Divisions among you! 1 Corinthians 11

Paul continues to address problems that were apparent in the church at Corinth. Apparently, according to this section, there were two more problems he has been asked to address and clarify for the members of the church. The first dispute covered in this chapter was in regard to head coverings. Their apparently was a dispute in the church as to whether a women in church could pray without having her head properly covered. (Paul will eventually address the woman's activities in the worship service in chapter 14, as well. There must have been some strong, outspoken women in the church at Corinth and someone was bothered by them.) Paul simply tells them that, yes, a women should have her head covered in the church because it shows the order of creation (the man first and the women second). If you only read the first ten verses, however, you would probably have a dominate view of men in the church over women. However, verse eleven begins with, an "however." In verse eleven on further Paul reminds them that the women's hair is given to her as a natural covering and that should suffice the argument. If not, he has nothing further to say. He then goes on to talk about the second topic; those eating and drinking during the Lord's Table, who didn't respect the purpose of the table or those coming to the table. His point in all this is to point out to them that their divisions and arguments are not right and not good for the body. Paul wants them to know that these arguments, although having merit in one way, were a distraction and did not glorify God. He wants them to come together for the purpose of unity and to set aside these sins and arguments that are pulling them apart. Perhaps this is the one book we should study for modern day Christianity. Paul wants them to center on Christ and to focus on their oneness in Christ and not dispute whether sister Mary wears a hat in church. The Spirit wants to develop a spirit of unity in our midst not a spirit of contention and division.