Understanding 1 Corinthians 11: Reverence in Worship and the Lord’s Supper

Executive Summary

1 Corinthians 11 delves into critical aspects of early Christian worship: head coverings and the proper observance of the Lord’s Supper. Paul addresses societal norms regarding head coverings for women while praying or prophesying, connecting it to principles of order and submission within the Christian community. More profoundly, he rebukes the Corinthians for their divisive and irreverent approach to the Eucharist, where the rich feasted while the poor went hungry. He reminds them of the sacred nature of the Lord’s Supper, instituted by Christ himself, emphasizing the need for self-examination and discernment to avoid judgment. Ultimately, 1 Corinthians 11 calls for a worship experience characterized by reverence, unity, and a profound understanding of Christ’s sacrifice. This chapter’s teachings continue to shape our understanding of liturgical practice and Christian fellowship. Proper reverence in worship remains a central theme.

In this exploration of 1 Corinthians 11, we aim to unpack the historical, theological, and practical significance of Paul’s instructions, applying them to contemporary Christian life. We will delve into the cultural context of Corinth, explore Patristic interpretations, and consider the implications for our own approach to worship and communion. This verse-by-verse commentary seeks to provide clarity and spiritual insight into this often-debated chapter.

Commentary

1 Corinthians 11:1

Μιμηταί μου γίνεσθε, καθὼς κἀγὼ Χριστοῦ. (Mimētai mou ginesthe, kathōs kagō Christou.)

KJV: Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

NKJV: Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.

Paul begins by urging the Corinthians to imitate him as he imitates Christ. This is a foundational principle: Christian leadership involves modeling Christ-like behavior. The Apostle is not boasting, but rather pointing to a higher standard, a life lived in accordance with the Gospel. We are called to be imitators not only of Paul, but of all those who faithfully follow Christ. Consider the lives of the saints, their humility, their love, their unwavering faith. Let their examples inspire us to greater devotion. Our goal is to reflect the light of Christ in all that we do. To learn more, please visit our spiritual growth services.

1 Corinthians 11:2

Ἐπαινῶ δὲ ὑμᾶς ὅτι πάντα μου μέμνησθε καὶ καθὼς παρέδωκα ὑμῖν τὰς παραδόσεις κατέχετε. (Epainō de hymas hoti panta mou memnēsthe kai kathōs paredōka hymin tas paradoseis katechete.)

KJV: Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.

NKJV: Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you.

Paul commends the Corinthians for remembering him and upholding the “traditions” (paradoseis) he had imparted to them. This highlights the importance of apostolic tradition in the early Church. Tradition is not simply a set of outdated customs, but rather the living transmission of the faith, passed down from the apostles and preserved by the Church. This includes not just written teachings, but also liturgical practices, moral precepts, and the entire way of life that characterized the early Christian community. In the Coptic Orthodox Church, we greatly value these traditions, seeing them as essential for maintaining the integrity of our faith.

1 Corinthians 11:3-16: Head Coverings

This section, often the subject of much debate, addresses the issue of head coverings for women while praying or prophesying. Understanding this passage requires careful attention to the cultural context of first-century Corinth.

Verse 3: Θέλω δὲ ὑμᾶς εἰδέναι ὅτι παντὸς ἀνδρὸς ἡ κεφαλὴ ὁ Χριστός ἐστιν, κεφαλὴ δὲ γυναικὸς ὁ ἀνήρ, κεφαλὴ δὲ τοῦ Χριστοῦ ὁ Θεός. (Thelō de hymas eidenai hoti pantos andros hē kephalē ho Christos estin, kephalē de gynaikos ho anēr, kephalē de tou Christou ho Theos.)

KJV: But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.

NKJV: But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.

Paul establishes a hierarchical order: God is the head of Christ, Christ is the head of man, and man is the head of woman. This is not about superiority or inferiority, but rather about order and relationship. In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, we understand this as reflecting the Trinitarian relationship, where each Person of the Trinity is distinct, yet equal in essence. This concept of “headship” relates to representation and responsibility. Man is called to reflect Christ’s loving leadership within the family.

• Patristic Insight: St. John Chrysostom, commenting on this passage, emphasizes the mutual love and respect that should characterize the relationship between husband and wife. He stresses that the husband’s headship is not a license for domination, but a call to sacrificial love.
• Practical Application: In our modern context, understanding this passage requires sensitivity. While acknowledging the principle of order, we must emphasize the equal dignity and value of men and women in the eyes of God. The relationship should be one of mutual submission and respect, reflecting the love of Christ.

