1 Corinthians 11:2,3

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 "delivered" them. Much of the New Testament had not been written when Paul was penning this letter. The truth they knew came from the words of inspired men, whether spoken or written. "Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle" (2 Thessalonians 2:15).

Man was given dominion over woman in Genesis 3:16. He was to love her as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:2-5). Man, in turn, was directed to submit himself to Christ as Lord. This was first accomplished when a man obeyed Christ in baptism and was to continue as he walked in the light of God's love and instructions (Acts 2:38; 1 John 1:7; John 14:15). The God-given order is: God-Christ-man-woman. Notice, in the garden Jesus prayed, "not as I will, but as thou wilt" (1 Corinthians 11:3; Matthew 26:39).