Paul would have the Corinthians follow him as he followed Christ. He was especially referring to his willingness to give up his rights to attempt to save others, just as Christ had been willing to do. Remember, he gave up any wages he may have been due so no one would be hindered in their obedience... [ Continue Reading ]
God's Order of Authority Traditions can be those formed by men and handed down from generation to generation. However, when Paul spoke of them in 1 Corinthians 11:2, he was speaking of the doctrine passed from Christ to the apostle to the Corinthians. Notice, Paul did not create the traditions but... [ Continue Reading ]
Signs of Subjection Covering the head, in the Corinth of Paul's day, showed that a man was in subjection to someone. In worship, Paul said, a man's head should be uncovered, since he would have been in subjection only to Christ at that time. Neither should a man today wear a Masonic ring, star of D... [ Continue Reading ]
An Argument From the Order of Creation There was nothing created that was superior to man (Genesis 1:2-31; Psalms 8:6). Because of this, Paul said a man covering his head would bring shame on himself, the image and glory of God. In contrast to man, woman was of and created for man. Her purpose was... [ Continue Reading ]
Long Hair Paul asked the brethren to use their own judgment to determine whether or not it was proper for a woman to pray with her head uncovered. As McGarvey wrote, "Instinct should teach us that the head of a woman is more properly covered than that of a man, for nature grants it a greater abunda... [ Continue Reading ]
Problems In Coming Together Paul thought the very act of Christians coming together should encourage unity and spiritual development. Paul said the Corinthians were failing in that and reprimanded them. Reports of their conduct in the assemblies of the saints had already come to Paul before he wrot... [ Continue Reading ]
The Lord's Instructions Concerning the Supper The Lord himself told Paul about the sacred supper. The night of the supper's institution was the night in which Christ was betrayed and thus was a solemn occasion. The bread he took on that night would have been unleavened since this was the type of br... [ Continue Reading ]
The Proper Attitude Is Required Paul stressed the need for the proper attitude in partaking of the Lord's Supper. Irreverence while partaking would have shown a light concern for the sacrifice being remembered. Each participant, then, needed to ask himself whether or not he was eating and drinking... [ Continue Reading ]