1 Corinthians 11:2-16

Be Still: Father, thank you for your breath in my lungs. I praise you today. Holy Spirit breathe your life in me as I read your Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Read: 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 

Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God. (vv 11,12)

Encounter: There has been much debate over what Paul means in this passage of Scripture and the relevance of his instructions for today. It reminds us that Scripture is written in a particular context to a particular group of people: in this case, a church in Corinth where Paul is addressing the issue of head coverings for women during worship. Many scholars agree that much of this passage is cultural. For example, in Roman culture in Corinth, a head covering signified that a woman was married. 

I am part of a church (like many others today) where during worship, women do not cover their heads, men wear caps and beanies and some men have long hair, and some women have short hair! So, how do we make sense of tricky bits of Scripture like this? In humility we are driven to wrestle with the Scripture and to further study - and maybe we’re still left with questions we’d like to ask Paul one day. 

What we can learn from this passage is:

1. Paul is concerned that nothing should distract from or bring offence to the Gospel.

2. Paul expected both men and women to be involved in church services, praying and prophesying. 

3. Paul states that there is an equality of the sexes under God (v 11-12). The Message translation of these verses says, 'Don’t, by the way, read too much into the differences here between men and women. Neither man nor woman can go it alone or claim priority…let’s quit going through these ‘who’s first’ routines.'  

Apply: Paul’s concern that nothing would distract from the Gospel of Jesus reaching people and saving them, should be our concern too. For his sake and for the sake of others, how we worship - and how our worship affects others - must be carefully considered. We must keep the focus of our church services and the whole of our lives, on Jesus Christ. 

Devote: Lord, help me to worship you rightly - to keep the focus on you alone. In Jesus’ name.