1 Corinthians 11


1 Corinthians 11 addresses issues of proper conduct in worship, focusing on head coverings and the Lord’s Supper in the Corinthian church. Written around AD 55 from Ephesus, this chapter corrects cultural and spiritual missteps, emphasizing order, unity, and reverence in worship. Paul underscores the theological basis for gender roles and the significance of Christ’s sacrifice in communal practices.
Key Sections
Head Coverings in Worship (11:2–16): Paul commends the Corinthians for maintaining traditions but instructs on head coverings. Men should pray or prophesy uncovered, reflecting Christ as their head, while women should cover their heads, honoring man as their head under God’s order. This reflects creation (Adam and Eve), cultural propriety, and angelic observation. Paul notes interdependence between men and women in Christ.
Abuses at the Lord’s Supper (11:17–22): Paul rebukes the Corinthians for divisions during the Lord’s Supper, where some indulge while others go hungry, humiliating the poor. Such behavior shows contempt for the church and God’s ordinance.
Institution of the Lord’s Supper (11:23–26): Paul recounts Jesus’ institution of the Supper: bread and wine symbolizing His body and blood, to be taken in remembrance of His sacrifice. Believers proclaim Christ’s death until He returns.
Proper Participation in the Lord’s Supper (11:27–34): Unworthy participation—without discernment or self-examination—brings judgment, as some Corinthians experienced illness or death. Paul urges self-examination, mutual consideration, and eating at home to avoid selfish indulgence, ensuring reverence.
Cross-References
  • Head Coverings and Order:
    • Genesis 2:18–23: Creation of man and woman.
    • Ephesians 5:23: Christ as head of the church.
    • 1 Timothy 2:12–13: Order in worship.
  • Lord’s Supper Institution:
    • Matthew 26:26–29: Jesus’ Last Supper.
    • Luke 22:19–20: Do this in remembrance.
    • Acts 2:42: Early church’s practice.
  • Unworthy Participation:
    • Hebrews 10:29: Profaning Christ’s blood.
    • James 2:1–4: No partiality in church.
    • 2 Corinthians 13:5: Examine yourselves.
  • Church Unity:
    • Romans 12:5: One body in Christ.
    • Galatians 3:28: Equality in Christ.
    • Philippians 2:3–4: Consider others first.
Theological Meaning
  • God’s Order in Creation: Headship (God, Christ, man, woman) reflects creation’s design, not inferiority, but roles in worship (11:3; Ephesians 5:21–25).
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Head coverings upheld cultural norms of modesty and honor, ensuring worship’s focus on God (11:5–6; 1 Peter 3:3–5).
  • Christ’s Sacrifice: The Lord’s Supper proclaims Jesus’ atoning death, uniting believers in remembrance and anticipation of His return (11:24–26; John 6:53–56).
  • Reverence in Worship: Unworthy participation profanes Christ’s sacrifice, requiring self-examination and unity (11:27–29; Hebrews 12:28).
  • Judgment and Discipline: God disciplines believers to correct sin, preventing condemnation (11:32; Hebrews 12:6).
  • Unity in the Body: Divisions at the Supper undermine Christ’s body, calling for mutual care (11:22; Romans 14:19).
Questions and Answers
  1. Why address head coverings (11:2–16)?
    To maintain order, honor creation’s design, and avoid cultural dishonor in worship (11:3–5; Genesis 2:22).
  2. What does “head” mean (11:3)?
    Authority in God’s order: God over Christ, Christ over man, man over woman, not superiority (11:3; Ephesians 5:23).
  3. Why allow women to pray or prophesy (11:5)?
    Women’s gifts are valid in worship, but cultural norms (coverings) ensure propriety (11:5; Acts 21:9).
  4. What’s wrong with the Lord’s Supper practice (11:17–22)?
    Divisions and selfishness—some feast, others starve—dishonor Christ and the church (11:21; James 2:6).
  5. What is “unworthy” participation (11:27)?
    Partaking without discerning Christ’s sacrifice or in disunity, risking judgment (11:27–29; Matthew 5:23–24).
  6. Why illness or death (11:30)?
    God’s discipline for irreverence, to correct and prevent condemnation (11:32; 1 Peter 4:17).
  7. How does this apply today?
    Worship reverently, honor God’s design, examine oneself before Communion, and promote unity (11:28; Colossians 3:14).
Additional Notes for Readers
  • Historical Context: Corinth’s church was diverse, with social and gender tensions (1 Corinthians 1:11). Written during Paul’s third missionary journey (Acts 19:10), the head covering issue (11:2–16) reflects Greco-Roman and Jewish customs, where uncovered women signaled immodesty (1 Timothy 2:9). The Lord’s Supper abuses (11:21) stemmed from Corinth’s class divides, where wealthier members ate lavish meals, marginalizing the poor (Acts 18:8). Pagan feasts, common in Corinth, may have influenced their disorderly gatherings (1 Corinthians 10:20–21).
  • Cultural Questions: Head coverings (11:5) were cultural, not universal, tied to honor in Corinth’s society (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:19–23). Women prophesying (11:5) shows their active role, balanced by order (Acts 2:17). The Supper’s divisions (11:18) reflect Corinth’s competitive culture (1 Corinthians 4:7). “Angels” (11:10) may refer to spiritual beings observing worship (Ephesians 3:10). Self-examination (11:28) countered Corinth’s casual approach to sacred acts (Hebrews 10:26–27).
  • Application: 1 Corinthians 11 calls believers to worship with reverence, honor God’s created order, and approach the Lord’s Supper with humility and unity. It challenges selfishness and division, urging reflection on Christ’s sacrifice and care for the church body (Ephesians 4:3; 1 John 3:16).
Back to blog