So what’s all the ruckus about 1 Corinthians chapter 11:2-16?
Historically, it is a text that has been the source of much contention and sin among God’s people. Head coverings and attire in worship are matters that some Christians have used to sinfully separate from and judge other Christians over. It is a text that has been the source of much pride, concerning the external head attire of women in the church. This is also a text that has vexed many modern readers and commentators. It is an all but beloved text for many, because it contains one of the lengthiest sections in the New Testament on the headship of men in the marriage relationship. The best of interpreters cannot agree on the cultural context or on many exegetical details in the text. Others ignore and neglect this text as culturally irrelevant. But the fact that many find this text unappealing or difficult is no reason to assume it is not written by Paul through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit for a significant purpose in the life and worship of God’s people throughout the ages.
What seems clear from the text is that Paul is concerned with the women in the assembly who are praying or prophesying with their heads uncovered and the shame associated therein. That’s all, nothing more. This sermon tackles this text without ignoring it, or explaining it away. Listen and discover that while many make ‘much ado’ about the head coverings themselves, that this is a text that will teach us so much more about life and godliness than merely what a women ought to wear on her head in church.
