- Home
- Bible
- 1 Corinthians
- Chapter 11
- Verse 11
1 Corinthians 11:2
Verse
Context
Roles in Worship
1You are to imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.2Now I commend you for remembering me in everything and for maintaining the traditions, just as I passed them on to you.3But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.
Sermons
Milton Vincent
Carlton C. McLeodMilton VincentMilton Vincent
Harry Ironside
St. John Chrysostom
Ignatius of AntiochSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
That ye remember me in all things - It appears that the apostle had previously given them a variety of directions relative to the matters mentioned here; that some had paid strict attention to them, and that others had not; and that contentions and divisions were the consequences, which he here reproves and endeavors to rectify. While Paul and Apollos had preached among them, they had undoubtedly prescribed every thing that was necessary to be observed in the Christian worship: but it is likely that those who joined in idol festivals wished also to introduce something relative to the mode of conducting the idol worship into the Christian assembly, which they might think was an improvement on the apostle's plan.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Here the chapter ought to begin. ye remember me in all things--in your general practice, though in the particular instances which follow ye fail. ordinances--Greek, "traditions," that is, apostolic directions given by word of mouth or in writing (Co1 11:23; Co1 15:3; Th2 2:15). The reference here is mainly to ceremonies: for in Co1 11:23, as to the LORD'S SUPPER, which is not a mere ceremony, he says, not merely, "I delivered unto you," but also, "I received of the Lord"; here he says only, "I delivered to you." Romanists argue hence for oral traditions. But the difficulty is to know what is a genuine apostolic tradition intended for all ages. Any that can be proved to be such ought to be observed; any that cannot, ought to be rejected (Rev 22:18). Those preserved in the written word alone can be proved to be such.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But I would have you to know,.... Though they were mindful of him, and retained in memory many things he had declared among them, and kept the ordinances as delivered to them; yet there were some things in which they were either ignorant, or at least did not so well advert to, and needed to be put in mind of, and better informed about: and as the apostle was very communicative of his knowledge in every point, he fails not to acquaint them with whatsoever might be instructive to their faith, and a direction to their practice: that the head of every man is Christ; Christ is the head of every individual human nature, as he is the Creator and Preserver of all men, and the donor of all the gifts of nature to them; of the light of nature, of reason, and of all the rational powers and faculties; he is the head of nature to all men, as he is of grace to his own people: and so he is as the Governor of all the nations of the earth, who whether they will or no are subject to him; and one day every knee shall bow to him, and every tongue confess that he is the Lord of all. Moreover, Christ is the head of every believing man; he is generally said to be the head of the church, and so of every man that is a member of it: he is a common public head, a representative one to all his elect; so he was in election, and in the covenant of grace; so he was in time, in his death, burial, resurrection, and ascension to, and entrance into heaven; and so he is now as an advocate and intercessor there: he is the political head of his people, or an head in such sense, as a king is the head of his nation: he is also an economical head, or in such sense an head as an husband is the head of his wife, and as a parent is the head of his family, and as a master is the head of his servants; for all these relations Christ sustains: yea, he is a natural head, or is that to his church, as an human head is to an human body: he is a true and proper head, is of the same nature with his body, is in union to it, communicates life to it, is superior to it, and more excellent than it. He is a perfect head, nothing is wanting in him; he knows all his people, and is sensible of their wants, and does supply them; his eye of love is always on them; his ears are open to their cries; he has a tongue to speak to them, and for them, which he uses; and he smells a sweet savour in them, in their graces and garments, though they are all his own, and perfumed by himself: there are no vicious humours in this head, flowing from thence to the body to its detriment, as from Adam to his posterity, whose head he was; but in Christ is no sin, nothing but grace, righteousness, and holiness, spring from him. There's no deformity nor deficiency in him; all fulness of grace dwells in him to supply the members of his body; he is an one, and only head, and an ever living and everlasting one. And the head of the woman is the man, The man is first in order in being, was first formed, and the woman out of him, who was made for him, and not he for the woman, and therefore must be head and chief; as he is also with respect to his superior gifts and excellencies, as strength of body, and endowments of mind, whence the woman is called the weaker vessel; likewise with regard to pre-eminence or government, the man is the head; and as Christ is the head of the church, and the church is subject to him, so the husband is the head of the wife, and she is to be subject to him in everything natural, civil, and religious. Moreover, the man is the head of the woman to provide and care for her, to nourish and cherish her, and to protect and defend her against all insults and injuries. And the head of Christ is God; that is, the Father, not as to his divine nature, for in respect to that they are one: Christ, as God, is equal to his Father, and is possessed of the same divine perfections with him; nor is his Father the head of him, in that sense; but as to his human nature, which he formed, prepared, anointed, upheld, and glorified; and in which nature Christ exercised grace on him, he hoped in him, he believed and trusted in him, and loved him, and yielded obedience to him; he always did the things that pleased him in life; he prayed to him; he was obedient to him, even unto death, and committed his soul or spirit into his hands: and all this he did as to his superior, considered in the human nature, and also in his office capacity as Mediator, who as such was his servant; and whose service he diligently and faithfully performed, and had the character from him of a righteous one; so that God is the head of Christ, as he is man and Mediator, and as such only.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
11:2 the teachings I passed on to you: This language generally refers to an authoritative tradition of Christian teaching being passed down orally (see also 11:23; 15:1-3; 2 Thes 2:15).
