|
|
1 Corinthians 11 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
1 Corinthians 11 opens up a can of worms in our culture today. At the very least, many of Paul’s words here have been challenged. In some cases, they have been called sexist and irrelevant. As always, it is important to dig into the context.
The overarching theme of Paul’s instruction here at the beginning is with regard to authority. Authority is a tricky word. We don’t usually like it unless we have it. But I believe Paul’s metaphor here gives great insight to his point.
But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ.
1 Corinthians 11:3 NASB
Some would call this a narrow-minded traditional view, however, that is because we typically regard authority as demeaning. Since the beginning of creation, God has looked to humanity for voluntary cooperation. He hasn’t gotten much of it. The fact is, we don’t like to submit our will to another. Again this is more of a problem with our view of authority than anything else. This is why Paul uses Jesus’ relationship to God as an example.
Viewing man as the head does not diminish the woman’s value no more than viewing God as the head diminishes Christ’s value. Jesus was equal with God while also being completely under His authority. This is the way God has ordained life. Men and women are of the same nature, but they function with different roles and giftings. Relationally, God has defined the optimal authority structure for their benefit – not to their shame. Any man who uses this verse to lord over a woman does not truly understand the relationship that God had with Jesus.
“The Bible is just as specific: there is no general submission of women unto men commanded in society; only in the spheres of the home and in the church. God has not commanded in His word that men have exclusive authority in the areas of politics, business, education, and so on. The failure of men to lead in the home and in the church, and to lead in the way Jesus would lead, has been a chief cause of the rejection of male authority – and is inexcusable.”
David Guzik