As we continue to expound the section in 1 Corinthians 11 about head coverings, the importance of honor versus shame is prominent. There is uncertainty about the exact practices which were troubling the Corinthians but it is very likely the influence of pagan practices in the Roman culture.

We cite a scholar who speaks of “the ‘new Roman women’ of the time who were known for their disregard of the traditional marks of female modesty and purity.” The key requirement of this whole section in context is to maintain gender distinctions.

We also point out that in our day in America, gender distinctions are under attack and we cannot allow the practices of the pagan culture to influence the church. Paul mentions prophesying which is not spontaneous speech but reasoned discourse about the gospel and Christ-centered truths.

Paul alludes to Genesis 1:26-27 and then Genesis 2:18-23 which show that gender distinctions come from creation and cannot be set aside for cultural reasons. That being said, exactly what the head coverings were and how they fit into Christian services are cultural.

What may be honorable in one culture can be shameful in another. I give examples of this. The key idea is to love and care for every member of the body of Christ and behave in any way that is shameful or draws attention to oneself at the expense of others. We also deal with the issue of angels who have zeal to protect God’s glory.