Paul starts out the chapter encouraging the reader to emulate him because he is emulating Christ. While it seems bold to put himself in front, his point is that we all are looking to those who has gone ahead us to show us the way. Likewise, people behind us see us. We have a responsibility to those that follow, just as the people who went in front of us had a responsibility to us. When I was younger, I had to answer to my parents, now as a parent I have a responsibility for and to my children. The next section illustrates this further. 

Paul commends them for keeping the traditions as he taught them. He launches into a discussion headship. It is extremely important to not isolate any portion until you get to his conclusion. He starts by saying that Christ is the head of man, and head of a wife is her husband and the head of Christ is God. Male leaders have used this section used to subordinate women rather than hold themselves accountable. Yet instead of stopping, Paul goes into a long circular discussion of head coverings and prayers. First, he starts out saying a woman should cover her head, and if she does not, she should cut her hair or shave it, but also her hair is already a glorious head covering. Where is he going with this? If you’re not aware, whole denominations of churches wear hats based on this statement. We had seen Paul in Acts (18:18) cut his hair as part of a religious vow, just as growing out his hair out part of a previous Nazarite vow. Then he circles back to men and women. He says that woman came from man, referencing Eve being made of Adam‘s rib, but then he says that all men are born of women referencing how men can’t create a person outside of women. He’s talking about interdependency, not jostling for dominance, but guiding one another, just as we all have someone to answer to, we have someone to answer for. His conclusion is, “if anyone is inclined to be contentious, we have no such practice, nor do the churches of God.” 

This concept of mutual care, continues on in the next section when he talks about eating together. Apparently, in addition to taking the communion, bread and wine, the believers were eating whole meals together. Paul was upset because those with extra food and drink they were gorging and getting drunk on while some did not have enough food and were hungry. Simply put, they weren’t sharing like the early church did at the beginning. I attribute this section of scripture to the creation of the church potluck. And if you can’t share well, he recommends everyone eating at home before taking communion. 

Finally, he warns against taking communion without the spirit of humility towards God. He wants us to judge ourselves, so we are not judged by God, and let ourselves be judged by God, so we’re not condemned by the world. If we don’t take care, we will make ourselves sick or even die.

I think these days we often get that backwards; Christians use our time and energy judging the world while letting ourselves be undisciplined and lacking harmony within the church. If we want to be example and be respected, either in church or outside, need to be the first to acknowledge our own shortcomings, be generous and serve one another. 

Take cover.