Understanding Scripture: Context, Culture, and Community
Summary
When we open the Bible, we are stepping into a foreign and ancient world, one with customs, language, and worldviews very different from our own. Just as travelers must learn the culture and language of a new country, we must approach Scripture with humility and curiosity, seeking to understand the context in which it was written. The Bible is not a single book but a library, and each part—whether poetry, history, or biography—requires careful interpretation. In 1 Corinthians 11, Paul addresses the church in Corinth, a young and immature group of believers wrestling with their old pagan worldview and learning what it means to live in the kingdom of Jesus.
Paul’s approach is both pastoral and corrective. Before addressing their behavior, he reminds them of their identity in Christ and the grace they have received. The passage about head coverings, hair length, and authority can seem strange or even irrelevant to us today, but it was deeply rooted in the cultural and social norms of the Greco-Roman world. For the Corinthians, head coverings were a visible sign of submission, purity, and marital status. Paul’s instructions were not arbitrary but addressed specific issues in their context—issues that, if misunderstood, could lead to confusion or even division in the church.
Understanding passages like this requires discernment. We must distinguish between what is timeless and what is cultural, between what is essential doctrine and what is a matter of custom. Scientific discoveries, cultural shifts, and spiritual discernment all play a role in how we interpret Scripture. Without this, we risk misusing or abusing the text, as has happened throughout history.
Paul also emphasizes the interdependence and equality of men and women in Christ. While men and women are different, both are made in the image of God, and together they reflect His fullness. Jesus Himself elevated the status of women, breaking cultural barriers and affirming their value and role in His kingdom. Finally, Paul reminds the Corinthians—and us—of the sacredness of our gatherings. Communion, worship, and fellowship are holy moments, not to be taken lightly or treated casually. We are the body of Christ, called to honor Him and one another.
When we encounter difficult or confusing passages, we look to Jesus, the living Word, who is the ultimate revelation of God’s heart and truth. He is the lens through which we interpret all of Scripture, and He is the one who leads us into understanding, healing, and wholeness.
Key Takeaways
- Approaching Scripture as a Foreign Land
Reading the Bible requires us to step outside our own cultural assumptions and enter the ancient world of its authors. Without understanding the historical and cultural context, we risk misinterpreting or misapplying its teachings. Humility and curiosity are essential as we seek to hear what God is saying through the text, not just what we want to hear. [02:37]
- Distinguishing Timeless Truth from Cultural Practice
Not every command or custom in Scripture is meant to be universally applied across all times and cultures. Some instructions, like those about head coverings in Corinth, were deeply tied to the social norms and beliefs of their day. Discernment is needed to recognize what is essential for all believers and what was specific to a particular context. [08:19]
- The Dangers of Misusing Scripture
History is full of examples where misunderstanding the context of Scripture has led to harmful or bizarre practices, from snake handling to “sin eating.” When we fail to interpret the Bible wisely, we can create unnecessary burdens or even distort the gospel. True understanding comes from careful study, openness to correction, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. [10:37]
- Equality and Interdependence in Christ
Men and women are both made in the image of God and are equal in Christ, though they are different in many ways. The full image of God is reflected in both male and female together, and neither is independent of the other. Jesus and Paul both affirmed the dignity, value, and ministry of women, challenging the oppressive norms of their time. [22:38]
- The Sacredness of Christian Community
Our gatherings—whether for worship, communion, or fellowship—are holy and should be treated with reverence. The church is not a social club but the body and bride of Christ, called to honor Him and one another. Remembering the sacredness of our life together keeps us humble, grateful, and focused on what truly matters. [26:03]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:23] - Entering a Foreign Land: Bible and Culture
[02:37] - Understanding Ancient Worldviews
[04:10] - Paul’s Relationship with the Corinthians
[05:31] - Hermeneutics: How to Read Scripture
[07:25] - The Head Covering Controversy
[08:19] - Interpreting Difficult Passages
[09:31] - Personal Story: Hair, Culture, and Misunderstanding
[10:37] - The Dangers of Misapplied Scripture
[12:49] - Headship and Authority in Corinth
[15:05] - Angels, Genesis 6, and Spiritual Realities
[16:13] - Cultural Beliefs about Hair and Sexuality
[17:17] - The Role of Science and Culture in Interpretation
[19:46] - The Principle Behind Paul’s Instructions
[21:16] - Helpmates: Equality and Interdependence
[22:38] - Jesus and the Liberation of Women
[24:40] - Holiness in Gatherings and Communion
[26:03] - The Sacredness of the Church
[27:02] - Looking to Jesus When the Bible is Confusing
[28:12] - Prayer for Healing, Provision, and Community
[29:45] - Closing Blessing and Benediction
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Hairdos, Hairdonts, and Hermeneutics”
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### Bible Reading
1 Corinthians 11:2-16 (ESV)
Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you. But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God. Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head, but every wife who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, since it is the same as if her head were shaven. For if a wife will not cover her head, then she should cut her hair short. But since it is disgraceful for a wife to cut off her hair or shave her head, let her cover her head. For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man. For man was not made from woman, but woman from man. Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. That is why a wife ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman; for as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman. And all things are from God. Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a wife to pray to God with her head uncovered? Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair it is a disgrace for him, but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering. If anyone is inclined to be contentious, we have no such practice, nor do the churches of God.
