1 Corinthians 11: Following Christ's Example in Worship and Daily Life

06/09/2024

1 Corinthians 11: Following Christ's Example in Worship and Daily Life

Analysis of 1 Corinthians 11

Link to bible verses

Key Verses

"Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." (1 Corinthians 11:1 NIV)"For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, 'This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.'" (1 Corinthians 11:23-25 NIV)

Themes

  1. Proper Worship Practices: Paul addresses issues related to head coverings, hair length, and conduct during worship gatherings.
  2. Gender Roles and Relationships: The chapter discusses the relationship between men and women in the context of worship and church life.
  3. The Lord's Supper: Paul provides instructions on the proper observance of communion, emphasizing its significance and warning against abuses.
  4. Church Unity: Throughout the chapter, Paul stresses the importance of unity and mutual respect within the church body.
  5. Apostolic Authority: Paul asserts his authority as an apostle to instruct and correct the Corinthian church.

Historical Context

This letter was written around 55-56 AD to the church in Corinth, a diverse and cosmopolitan city in Greece. The Corinthian church was dealing with various issues and divisions, prompting Paul to address specific problems and questions. The cultural background includes both Jewish and Greco-Roman influences, as Corinth was a melting pot of different cultures and religions.

Cultural Context

The passage reflects cultural norms of the time regarding gender roles, worship practices, and social gatherings. Head coverings and hair length were significant cultural symbols. The shared meal (agape feast) that accompanied the Lord's Supper was a common practice in early Christian communities.

Etymology

  • "Head" (κεφαλή - kephalē): Can mean physical head or metaphorical head/authority
  • "Covering" (κατακαλύπτω - katakalyptō): To cover fully or veil
  • "Remembrance" (ἀνάμνησις - anamnēsis): Recollection or memorial

Put it into Practice

  1. Examine your participation in communion, ensuring you approach it with reverence and self-reflection.
  2. Consider how you can promote unity and mutual respect within your church community.
  3. Reflect on how you honor God through your appearance and conduct in worship settings.

Questions

  1. How do cultural practices in worship differ today from Paul's time? How should we apply these principles in our current context?
  2. What does it mean to "discern the body of Christ" when taking communion? How can we prepare our hearts properly?
  3. How can we balance honoring cultural gender distinctions while affirming the equal value of men and women in Christ?
  4. In what ways can we ensure our church gatherings promote unity rather than division?
  5. How does Paul's teaching on headship and submission relate to other New Testament teachings on relationships within the church?