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In the last article, I made the statement that women are not obligated to wear the head covering today. But the principle of humility and modesty that Paul was encouraging, is needed today as much as it ever was. The carnal Corinthian-type church is alive and well in America today; here is one example.
Several years ago, I was greeting people, as I got ready to exit the church after the service. As I got close to the back, I noticed a woman wearing less clothing than many women wear to go swimming at the beach. Now why would someone come to worship God in clothing that is contrary to His word? Is it possible that some people have never been taught any better?
This seems to have been part of the problem in the church at Corinth. Another possibility is that some of the people in the church enjoyed the fellowship and what they could receive, but were never born again by the Spirit of God. They were never given a new heart to love and serve the Creator.
In verse 2, Paul mentions the traditions that he delivered to the Corinthian church. He is actually referring to teachings, or Scriptural principles. Today the word "traditions" can refer to anything that we do with customary frequency. It could be deer hunting, camping, family get-togethers, and even going to the beach. There can also be bad traditions as well as good ones.
The Apostle Paul is referring to Scriptural teachings, taught and also handed down by the fathers. Principles that promote strong families and healthy churches. This also sets a good example for the children to follow and brings glory unto God. The head covering was one of those Old Testament teachings that helped to promote purity and spiritual growth in the early church.
The head covering in the Old Testament was not the same thing as the veil; although the veil could be part of, or attached to the covering. It could also be a separate piece of cloth. The veil could be lifted or lowered, as a sign of humility and submission to the husband. It was also used to stop or hinder a man from making a sexual advance or attraction.
Because most of the body was covered, flirting or physical attraction was done mostly through the eye gate. Genesis 29:17 says this about Leah and Rachel. "Leah's eyes were delicate (dull), but Rachel was beautiful of form and appearance." This text leaves us with the impression that Rachel's eyes were lively,
like diamonds sparkling in the light
giving those around her,
happiness, joy, and delight.
What a pretty face,
What a lovely sight!
When Abraham went down to Egypt, he told Abimelech that Sarah was his sister. It also seems that she did not veil her face, but had roving, appealing eyes. After God spoke to Abimelech, he then comes to Abraham to make things right; he also reproves Sarah for her actions. The 1611 King James Version, says it this way in Genesis 20:16. Abimelech said to Sarah, "Behold I have given thy brother a thousand pieces of silver: behold he is to thee a covering of the eyes, unto all who are with thee, and with all other, thus she was reproved."
Abimelech seems to show some annoyance and sarcasm when he refers to Abraham as her "brother." He seems to be hinting that their foolish game caused a big problem. He then goes on to say that Abraham should be for her, "a covering of the eyes." Isn't it strange how God sometimes uses the people of the world to reprove his children.
Another text we want to look at is Genesis 24:65, where Rebekah sees Isaac in the field. "And the servant said, it is my master: therefore, she took a veil, and covered herself." Rebekah seemed to have some proper training, and a good example set by her parents. She chose to cover her face as an act of humility, that her entire person might be evaluated, not just her beauty and attractiveness.
In I Corinthians 11, when Paul speaks of traditions (teachings), I believe he is pointing back to Godly examples that were set for us to follow. The idea of modest dress, and prudent behavior, is still important in our churches and society today. Our daily lives should reflect the character of our Heavenly Father, not the devil. Comments or questions, contact me at: thoughtsonword@gmail.com
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Lyndon Stimeling, of Richfield, has been writing about faith and family for many years. He has self-published three books, "Common Thoughts on The Word" in 2016 and "Eye of a Needle" in 2017 and "Common Thoughts on The Word II' in 2019. He has also had articles published in The Coming Home Journal and local newspapers and has written a children's book.