Chapter 11
Chapter Outline
The apostle, after an exhortation to follow (1)
him,
corrects some abuses. (2–16)
Also contentions, divisions, and disorderly (17–22)
celebrations of the Lord's supper.
He reminds them of the nature and design (23–26)
of its institution.
And directs how to attend upon it in a due (27–34)
manner.Verse 1
The first verse of this chapter seems properly to be the close to the last. The apostle not only
preached such doctrine as they ought to believe, but led such a life as they ought to live. Yet Christ
being our perfect example, the actions and conduct of men, as related in the Scriptures, should be
followed only so far as they are like to his.
Verses 2–16
Here begin particulars respecting the public assemblies, ch. 1Co 14. In the abundance of spiritual
gifts bestowed on the Corinthians, some abuses had crept in; but as Christ did the will, and sought
the honour of God, so the Christian should avow his subjection to Christ, doing his will and seeking
his glory. We should, even in our dress and habit, avoid every thing that may dishonour Christ.
The woman was made subject to man, because made for his help and comfort. And she should do
nothing, in Christian assemblies, which looked like a claim of being equal. She ought to have
“power,” that is, a veil, on her head, because of the angels. Their presence should keep Christians
from all that is wrong while in the worship of God. Nevertheless, the man and the woman were
made for one another. They were to be mutual comforts and blessings, not one a slave, and the
other a tyrant. God has so settled matters, both in the kingdom of providence and that of grace, that
the authority and subjection of each party should be for mutual help and benefit. It was the common
usage of the churches, for women to appear in public assemblies, and join in public worship, veiled;
and it was right that they should do so. The Christian religion sanctions national customs wherever
these are not against the great principles of truth and holiness; affected singularities receive no
countenance from any thing in the Bible.
Verses 17–22
The apostle rebukes the disorders in their partaking of the Lord's supper. The ordinances of
Christ, if they do not make us better, will be apt to make us worse. If the use of them does not mend,