1 Corinthians 11:1

1Co 11:1-34. Censure on Disorders in Their Assemblies: Their Women Not Being Veiled, and Abuses at the Love-Feasts. 1. Rather belonging to the end of the tenth chapter, than to this chapter. followers--Greek, "imitators." of Christ--who did not please Himself (Ro 15:3); but gave Himself, at the cost of laying aside His divine glory, and dying as man, for us (Ep 5:2; Php 2:4, 5). We are to follow Christ first, and earthly teachers only so far as they follow Christ.

Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown, 1871 · public domain

1st Corinthians Chapter 11

THE first verse in this chapter properly belongs to the preceding, and is the conclusion of the discussion which the apostle had been carrying on in that and the previous chapters. It has been improperly separated from that chapter, and in reading should be read in connexion with it. The remainder of the chapter is properly divided into two parts:

I. A discussion respecting the impropriety of a woman's praying or prophesying with her head uncovered, (1Cor 11:2-16;) and,

II. A reproof of their irregularities in the observance of the Lord's Supper, 1Cor 11:17-34.

I. In regard to the first, it seems probable that some of the women who, on pretence of being inspired, had prayed or prophesied in the Corinthian church, had cast off their veils after the manner Of the heathen priestesses. This indecent and improper custom, the apostle reproves. He observes, therefore, that the pre-emmence belongs to man over the woman, even as pre-eminence belonged to Christ over the man; that it was a dishonour to Christ when a man prayed or prophesied with his head covered, and in like manner it was regarded everywhere as dishonourable and improper for a woman to lay. aside the appropriate symbol of her sex, and the emblem of subordination, and to be uncovered in the presence of the man, (1Cor 11:3-6;) that if a woman was not veiled, if she laid aside the appropriate emblem of her sex and of her subordinate condition, she might as well part with her hair, which all knew would be dishonourable and improper, (1Cor 11:6;) that the woman had been created for a subordinate station, and should observe it, (1Cor 11:7-9;) that she should have power on her head because of the angels, (1Cor 11:10;) and yet, lest this should depress her, and seem to convey the idea of her utter inferiority and unimportance, he adds, that in the plan of salvation they are in many respects on an equality with the man, that the same plan was adapted to both, that the same blessings are appointed for both sexes, and the same high hopes are held out to both, (1Cor 11:11,12;) and that nature on this subject was a good instructor, and showed that it was uncomely for a woman to pray with her head uncovered, that her hair had been given her for an ornament and for beauty, and that, as it would be as improper for her to remove her veil as to cut off her hair, nature itself required that this symbol of her subordination should not be laid aside in public, 1Cor 11:13-16.

II. Next, as to the irregularities in the observance of the Lord's Supper, the apostle observes, (1Cor 11:17,) that he could not commend them for what he was about to say. There had been, and there were, irregularities among them, which it was his duty to reprove. In 1Cor 11:18-22, he states what those irregularities were. He then (1Cor 11:23-26) states the true nature and design of the Lord's Supper, as it was very evident that they had not understood it, but supposed it was a common feast, such as they had been accustomed to observe in honour of idols. In 1Cor 11:27-29, he states the consequences of observing this ordinance in an improper manner, and the proper way of approaching it; and in 1Cor 11:30-32, observes that their improper mode of observing it was the cause of the punishment which many of them had experienced. He then concludes by directing them to celebrate the Lord's Supper together; to eat at home when they were hungry; and not to abuse the Lord's Supper by making it an occasion of feasting; and assures them that the other matters of irregularity he would set in order when he should come among them.

Verse 1. Be ye followers of me. Imitate my example in the matter now under discussion. As I deny myself; as I seek to give no offence to any one; as I endeavour not to alarm the prejudices of others, but in all things to seek their salvation, so do you. This verse belongs to the previous chapter, and should not have been separated from it. It is the close of the discussion there.

Even as I also am of Christ. I make Christ my example. He is my model in all things; and if you follow him, and follow me as far as I follow him, you will not err. This is the only safe example; and if we follow this, we can never go astray.

(a) "ye followers" Eph 5:1, 1Thes 1:6 (*) "followers" "Imitators"

Albert Barnes, 1834 · public domain

Introduction

The apostle reprehends the Corinthians for several irregularities in their manner of conducting public worship; the men praying or prophesying with their heads covered, and the women with their heads uncovered, contrary to custom, propriety, and decency, 1Cor 11:1-6. Reasons why they should act differently, 1Cor 11:7-16. They are also reproved for their divisions and heresies, 1Cor 11:17-19. And for the irregular manner in which they celebrated the Lord's Supper, 1Cor 11:20-22. The proper manner of celebrating this holy rite laid down by the apostle, 1Cor 11:23-26. Directions for a profitable receiving of the Lord's Supper, and avoiding the dangerous consequences of communicating unworthily, 1Cor 11:27-34. Verse 1 Be ye followers of me - This verse certainly belongs to the preceding chapter, and is here out of all proper place and connection.

Adam Clarke, 1831 · public domain

Chapter Outline

The apostle, after an exhortation to follow him, (1) corrects some abuses. (2-16)

• Also contentions, divisions, and disorderly celebrations of the Lord's supper. (17-22)

• He reminds them of the nature and design of its institution. (23-26)

• And directs how to attend upon it in a due manner. (27-34)

Verse 1 The first verse of this chapter seems properly to be the close to the last. The apostle not only preached such doctrine as they ought to believe, but led such a life as they ought to live. Yet Christ being our perfect example, the actions and conduct of men, as related in the Scriptures, should be followed only so far as they are like to his.

Matthew Henry, 1706 · public domain