Verses 4-6: Paul argues that a man dishonors his head (Christ) if he prays or prophesies with his head covered, while a woman dishonors her head (her husband) if she prays or prophesies with her head uncovered. He equates an uncovered head with being shaven, which was considered shameful for women in that culture.

Verses 7-10: Paul appeals to the order of creation: man is the image and glory of God, while woman is the glory of man. He argues that woman was created for man (though acknowledges interdependence in verse 11). He states that a woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, “because of the angels.”

Verse 10 Commentary: The phrase “because of the angels” is particularly intriguing. Some interpret this as referring to the presence of angels in worship, who are sensitive to order and propriety. Others suggest it refers to fallen angels, against whom women need protection. The early Church Fathers offered various interpretations, but all emphasized the importance of modesty and reverence in worship. Perhaps considering the urban settings during the time, the cities were filled with many distractions that could easily lead to temptations.

Verses 11-12: Paul qualifies his argument by emphasizing the interdependence of men and women in the Lord: “Nevertheless, neither is man independent of woman, nor woman independent of man, in the Lord. For as woman came from man, even so man also comes through woman; but all things are from God.”

Verses 13-15: Paul appeals to nature, arguing that long hair is a glory to a woman, while it is a shame for a man.

Verse 16: Paul concludes this section by stating that if anyone wants to argue about this, the Church has no such custom (of contentiousness). This suggests that while Paul believed head coverings were appropriate in the Corinthian context, he did not consider them essential for salvation.

• Modern Considerations: The application of this passage today is complex and context-dependent. While some Christian traditions continue to practice head coverings, others do not. The key principle is to approach this issue with humility and love, respecting differing practices while maintaining a focus on modesty and reverence in worship. What is important is a spirit of humility and respect for the traditions of your local church.
• Focus Key Phrase Integration: Understanding the context is vital for ensuring proper reverence in worship.

1 Corinthians 11:17-34: The Lord’s Supper

This section addresses the Corinthians’ abuse of the Lord’s Supper, also known as the Eucharist or Holy Communion. Paul strongly rebukes them for their divisive and irreverent practices.

Verses 17-22: Paul criticizes the Corinthians for coming together not for the better, but for the worse. Their gatherings were characterized by divisions and factions (schismata). The rich were eating and drinking to excess, while the poor went hungry. This created a stark contrast to the spirit of unity and love that should characterize the Christian community.

Verse 20: Συνερχομένων οὖν ὑμῶν ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτὸ οὐκ ἔστιν κυριακὸν δεῖπνον φαγεῖν. (Synerchomenōn oun hymōn epi to auto ouk estin kyriakon deipnon phagein.)

KJV: When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord’s supper.

NKJV: Therefore when you come together in one place, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper.

Paul’s language is striking – their actions were so contrary to the spirit of the Eucharist that he says they were not even eating the Lord’s Supper!

• Practical Application: This passage serves as a strong warning against divisions and social inequality within the Church. The Eucharist is a sacrament of unity, and we must strive to create a welcoming and inclusive community where all are treated with dignity and respect.

Verses 23-26: This is a crucial passage, as it contains the earliest written account of the institution of the Lord’s Supper. Paul recounts the words of Jesus at the Last Supper: “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me… This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” (NKJV)

Verse 24: Λάβετε φάγετε· τοῦτό μου ἐστὶν τὸ σῶμα τὸ ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν κλώμενον· τοῦτο ποιεῖτε εἰς τὴν ἐμὴν ἀνάμνησιν. (Labete phagete; touto mou estin to sōma to hyper hymōn klōmenon; touto poieite eis tēn emēn anamnesin.)

KJV: Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

NKJV: Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.

Note Paul’s emphasis on remembering. Anamnesis (ἀνάμνησις) is not just a passive recall of the past; it is a dynamic re-presentation of the saving event, making it present and effective in the lives of believers. In the Coptic Orthodox Liturgy, we experience this anamnesis through the prayers and the invocation of the Holy Spirit upon the bread and wine. It is through this process that the Holy Spirit transforms the bread and wine into the True Body and Precious Blood of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

• Coptic Orthodox Doctrine: The Coptic Orthodox Church firmly believes in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. The bread and wine are not merely symbols, but truly become the Body and Blood of Christ through the action of the Holy Spirit. This is a mystery that transcends human understanding, yet we embrace it with faith and reverence.

Verses 27-32: Paul warns against partaking of the Lord’s Supper “unworthily,” which means without discerning the Lord’s body. He states that those who do so eat and drink judgment to themselves. This judgment can manifest in physical illness, weakness, and even death (verse 30).

