1 Corinthians 11:16

Contentious] argumentative; not open to conviction. No such custom] i.e. that women should be unveiled. For similar appeal to the example of other Churches, see on 1 Corinthians 4:17; 1 Corinthians 7:17; 1 Corinthians 14:33 : Cp. with the whole passage 1 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 5:22; 1 Timothy 2:8.

17-34. (d) The Proper Observance of the Lord's Supper

Like other societies and guilds in Greek cities, the early Christians used to have a common meal, to which all contributed according to their power, the rich helping their poorer brethren. Being thus a token of brotherly love and Christian fellowship, it was called a 'Love Feast' (Gk. agapê, see Judges 1:12 RV). In the earliest times the Eucharist was connected with it, as at the institution of the Lord's Supper, from which perhaps this feast was copied. But later on, perhaps in consequence of such disorders as those here mentioned, the two were separated, the Eucharist being held in the morning, the Love Feast in the evening; and the latter gradually died out. Here the two are clearly united, and it is not clear whether 'the Lord's Supper' means the whole feast or the memorial service preceding or following the 'Love Feast.' This feast had been greatly abused by the selfishness and individualism so prevalent at Corinth. Each individual or small clique began at once to consume the food and wine brought by themselves without waiting for the whole community to assemble, and without letting the poorer brethren share with them. What ought to have been an evidence of brotherly love had become an exhibition of selfish greed; and under these circumstances it was impossible to have an orderly and reverent administration of Holy Communion. See also art. 'The Church in the Apostolic Age.' St. Paul in this passage denounces this conduct (1 Corinthians 11:17). He blames them for the divisions and abuses which desecrated their religious meetings, and shows (1 Corinthians 11:20) how this spirit is fatal to the proper observance of the Lord's Supper. He reminds them of the institution and meaning of the Eucharist (1 Corinthians 11:23), of the need of partaking in a right spirit, and the sin and penalty of doing otherwise (1 Corinthians 11:27). He concludes (1 Corinthians 11:33) with practical recommendations, which he will supplement when he comes.