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All of 1 Corinthians

Bible Chapter Summary

1 Corinthians 11 Summary

Head coverings and the Lord's Supper

Paul instructs the Corinthians on proper conduct in worship, establishing that Christ is the head of every man, the man is the head of the woman, and God is the head of Christ. He teaches that women should cover their heads when praying or prophesying, explaining through natural order and the creation account that this is fitting. Paul then rebukes the church for divisions and improper conduct at their gatherings, particularly their misuse of the Lord's Supper where some eat their own meal and get drunk while others go hungry. He reminds them of the Lord's institution of communion the night He was betrayed, explaining it is meant to be observed in remembrance of His death, and warns against eating and drinking unworthily.

Key themes

Head coverings in worshipChurch divisionsLord's Supper misuseOrder and proprietyRemembrance of Christ

Key verses

1 Corinthians 11:3

But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.

1 Corinthians 11:23-24

For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:

1 Corinthians 11:27

Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

1 Corinthians 11:33-34

Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another.

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