1 Corinthians 11:2
Roles in Worship
1You are to imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.2Now I commend you for remembering me in everything and for maintaining the traditions, just as I passed them on to you.3But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Head-Coverings in Worship Part 1
By Milton Vincent1.2K1:00:47Head Coverings1CO 11:2In this sermon, the preacher discusses the topic of head coverings in worship based on the passage in 1 Corinthians. He acknowledges that this passage is controversial and difficult to interpret. The preacher emphasizes the need for careful attention and open-mindedness when studying Paul's arguments and flow of thought. He also mentions that his sermon is not meant to be the final word on the matter, but rather an initial contribution to a church-wide conversation.
Head Coverings: History, Context, and Exegesis
By Carlton C. McLeod1.0K1:08:211CO 11:2
This sermon delves into the controversial topic of head coverings for women in worship, rooted in biblical principles of God's order, creation order, angelic observance, nature, and church practice. The speaker emphasizes the importance of symbols, modesty, and honoring God's design. While affirming the historical practice of head coverings, the sermon encourages personal reflection and study of the scripture's teachings on this matter, aiming for unity and respect within the church.
Head-Coverings in Worship Part 2
By Milton Vincent9511:43:20Head Coverings1CO 11:2In this sermon, the speaker addresses the topic of head coverings for women in the church based on 1 Corinthians 11. He begins by acknowledging that there are differing views on whether this instruction is still applicable today. The speaker presents arguments from the text and various commentators who believe that head coverings are still relevant. He also acknowledges that there are respected scholars who hold the opposing view. The sermon concludes with the speaker stating his current position, which is open to further study and discussion.
Head-Coverings in Worship Part 5
By Milton Vincent83959:17Head Coverings1CO 11:2In this sermon, the speaker addresses the need to cover certain topics thoroughly before moving on. He mentions that he has received requests to address specific issues and assures the audience that he will cover them in due time. The speaker then introduces the passage from 1 Corinthians chapter 11, verses 17 and following, and explains that he has studied 64 commentaries on this passage. He identifies three views on the topic of covering, with the first view suggesting that the covering Paul advocates for is hair arranged in an orderly fashion on top of the head.
Is the Church the Bride of the Lamb?
By Harry Ironside0Understanding Biblical ImageryThe Church as the Bride of ChristEXO 4:23HOS 11:1MAT 16:181CO 3:91CO 11:2EPH 2:19EPH 5:241PE 2:5REV 19:7REV 22:16Harry Ironside addresses the debate surrounding the identity of the Church as both the Body of Christ and the Bride of the Lamb, countering the claims of ultra-dispensationalists who argue against this duality. He emphasizes that various figures used in Scripture, such as the Church as a building and a body, do not create confusion but rather illustrate different aspects of the relationship between Christ and His followers. Ironside clarifies that while Israel is depicted as the wife of Jehovah, the Church holds a unique position as the Bride of the Lamb, highlighting the distinct and precious relationship believers have with Christ. He warns against the dangers of misinterpretation that could lead to a loss of understanding of the Church's role and relationship with Christ, urging believers to embrace the beauty of this bridal imagery. Ultimately, he calls for recognition of the Church's current relevance and the importance of the messages found in the letters to the churches in Revelation.
