1 Corinthians 11:2-34

This chapter deals with two irregularities in public worship.
The first concerns the proper way for women to dress when they take part in public worship.
The second concerns unchristian behavior at the social meal, which was the occasion of the observance of the Lord’s Supper.

  1. What were the arguments that Paul brought forward to insist that in Corinth women should be veiled in public worship?
    a. How far are these arguments of permanent validity?
    b. Can their application vary where prevailing social customs differ from those of Paul’s day?
  2. What (according to verses 23-26) is the central significance of the Lord’s Supper?
    a. What were the causes of some receiving it unworthily?
    b. See verses 17-22 and 27-32.
    c. How can we make our reception more worthy?


  1. Verse 10. ‘Because of the angels’: Christian worship was probably regarded as conducted in their presence and open to their view.
  2. Verse 10. The veil was both a symbol of authority, reminding the woman that her husband was her head, and also a sign of her modesty and charity, for no respectable woman was seen without one in Corinth at that time.