I Corinthians 11, Hijab, Unity and Communion

In this chapter, Paul digresses briefly to discuss a topic of that day, "head coverings".  (Think Islamic hijab) and then returns to his emphasis on unity, describing the importance of the communal celebration of the Passover supper, as modified by Jesus.

I Corinthians 11:1, Christ, the Example
Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

This verse might be part of chapter 10, where Paul says, "even as I try to please everybody in every way" (i.e. "Be all things to all people,")

I Corinthians 11:2-10, On head coverings and male/female roles
I praise you for remembering me in everything and for holding to the teachings, just as I passed them on to you. Now I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head--it is just as though her head were shaved.

If a woman does not cover her head, she should have her hair cut off; and if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut or shaved off, she should cover her head. A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man. For man did not come from woman, but woman from man; neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. For this reason, and because of the angels, the woman ought to have a sign of authority on her head.

From NIV footnotes, "teachings" in verse 2 could also mean "traditions".

This is a controversial passage as it seems to support clearly defined gender roles, although the Church has historically deviated quite a bit from them (few Christian churches see women in head coverings) and Paul certainly had women engage in his ministry in leadership type of roles (see the last chapter of Romans, for example.)

There are two ways to approach this passage and the verses that follow.  One can argue that these are Scriptural principles and universal.  (The language in the above verses tends to support that.) Or one can argue that this passage is cultural, aimed specifically at the questions posed by the Corinthian church for living in community in Corinth.  (Some of the specific details, ignored elsewhere in scripture and later ignored by the church, tend to support that argument)

I Corinthians 11:11-16, More on hair and head coverings

In the Lord, however, woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God.

Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering.

If anyone wants to be contentious about this, we have no other practice--nor do the churches of God.

Those who argue for a first-century, cultural interpretation of these instructions have markers here in this passage, as Paul begins with an "equality" argument for those "in the Lord" and then rather a rather snippy statement (in my opinion) about what "seems natural" and then ends with a comment, "well, we have no other practice [at this time?]."

I Corinthians 11:17-19, Divisions and church unity
In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good. In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it. No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God's approval.

Regarding verse 18 and divisions within the church -- you should see it today, Paul!

 I Corinthians 11:20-22, Unity at the Lord's table
When you come together, it is not the Lord's Supper you eat, for as you eat, each of you goes ahead without waiting for anybody else. One remains hungry, another gets drunk. Don't you have homes to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you for this? Certainly not!

As in chapter 10, the Lord's Supper is used as a unifying event.  It is not a time for gluttony or drunkenness.  Paul chastises the church for eating and drinking too much at what is supposed to be a serious (but joyous) celebration.

I Corinthians 11:23-26, How communion supper should be served
For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me."

In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.

Paul is describing the last supper of Jesus, in the upper room, before his arrest.  The supper has two components, a loaf of bread symbolizing Jesus's body and a glass of wine, symbolizing his blood. Both are intended to be regularly celebrated, as a way of remembering the death (and resurrection) of Jesus.

I Corinthians 11:27-30, Examine yourselves as you eat and drink in community

Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep.

Let's examine (or "judge") ourselves, before the Lord does.  Treat the Lord's Supper (Communion, Mass) as a serious celebration.

I Corinthians 11:31-34, Judge yourself 
But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.

So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for each other. If anyone is hungry, he should eat at home, so that when you meet together it may not result in judgment. And when I come I will give further directions.

In the next chapter, Paul turns to a question about spiritual gifts.