Summary: Paul’ s discussion of head coverings and the distinction between men and
women.
Though the first half of 1 Corinthians 11 is a difficult passage to interpret, there are a
few ideas from the context that can help frame up our thoughts.
Come to the passage with humility
1 Corinthians 14:33 says,
“God is not a God of disorder but of peace.”
While culturally distant from many modern cultures, a head covering of some kind was
normal feminine apparel in Greek culture in the time of 1 Corinthians. Perhaps because
of the new freedom people were experiencing as believers, there was some level of
distraction happening in the community of faith because these normal customs were
being discarded.
By eradicating gender distinctions, even in cultural forms like a head covering, the
Corinthians were missing some of God’ s intentions in creating men and women as
image-bearers. The order of creation and distinction in the genders extends the glory
of God in the universe. If the women were to act like men, there would be some sense
of loss of the glory God intended for humanity.
While the message of the cross is foolishness, Paul is encouraging a manner of
presenting ourselves that does not look foolish to the onlooking world. In this way, we
are to be “normal” so that our abnormal message comes across clearly.
Questions for Reflection/Discussion:
-What are some ways that masculinity and femininity are expressed in your cultural
context?
-What are ways we can celebrate God’ s intentions with creating humanity male and
female?
-What might it look like for you to embrace the gender God made you as some of his
specific design in how you can glorify him?
*If you want to get in contact with Mike regarding this session, email him at ackerman.mike@occ.edu
