Discussion Questions

Bercot argues that the early churches unanimously understood Paul’s “covering” in 1 Corinthians 11 to be a cloth veil rather than long hair. How should the consistent practice of the first generations of Christians affect the way modern believers read disputed passages of Scripture? JumpstartAnother way to ask: Bercot says the first churches all believed Paul’s “covering” in 1 Corinthians 11 meant a cloth veil, not long hair. How should the practice of the earliest Christians shape how we read Bible passages that Christians debate today?

Tertullian says, “What the apostles taught, the disciples of the apostles confirmed.” What level of weight should Christians give to early Christian testimony when it challenges interpretations that are common in our own churches? JumpstartAnother way to ask: Tertullian says, “What the apostles taught, the disciples of the apostles confirmed.” How much importance should Christians give to early Christian witness when it disagrees with views common in our churches today?

Bercot emphasizes that Paul connects the head covering to creation, authority, prayer, prophecy, and “because of the angels,” rather than to local Corinthian culture. What does this suggest about God’s purposes in giving commands that may seem strange or unnecessary to modern Christians? JumpstartAnother way to ask: Bercot says Paul connects head covering to creation, authority, prayer, prophecy, and “because of the angels,” not just to Corinthian culture. What does this suggest about God’s reasons for commands that may seem strange to modern Christians?

The chapter criticizes interpretations that make parts of Paul’s argument absurd, void, or unreasonable. Where might modern Christians be tempted to explain away uncomfortable Scriptures in ways that preserve our preferences but weaken the plain force of the text? JumpstartAnother way to ask: The chapter warns against explanations that make Paul’s argument seem silly, empty, or unreasonable. Where might Christians today explain away hard Bible passages to protect what they already prefer?

Tertullian describes women who technically wore something on their heads but used tiny coverings, turbans, or bands in ways that “nullified” the discipline of the veil. What are some modern examples of outward compliance that may actually reveal resistance to obedience? JumpstartAnother way to ask: Tertullian describes women who wore something on their heads but used tiny coverings, turbans, or bands in a way that avoided the real purpose of the veil. What are some modern examples of obeying outwardly while still resisting true obedience?

Clement of Alexandria connects veiling, modesty, protection from being gazed at, and concern not to invite another person into sin. How does this early Christian way of thinking challenge modern assumptions about personal freedom, self-expression, and responsibility toward others? JumpstartAnother way to ask: Clement of Alexandria connects veiling with modesty, protection from being looked at wrongly, and care not to lead others into sin. How does this challenge modern ideas about personal freedom, self-expression, and responsibility for others?

Hippolytus records that women in the Roman church were to use “an opaque cloth” and not a thin veil because “this is not a true covering.” What does this reveal about the early Christian concern for the substance of obedience rather than merely symbolic or minimal gestures? JumpstartAnother way to ask: Hippolytus says women in the Roman church should wear “an opaque cloth,” not a thin veil, because “this is not a true covering.” What does this show about early Christians caring about real obedience, not just small or symbolic actions?

Bercot says early Christian interpretations usually “leave us with the bare literal meaning of Scripture” and remove traditions we have added. How might evangelical ideas about grace, freedom, or assurance make Christians hesitant to accept a literal reading that requires concrete obedience? JumpstartAnother way to ask: Bercot says early Christian readings often leave us with the plain, literal meaning of Scripture and remove traditions we added. How might ideas about grace, freedom, or assurance make Christians afraid to accept a literal reading that calls for real obedience?

The chapter ends by saying Protestants have “torn asunder the body of Christ so needlessly” because many who searched history “have not found what they wanted to find.” How can personal preference, denominational identity, or fear of change keep Christians from receiving historical evidence honestly? JumpstartAnother way to ask: The chapter says Protestants have divided the body of Christ needlessly because many who studied history “have not found what they wanted to find.” How can personal preference, church identity, or fear of change keep Christians from accepting historical evidence honestly?

If a believer became convinced from Scripture and early Christian practice that a neglected command still applies today, what heart motives, habits, relationships, and church commitments would need to be examined before acting on that conviction? JumpstartAnother way to ask: If a believer became convinced from Scripture and early Christian practice that a forgotten command still applies today, what motives, habits, relationships, and church ties should they examine before acting on that belief?