Homily 29 on Romans
By St. John Chrysostom0JHN 10:11ROM 1:8ROM 11:13ROM 12:16ROM 14:4ROM 15:141CO 11:2GAL 5:10HEB 6:9John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of being full of goodness, knowledge, and the ability to admonish one another, highlighting the need to avoid conceit and judgment towards others. He emphasizes the kindness and persuasion in his words, showing a balance of boldness and gentleness in his approach. Chrysostom humbly acknowledges the grace given to him by God to minister to the Gentiles, focusing on preaching the Gospel and making the souls of those taught acceptable in the Holy Spirit. He expresses his desire to preach the Gospel where Christ was not named, demonstrating his selfless dedication to fulfilling his priestly duty and loving the salvation of others.
Let Nothing Be Done Without the Bishop
By Ignatius of Antioch01CO 11:21TI 3:1TIT 1:5HEB 13:171PE 5:1Ignatius of Antioch emphasizes the importance of following the leadership within the Church hierarchy, comparing it to the relationship between Christ and the Father. He stresses the reverence and obedience towards bishops, presbyters (elders), and deacons, highlighting their roles as appointed by God. Ignatius underscores the necessity of the bishop's presence in Church activities, such as administering the Eucharist, baptizing, offering sacrifices, and leading love-feasts, as everything done under the bishop's authority is pleasing to God.
Rites and Customs of the Church
By J.H. Newman0ACT 13:21CO 1:161CO 11:21CO 15:292TH 2:15J.H. Newman discusses the importance of adhering to traditions and rituals in the Church, even when they are not explicitly mentioned in the Apostolic writings, emphasizing that these practices were recognized by the Apostles and were based on religious principles. He highlights the significance of rituals like the use of the cross in baptism, the covering of heads during worship, and the practice of household baptism, all of which have roots in early Church traditions. Newman points out that these rituals serve as visible memorials of important doctrines and truths, connecting believers to the teachings of Scripture and the Apostles.
On Head Coverings
By John Calvin0GEN 2:18GEN 26:6LEV 18:6NUM 5:15ISA 4:11CO 6:121CO 7:251CO 11:21CO 11:211CO 14:40GAL 3:28John Calvin preaches about the importance of maintaining decorum and order in sacred assemblies, emphasizing the significance of following traditions and practices that are rooted in Scripture and promote reverence and piety. He highlights the distinction between human traditions and divine ordinances, urging believers to adhere to established church customs with a free conscience and a spirit of obedience, while avoiding superstition and neglect. Calvin addresses the balance between freedom and bondage in church constitutions, advocating for the preservation of peace and mutual love through established practices that promote order and unity, even if they are not essential to salvation. He warns against contentiousness and the dangers of disregarding established customs without just cause, emphasizing the need for love to guide decisions in matters of ecclesiastical discipline.
Head Covering
By Watchman Nee0God's OrderSubmission to Authority1CO 11:2Watchman Nee discusses the significance of head covering in the context of God's order in creation, emphasizing that the head of every man is Christ, the head of the woman is the man, and the head of Christ is God. He explains that head covering is not merely a cultural practice but a representation of submission to God's governmental authority, highlighting the importance of recognizing one's position within this divine order. Nee stresses that grace does not nullify God's government, and that women covering their heads serves as a testimony to both God and the angels, affirming their acceptance of God's appointed order. He concludes that understanding and practicing head covering is essential for maintaining the testimony of God's government in the church.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
That ye remember me in all things - It appears that the apostle had previously given them a variety of directions relative to the matters mentioned here; that some had paid strict attention to them, and that others had not; and that contentions and divisions were the consequences, which he here reproves and endeavors to rectify. While Paul and Apollos had preached among them, they had undoubtedly prescribed every thing that was necessary to be observed in the Christian worship: but it is likely that those who joined in idol festivals wished also to introduce something relative to the mode of conducting the idol worship into the Christian assembly, which they might think was an improvement on the apostle's plan.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Here the chapter ought to begin. ye remember me in all things--in your general practice, though in the particular instances which follow ye fail. ordinances--Greek, "traditions," that is, apostolic directions given by word of mouth or in writing (Co1 11:23; Co1 15:3; Th2 2:15). The reference here is mainly to ceremonies: for in Co1 11:23, as to the LORD'S SUPPER, which is not a mere ceremony, he says, not merely, "I delivered unto you," but also, "I received of the Lord"; here he says only, "I delivered to you." Romanists argue hence for oral traditions. But the difficulty is to know what is a genuine apostolic tradition intended for all ages. Any that can be proved to be such ought to be observed; any that cannot, ought to be rejected (Rev 22:18). Those preserved in the written word alone can be proved to be such.