Paul here encourages the Corinthian church to keep the tradition of men having their heads uncovered and women wearing head coverings during worship. He teaches them to follow the current standards for what was considered respectable women and men (6), so that the church of Jesus would have a good reputation. Paul is following the principle he gave in Chapter 10 of using our freedom in Christ to set an example that unbelievers can respect.

The meaning of head coverings is that they are a sign of being under authority. We know that ultimately, we are all under Christ’s authority, and that Christ humbly submitted himself to God’s will (3). So, there is nothing wrong with visible signs of authority. There is a natural order to the roles of women and men in earthly society, but in Christ, men and women are interdependent (11-12), so everyone should be humble under God.

Clothing is merely a visible sign and so is not an essential matter of faith. But it is good to dress, speak, and act in a way that indicates we are not our own but belong to Christ, and not to be contentious about debatable matters but seek unity in the church (16).
Application: Father, thank you teaching us that everything is under you. Help me build unity in the church, knowing we are all under Christ’s authority.
One Word: The head is Christ