Conduct in Public Worship. 1 Cor. 11, 1–34.
The natural sense of propriety supports the apostle: V. 13. Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered? V. 14. Doth not even nature itself teach you that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? V. 15. But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her; for her hair is given her for a covering. V. 16. But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.
Aside from all external authorities, the apostle here appeals to the natural feeling of his readers; they should decide for themselves whether the innate sense of decency and modesty did not seem to require, did not think it befitting or suitable for a woman to join in public prayer properly veiled. Or does not nature itself teach you that, if a man wears his hair long, it is a disgrace to him, but if a woman wears her hair long, it is a glory to her?
It is a significant thing that practically all nations in the world agree in having the men wear the hair short while that of the women is worn long; long hair in a man is considered a sign of effeminacy, while long hair in a woman is looked upon as her crowning beauty.
And although the sinful vanity of women, abetted by the foolish admiration of men, has placed the hair into the service of sin, 1 Peter 3, 3; 1 Timothy 2, 9, it remains true nevertheless: It is given her to serve as a covering, in the nature of a hood. Nature itself has insisted upon woman's veiling her head, and therefore it is proper for her to express this intention in keeping her head covered.
Since some of the Corinthians might feel inclined to take exception to these statements of Paul, he closes the discussion with a sharp word of warning: But if anyone thinks, presumes, is getting ready to be contentious, (he may know that) we have not that custom, neither the churches of God. Paul was acquainted with the quarrelsome disposition of some of the Corinthians; he knew that he might expect to be attacked for his position in this matter. And so he simply declares that he and his fellow-ministers did not have a custom of that kind.
Paul neither believed in extending Christian liberty beyond the boundaries of common decency nor in the specific practice of having the women take part in public worship unveiled. He thus cuts off all further disputation about the matter by appealing to universal Christian usage.
Note: The principle stated by the apostle holds to this day, and if propriety and decency in a certain matter require a degree of accommodation from Christians, they will be willing to concede the point for the sake of the Gospel.