Chapter Summary

Christian order and the Lord's supper. Meaning of the Lord's table.

Discussion Questions for 1 Corinthians, Chapter 11

1. Why does Paul encourage the Corinthian church to "imitate" (HCSB) him? What does this teach us about leadership in the church? How do both good and bad examples of leadership impact the "everyday" person in the pews?
2. Verses 2-13 are extremely controversial. What do you think is the meaning of "head coverings" in this passage? Is Paul's teaching based on culture, or timeless principles? How would you defend your answer?
3. How do you define "authority" (HCSB) in this passage? How does our culture push back on the idea of men having authority over women in the church? In what ways has or can this be abused in churches today?
4. Do you think Paul is being sarcastic in verse 6? Why or why not? What does a woman's hair have to do with her relationship to God?
5. How do divisions occur in the church? What is an example of a division that you have seen in the Body of Christ, and how was it resolved (or not resolved)? What impact did it have on the church as a whole?
6. How was the Lord's Supper used as a source of conflict in this passage? What does this tell you about how the Lord's Supper was done in Paul's day? In what ways then would this differ or compare to your experience with the Lord's Supper in your church today?
7. This passage seems to say that some people even died because they took the Lord's Supper in an "unworthy" (HCSB) manner. Do you think this still happens today? What does this reveal about the importance and gravity of the Lord's Supper as an ordinance of the church?
8. What does it mean to "examine" (HCSB) yourself? How do you typically do this in church today? Why is it important to evaluate our lives before we take the Lord's Supper?
9. What is the "covenant" (HCSB) that Paul mentions in verse 25? How does the Lord's Supper exemplify a covenant of God? What comparisons do we see of this and other instances in the Old Testament?
10. Verse 34 seems to imply that Paul would see the Corinthian Church in person. How would you describe the relationship of Paul and this church? Why is it significant that the Bible records both Paul's written instructions, and his personal visits?

Key Words/Phrase

Covered heads, v. 4. Lord's supper, v. 20.

Characters

God, Christ, Paul.

Strong Verse(s)

3, 19, 23-27, 31, 32.