woman (verses 3-5).
- Cultural Context: The significance of head coverings is tied to cultural norms of modesty and respectability in Corinth (verses 4-6).
- Mutual Dependence: Paul emphasizes that men and women are interdependent in the Lord (verses 11-12).
- Contention and Custom: He concludes this section by stating that if anyone is inclined to be contentious about head coverings, there is no such custom in the churches (verse 16).
The Lord’s Supper (Verses 17-34)
The second half of the chapter addresses the practice of the Lord’s Supper, where Paul expresses concern over divisions and improper behavior among the believers.
- Divisions in the Church: Paul begins by criticizing the divisions that have arisen among the Corinthians (verse 18).
- Improper Conduct: He highlights that some are eating and drinking inappropriately, leading to shameful behavior (verses 20-22).
- Institution of the Lord’s Supper: Paul recounts the tradition of the Lord’s Supper, emphasizing its significance as a remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice (verses 23-26).
- Self-Examination: He urges believers to examine themselves before partaking in the Supper, warning against taking it in an unworthy manner (verses 27-29).
- Consequences of Irreverence: Paul mentions that some have faced serious consequences for their irreverence, including illness and death (verses 30-32).
- Conclusion and Instruction: He concludes with practical advice on how to conduct the Supper properly, encouraging unity and care for one another (verses 33-34).
Theological Implications
This chapter emphasizes the importance of order and respect in worship, reflecting the nature of God as a God of order. It challenges cultural norms while also affirming the value of women in the church. The discussion on the Lord’s Supper highlights the need for self-examination and communal integrity, reinforcing the idea that worship is both a personal and communal act.
Conclusion
1 Corinthians Chapter 11 serves as a critical text for understanding the dynamics of worship in the early church. It addresses cultural practices, theological principles, and communal responsibilities, offering timeless lessons for contemporary Christian practice.
