1 Corinthians 11:7-12

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 first to glorify her husband. Paul's statement was true because woman was made from man's rib in the creation. Genesis 2:18 says woman was created to fill man's needs for companionship (1 Corinthians 11:7-9).

Because man was created first and the woman was created for him, Paul urged her to always show her subjection to man during worship. In Corinth, this was done by wearing a veil. Likely, the angels signify God's displeasure over woman worshipping uncovered (see Luke 14:10). Concerning this whole matter of the veil, Guy N. Woods writes in Questions and Answers Open Forum: Freed-Hardeman College Lectures:

...in the church in Corinth..it was required of women to worship with covered heads and men to worship with uncovered heads the covered head, in the case of woman, to evidence her subordination to her 'head', (man), and the man to indicate his subordination to his 'head,' Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:3-5)...(a) Paul did not originate the custom of covered heads for women but sanctioned a practice already recognized; and, (b) that while the headship relation continues, the manner by which it is indicated does not...I believe this matter is in exactly the same category as the instruction of the same apostle regarding the kiss a mode of greeting (Romans 16:16)...it was not a method of greeting which the apostle originated; he simply took what was already done and sanctified it made it a holy form of greeting...From this passage it is plain that it was not intended that Christianity should needlessly vary from the national customs of the day. For Christians to introduce needless innovations would be to add to the misconceptions which already subjected them to persecution...Not the slightest change had occurred in the relationship of men and women: both are to be subordinate to their heads; but, they do not indicate it as they did in Corinth and other countries of the ancient world.

Woman is only inferior to man in the sense of rank established by God in the creation. Man and woman are mutually dependent on one another for existence, as God appointed. While woman originally was made out of a part of man, men are now born of women. They depend on each other for existence. All this was appointed by God. Therefore, woman should be satisfied with her position and man should not overemphasize his position of authority (1 Corinthians 11:10-12).