Genesis 1:27 (ESV)
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Galatians 3:28 (ESV)
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
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### Observation Questions
1. What cultural practices about head coverings and hair does Paul mention in 1 Corinthians 11, and how did these practices function in the Corinthian church? ([05:31])
2. According to the sermon, what did head coverings and hair length symbolize for men and women in the Greco-Roman world? ([12:49])
3. How does Paul describe the relationship between men and women in verses 11-12? What does he say about their dependence on each other? ([21:16])
4. What does the sermon say about how Jesus and Paul treated women compared to the culture of their time? ([22:38])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul spend time reminding the Corinthians of their identity in Christ before correcting their behavior? How might this approach affect how we receive correction? ([04:10])
2. The sermon talks about the need to distinguish between timeless truths and cultural practices. How can someone tell the difference between what is essential for all Christians and what was specific to the Corinthians’ culture? ([08:19])
3. The pastor shared a story about his daughter being criticized for her hair length on a mission trip. What does this story reveal about the dangers of misapplying Scripture without understanding its context? ([09:31])
4. Paul says that men and women are interdependent and equal in Christ. How does this teaching challenge or affirm your own views about gender roles in the church? ([21:16])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon compared reading the Bible to traveling in a foreign country, where you have to learn new customs and language. What are some “cultural assumptions” you bring to the Bible, and how might they affect your understanding of Scripture? ([02:37])
2. Have you ever encountered a Bible passage that seemed strange or confusing? How did you respond, and what helped you make sense of it? ([27:02])
3. Think about a time when you or someone you know misused a Bible verse because the context wasn’t understood. What was the result, and what could have been done differently? ([10:37])
4. The sermon emphasized the sacredness of Christian gatherings like worship and communion. Are there ways you have treated church or fellowship too casually? What would it look like to approach these times with more reverence? ([26:03])
5. Paul and Jesus both affirmed the value and ministry of women, even when it went against cultural norms. Are there ways you can help affirm the dignity and gifts of women in your church or community? ([22:38])
6. When you come across a difficult or controversial passage in the Bible, what steps can you take to seek understanding and avoid jumping to conclusions? ([08:19])
7. The sermon said that Jesus is the “living Word” and the lens through which we interpret all Scripture. How can you keep your focus on Jesus when you’re wrestling with hard parts of the Bible? ([27:02])
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Devotional
Day 1: Understanding Scripture in Its Ancient Context
When we open the Bible, we are entering not just a foreign land, but an ancient one, with customs, language, and worldviews very different from our own. Recognizing this helps us avoid misunderstandings and misapplications of Scripture, especially in passages that seem strange or confusing. By seeking to understand the mindset and culture of the biblical authors, we can better grasp the timeless truths God wants to communicate, rather than imposing our own modern assumptions onto the text. [02:37]
1 Corinthians 11:2-16 (ESV)
Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you. But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God. Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head, but every wife who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, since it is the same as if her head were shaven. For if a wife will not cover her head, then she should cut her hair short. But since it is disgraceful for a wife to cut off her hair or shave her head, let her cover her head. For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man. For man was not made from woman, but woman from man. Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. That is why a wife ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman; for as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman. And all things are from God. Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a wife to pray to God with her head uncovered? Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair it is a disgrace for him, but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering. If anyone is inclined to be contentious, we have no such practice, nor do the churches of God.
Reflection: What is one passage of Scripture that has confused you in the past? How might learning about its original context help you understand it better today?
Day 2: The Principle of Headship and Mutual Submission
The biblical teaching on headship is not about domination or hierarchy, but about order, honor, and mutual dependence under God’s authority. In the ancient world, head coverings symbolized a wife’s respect for her husband and, more importantly, her submission to God. Yet, Paul also affirms that men and women are interdependent and equal in Christ, each reflecting God’s image in unique ways. This calls us to honor one another and recognize the sacredness of our relationships, rooted in God’s design. [12:49]
Ephesians 5:21-25 (ESV)
…submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her…
Reflection: In what ways can you show honor and mutual respect to those closest to you today, reflecting God’s design for relationships?
Day 3: Discernment in Applying Scripture
Not every command or practice in Scripture is meant to be applied literally in every culture and time. God calls us to use spiritual discernment, understanding the difference between timeless truths and cultural expressions. Without discernment, we risk either ignoring challenging passages or creating unnecessary rules that miss the heart of God’s message. By seeking the Spirit’s guidance and the wisdom of the broader church, we can faithfully interpret and live out God’s Word in our own context. [10:37]
James 1:5 (ESV)
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
Reflection: Is there a biblical teaching you’ve struggled to apply? Ask God for wisdom and discernment to understand how it should shape your life today.
Day 4: The Sacredness of Christian Community and Worship
Gathering as the church is not just a routine or social event—it is a sacred act. Paul reminds the Corinthians that their worship, especially the Lord’s Supper, had become disorderly and self-centered, losing sight of its holy purpose. When we come together, we are the body and bride of Christ, called to honor Him and one another with reverence, unity, and joy. Our gatherings are holy moments where God’s presence is among us, shaping us into His people. [26:03]
1 Corinthians 11:17-22 (ESV)
But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse. For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part, for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized. When you come together, it is not the Lord’s supper that you eat. For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not.
Reflection: How can you approach your next time of worship or fellowship with a deeper sense of its sacredness and your role in honoring Christ and others?
Day 5: Keeping Our Eyes on Jesus, the Living Word
When the Bible seems confusing or difficult, we are invited to look to Jesus—the living Word of God—who reveals God’s heart and purpose most clearly. Jesus is the center of Scripture, the one who fulfills and transcends every command, custom, and story. By keeping our eyes on Him, we find clarity, hope, and the true meaning of God’s Word for our lives. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and He leads us as we seek to follow Him faithfully in our generation. [27:02]
Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Reflection: When you encounter something in Scripture or life that doesn’t make sense, how can you intentionally turn your focus to Jesus and trust Him to guide you?
Quotes
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