The Order of Things – 1 Corinthians 11:2-16
In the preceding chapters, Paul discussed the importance of using our freedoms in a way that doesn’t hinder the gospel (chapter 9) and warned against causing others to stumble in their faith (chapter 10). He now transitions into another important topic concerning order within the church.
1 Corinthians 11:3 (CSB):
But I want you to know that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of the woman, and God is the head of Christ.
This verse lays out the order established by God Himself. It’s not about value or worth, as Paul will later emphasize equality in the Lord (verse 11), but about a structure of authority. Just as Christ submits to the Father, there is a headship established between man and woman.
Paul then addresses the practical implications of this order in their worship context, mentioning the covering of heads during prayer and preaching or teaching.
1 Corinthians 11:7 (CSB):
A man should not cover his head, because he is the image and glory of God. So too, woman is the glory of man.
The passage delves into the created order to further illustrate this:
1 Corinthians 11:8-9 (CSB):
For man did not come from woman, but woman came from man. Neither was man created for the sake of woman, but woman for the sake of man.
This isn’t about male superiority, but a reflection of the original creation account in Genesis. God created Adam first, and then Eve from him. This order has significance.
And then we come to a fascinating and often debated verse:
1 Corinthians 11:10 (CSB):
This is why a woman should have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.
The Angels?!? The unseen world. These holy beings who stand before our Holy King day and night in worship to HIm. They are observers and would be witnesses to the church upholding God’s order. We have witnesses who were there at creation and who know how and why God created men and women, and upholding God’s order is honoring God’s ways, even in the unseen realm.
Now, Paul introduces the idea of nature itself teaching them:
1 Corinthians 11:14-15 (CSB):
Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair it is a disgrace to him, but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her as a covering.
What does Paul mean by this? Many theologians have debated this over the centuries. And what is the significance of the statement: “For her hair is given to her as a covering”? This suggests that a woman’s long hair itself serves as a natural covering, a visual distinction. Could it be that the covering to signify submission to the man is actually her long hair it could be.
Finally, Paul offers a perspective on unity:
1 Corinthians 11:11-12 (CSB):
In the Lord, however, woman is not independent of man, and man is not independent of woman. For just as woman came from man, so man comes through woman, and all things come from God.
Here, Paul beautifully emphasizes the interdependence and equality between men and women in Christ. While there is an order, there is also a vital connection and reliance on one another.
It is hard to fully understand the physical injunction here, but we should recognize and respect God’s established order, reflect that order in our lives and worship, and understand our roles within His creation. Even the angelic realm takes note of how we conduct ourselves.
Let’s prayerfully consider: Are we honouring God’s design in the relationships He has placed in our lives? Are we, in humility and love, respecting the order He has established, and are we reflecting on the significance of the natural distinctions God has given us, knowing that even the unseen witnesses are observing how we reflect His ways?
