In this second part of our study on the head covering in 1 Corinthians 11, we dive deeper into the historical and cultural context of the first-century church. Was the command for women to cover their heads merely a localized custom for Corinth, or was it a universal practice based on deeper theological truths?
We examine Roman, Greek, and Jewish customs of the time, evaluate scholarly arguments like those from Gordon Fee, and look at how these historical realities align with Paul’s reasoning.
In this video, we discuss:
- The "Shame" of Shaved Heads: Examining historical evidence for whether a shaved head was a sign of adultery or prostitution in Corinth.
- Roman vs. Greek Customs: Understanding the Toga (for men) and the Palla (for women), and how covering the head was viewed in Roman worship.
- Did "Covering" Mean the Face?: Why historical evidence suggests the "veil" was a head covering, not a face-covering veil common in later cultures.
- Jewish Influence: A look at when and why the Jewish tradition of the Yarmulke (skull cap) began—and how it may have been a reaction to Christian practice.
- Evaluating the "Holy Kiss" Argument: Comparing the head covering to the command of the "holy kiss" and asking if we can simply adapt it to our modern culture.
- The Trans-Cultural Reason: Why Paul appeals to the created order, the nature of headship, and even the angels rather than just local social norms.
Key Takeaways:
While culture certainly provides the backdrop, the primary reasons Paul gives for the head covering—headship and creation—transcend cultural boundaries. We conclude by looking at why these "traditions" were delivered to all the churches of God, not just those in a specific cultural monolithic environment.