Verse 29: Ὁ γὰρ ἐσθίων καὶ πίνων ἀναξίως κρίμα ἑαυτῷ ἐσθίει καὶ πίνει, μὴ διακρίνων τὸ σῶμα τοῦ Κυρίου. (Ho gar esthōn kai pinōn anaxiōs krima heautō esthiei kai pinei, mē diakrinōn to sōma tou Kyriou.)

KJV: For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.

NKJV: For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.

The emphasis on discerning the Lord’s body (mē diakrinōn to sōma tou Kyriou) is crucial. This involves recognizing the sacredness of the sacrament, understanding its significance as a communion with Christ’s sacrifice, and examining oneself to ensure that one is approaching the Eucharist with a contrite heart and a sincere desire to grow in holiness. In the Coptic Orthodox Church, we prepare for communion through prayer, fasting, and confession. We approach the sacrament with humility, acknowledging our unworthiness, yet trusting in God’s grace.

Practical Application: Before partaking of the Eucharist, we must examine ourselves, confess our sins, and seek reconciliation with our brothers and sisters in Christ. We must approach the sacrament with reverence and gratitude, recognizing that it is a participation in the life of Christ himself.

Verse 31: Εἰ γὰρ ἑαυτοὺς διεκρίνομεν, οὐκ ἂν ἐκρινόμεθα. (Ei gar heautous diekrinomen, ouk an ekrinometha.)

KJV: For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

NKJV: For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged.

• Spiritual Application: Self-examination is a crucial discipline. We must regularly assess our thoughts, words, and actions in light of God’s word.

Verses 33-34: Paul concludes by urging the Corinthians to wait for one another before eating, so that the poor are not left out. If anyone is hungry, they should eat at home, so that they do not come together for judgment. He adds that he will give further instructions when he comes.

Subtopic: Reverence in Worship Today

The principles articulated in 1 Corinthians 11 regarding reverence in worship remain pertinent today. How can we apply these teachings to our modern context?

• Cultivate a Spirit of Reverence: Approach worship with a sense of awe and reverence, recognizing that we are entering into the presence of the Holy God.
• Embrace Unity and Love: Strive to create a welcoming and inclusive community, where all are treated with dignity and respect.
• Prepare Your Heart for Communion: Engage in prayer, fasting, and self-examination before partaking of the Eucharist.
• Discern the Lord’s Body: Recognize the sacredness of the sacrament and its significance as a communion with Christ’s sacrifice.
• Dress Modestly and Appropriately: While the specific customs of head coverings may vary, strive for modesty and appropriateness in dress, reflecting a respect for God and for our fellow worshippers.
• Focus Key Phrase: Understanding the meaning of this chapter will enhance proper reverence in worship.

FAQ ❓

Q: What does it mean to “discern the Lord’s body” (1 Corinthians 11:29)?

A: Discerning the Lord’s body means recognizing that the Eucharist is not ordinary food, but the true Body and Blood of Christ, given for our salvation. It also involves understanding the spiritual significance of the sacrament and approaching it with reverence and humility. The bread and wine represent Christ’s sacrifice; therefore, we should approach it with an understanding of that sacrifice.

Q: Is the practice of head coverings for women still required today?

A: The application of head coverings is complex and context-dependent. Some Christian traditions maintain the practice, while others do not. Ultimately, the key principle is to approach the issue with humility, love, and respect for differing practices, while maintaining a focus on modesty and reverence in worship. Your local church should be the guiding source.

Q: What if I feel unworthy to partake of the Lord’s Supper?

A: We are all unworthy of God’s grace, yet He offers it freely through the sacrament. If you are struggling with sin, confess it to God and seek forgiveness. Approach the Eucharist with a contrite heart and a sincere desire to grow in holiness, trusting in God’s mercy.

Conclusion

1 Corinthians 11 challenges us to examine our hearts and our practices, ensuring that our worship is characterized by reverence, unity, and a profound understanding of Christ’s sacrifice. The issues of head coverings and the proper observance of the Lord’s Supper may seem specific to the Corinthian context, but the underlying principles remain timeless. We must strive to create a welcoming and inclusive community, where all are treated with dignity and respect. Before partaking of the Eucharist, we must examine ourselves, confess our sins, and seek reconciliation with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Ultimately, our goal is to reflect the love of Christ in all that we do, glorifying God in our worship and in our daily lives. Therefore, striving to ensure proper reverence in worship remains a constant for Christians today.

Tags

1 Corinthians 11, Head Coverings, Lord’s Supper, Eucharist, Holy Communion, Reverence, Worship, Coptic Orthodox, Patristic, Tradition

Meta Description

A verse-by-verse Coptic Orthodox commentary on 1 Corinthians 11, exploring head coverings and the Lord’s Supper, emphasizing proper reverence in worship and the Eucharist.