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But I would have you to know,.... Though they were mindful of him, and retained in memory many things he had declared among them, and kept the ordinances as delivered to them; yet there were some things in which they were either ignorant, or at least did not so well advert to, and needed to be put in mind of, and better informed about: and as the apostle was very communicative of his knowledge in every point, he fails not to acquaint them with whatsoever might be instructive to their faith, and a direction to their practice: that the head of every man is Christ; Christ is the head of every individual human nature, as he is the Creator and Preserver of all men, and the donor of all the gifts of nature to them; of the light of nature, of reason, and of all the rational powers and faculties; he is the head of nature to all men, as he is of grace to his own people: and so he is as the Governor of all the nations of the earth, who whether they will or no are subject to him; and one day every knee shall bow to him, and every tongue confess that he is the Lord of all. Moreover, Christ is the head of every believing man; he is generally said to be the head of the church, and so of every man that is a member of it: he is a common public head, a representative one to all his elect; so he was in election, and in the covenant of grace; so he was in time, in his death, burial, resurrection, and ascension to, and entrance into heaven; and so he is now as an advocate and intercessor there: he is the political head of his people, or an head in such sense, as a king is the head of his nation: he is also an economical head, or in such sense an head as an husband is the head of his wife, and as a parent is the head of his family, and as a master is the head of his servants; for all these relations Christ sustains: yea, he is a natural head, or is that to his church, as an human head is to an human body: he is a true and proper head, is of the same nature with his body, is in union to it, communicates life to it, is superior to it, and more excellent than it. He is a perfect head, nothing is wanting in him; he knows all his people, and is sensible of their wants, and does supply them; his eye of love is always on them; his ears are open to their cries; he has a tongue to speak to them, and for them, which he uses; and he smells a sweet savour in them, in their graces and garments, though they are all his own, and perfumed by himself: there are no vicious humours in this head, flowing from thence to the body to its detriment, as from Adam to his posterity, whose head he was; but in Christ is no sin, nothing but grace, righteousness, and holiness, spring from him. There's no deformity nor deficiency in him; all fulness of grace dwells in him to supply the members of his body; he is an one, and only head, and an ever living and everlasting one. And the head of the woman is the man, The man is first in order in being, was first formed, and the woman out of him, who was made for him, and not he for the woman, and therefore must be head and chief; as he is also with respect to his superior gifts and excellencies, as strength of body, and endowments of mind, whence the woman is called the weaker vessel; likewise with regard to pre-eminence or government, the man is the head; and as Christ is the head of the church, and the church is subject to him, so the husband is the head of the wife, and she is to be subject to him in everything natural, civil, and religious. Moreover, the man is the head of the woman to provide and care for her, to nourish and cherish her, and to protect and defend her against all insults and injuries. And the head of Christ is God; that is, the Father, not as to his divine nature, for in respect to that they are one: Christ, as God, is equal to his Father, and is possessed of the same divine perfections with him; nor is his Father the head of him, in that sense; but as to his human nature, which he formed, prepared, anointed, upheld, and glorified; and in which nature Christ exercised grace on him, he hoped in him, he believed and trusted in him, and loved him, and yielded obedience to him; he always did the things that pleased him in life; he prayed to him; he was obedient to him, even unto death, and committed his soul or spirit into his hands: and all this he did as to his superior, considered in the human nature, and also in his office capacity as Mediator, who as such was his servant; and whose service he diligently and faithfully performed, and had the character from him of a righteous one; so that God is the head of Christ, as he is man and Mediator, and as such only.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
11:2 the teachings I passed on to you: This language generally refers to an authoritative tradition of Christian teaching being passed down orally (see also 11:23; 15:1-3; 2 Thes 2:15).