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This article explores the theological and pastoral significance of a notoriously troubled and troubling text, 1 Corinthians 11:2–16, asking what this text’s difficulties have to teach us about the purpose of Scripture in the church’s life of worship and witness. It does so, first, by an explication of the text’s “literal sense,” and then by examination of its effective history, especially as exemplified in the works of John Chrysostom, Thomas Aquinas, John Calvin, and Karl Barth. This, in turn, leads to a brief survey of various modern interpretations, such as those offered by Gordon Fee, William Webb, and Lucy Peppiatt. Finally, the article turns to the construction of a possible alternative reading, one that is hopefully better fitted to pentecostal spirituality and theology and, just for that reason, also holds ecumenical promise. This article explores the theological and pastoral significance of a notoriously troubled and troubling text, 1 Corinthians 11:2–16, asking what this text’s difficulties have to teach us about the purpose of Scripture in the church’s life of worship and witness. It does so, first, by an explication of the text’s “literal sense,” and then by examination of its effective history, especially as exemplified in the works of John Chrysostom, Thomas Aquinas, John Calvin, and Karl Barth. This, in turn, leads to a brief survey of various modern interpretations, such as those offered by Gordon Fee, William Webb, and Lucy Peppiatt. Finally, the article turns to the construction of a possible alternative reading, one that is hopefully better fitted to pentecostal spirituality and theology and, just for that reason, also holds ecumenical promise.
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