1 Corinthians 12 Literary Context

I will now begin an exposition of 1 Corinthians 12, using chapters 10 and 11 as the context in which these verses are framed.  I will also provide some historical data that is relevant to the passage.  I believe this chapter is frequently misunderstood.  Paul told the recipients of his letter that he did not want them to be uninformed concerning spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:1), and I believe he would not want us to be uninformed, either.  I pray that this study would remain faithful to the original meaning of the text, and that brothers and sisters in Christ would find it encouraging.

• Paul has just finished warning the Corinthians against giving offense to anyone, including the church of God; he has also stated that he tries to please everyone in everything he does, not seeking his advantage but that of many (1 Cor. 10:32-33).
• With that in mind, he commends the Corinthians for adhering to one tradition he passed down: the custom of exposing or covering one’s head during a worship service.  In that society, an uncovered head symbolized rank and authority, whereas a covered head symbolized subjection and submission. The men are to leave their heads uncovered during prayer and prophecy, since they are the image and glory of God.  For the man to cover his head, he would dishonor his “head,” namely, God.  For the woman to uncover her head, she would dishonor her “head,” namely, her husband.  Both must operate within the prescribed roles God has assigned to them—man as the figure of authority and leadership, and woman as the one in subjection to his leadership.  If a wife were to shave her head or remove the veil during prayer or prophecy, she would be making a public statement that she is of equal authority with her husband—which would be disgraceful.  Paul ends the section by declaring that the uncovering or covering of one’s head is practiced by the churches of God, so one ought not to be contentious with the practice.  (Of course, this practice is not present in our culture.  However, Paul’s primary concern is that we operate in the roles God has assigned to us, particularly in marriage.  The husband is the authority and leader, and the wife is subject to him.  He warns wives against acting in a manner that usurps—or appears to usurp—the authoritative role of the husband.)
• Paul does not commend the Corinthians for the manner in which they celebrate the Lord’s Supper.  Apparently, some Corinthians were hungry before taking the supper, so they gathered a great heap of food and wine and ignored other members in the church.  Some were getting drunk while others went hungry.  We must remember Paul’s earlier words about not giving offense to anyone, and about trying to please everyone in everything he does—not seeking his own advantage but that of many.  That idea must linger in the background of our minds as we examine subsequent passages.  Inhibiting others from partaking in the Lord’s Supper is not in keeping with Christian kindness or self-deprecation.  He warns the saints that it is dangerous to eat the bread and drink the cup in an unworthy manner; some have done so and fallen ill or died.  It is proper to be discerning and self-reflective during the Lord’s Supper.