1 Corinthians 11: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 1 Corinthians 11 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Paul tells the Corinthians to imitate him as he imitates Christ (vv. 1-2). He explains that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man (vv. 3-10). Men should not cover their heads when praying or prophesying, while women must cover theirs (vv. 4-6). Paul states that a woman's hair is given to her as a covering (v. 15). He also emphasizes that men and women are interdependent in the Lord (vv. 11-12).

Key verse

“For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
1 Corinthians 11:26 (WEB)

Outline

1 Corinthians 11:1–2 Imitating Christ and Holding Traditions
1 Corinthians 11:3–10 Head Coverings and Authority
1 Corinthians 11:11–16 Interdependence of Men and Women
1 Corinthians 11:17–22 Divisions in the Church
1 Corinthians 11:23–26 The Institution of the Lord's Supper
1 Corinthians 11:27–32 Worthy Participation in Communion
1 Corinthians 11:33–34 Order During the Meal

Discussion questions

In v3, who is said to be the 'head' of every man?
What does Paul mention in v18 as existing among the Corinthians when they come together?
In v10, what does Paul mean by a woman having 'authority over her own head'?
In v27, why does Paul state that eating in an 'unworthy' manner makes one guilty?
When have you seen someone behave disrespectfully during a communal meal like the Lord's Supper?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 1 Corinthians 11: 2 Corinthians 13, John 6, 1 Corinthians 14.

Before next time: read 1 Corinthians 12.