Useful Bible Studies > 1 Corinthians Commentary > chapter 11
In Paul’s opinion, it is not wrong that, sometimes, a man has authority over a woman. Examples include a father’s authority over his daughter, or a husband’s authority over his wife. These types of authority are something that, originally, God established.
To prove this, Paul again refers to Genesis 2:21. God made the first woman from the side of the first man. God did that in order to provide a helper who would be suitable for the man (Genesis 2:18). He created the woman for the man.
Of course, that does not allow men to use their authority in an evil or cruel manner. God created the first woman from the man; but every man since then has been born to a woman. Men depend on women even as women depend on men. That is not just true about birth. It is also true about almost every part of human society.
God intended that men should use their authority with an attitude of love. We sometimes see genuine love in human relationships. However, perfect love between men and women is only possible in their relationship with Christ.
That is so because God is bringing all his people together in their relationship with Christ. They are like a body where every part is necessary (12:14-27). In God’s church, both men and women from every nation depend on each other and they need each other (Galatians 3:28). Each member is an important and necessary part of the church, and that includes men and women, boys and girls. It includes everyone who has trusted Christ to save them.
Next part: How to behave when the Holy Spirit is active (1 Corinthians 11:13-15)
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© 2014, Keith Simons.