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Why ‘Because of the Angels’ does not refer to the ‘Sons of God’ in Genesis

Why 'because of the angels' does not refer to the 'sons of God' in Genesis

In 1 Corinthians 11:10, Paul says we’re to practice head covering “because of the angels.” This is rightly called an obscure verse because Paul does not explain what he means by that phrase. There are many theories, which we’ve already articulated, but today we’d like to talk about a popular view that we think is highly improbable. This is the belief that the angels are the “sons of God” mentioned in Genesis 6. Here’s what that portion of Scripture says:

Now it came about, when men began to multiply on the face of the land, and daughters were born to them, that the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves, whomever they chose. Then the LORD said, “My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, because he also is flesh; nevertheless his days shall be one hundred and twenty years.” The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men, and they bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown. (Gen 6:1-4 NASB)

The identity of the “sons of God” is debated 1) For an overview of the various views please visit this page: https://answersingenesis.org/bible-characters/who-were-the-nephilim/ , but one of the more popular views is that they refer to fallen angels. In this theory, demons lust after human women, which leads them to take wives for themselves and have children with them. Thus it is asserted that when Paul tells women to cover their heads “because of the angels” (1 Cor 11:10), he means so that the fallen angels will not lust after them or sexually assault them. Read more

References

1.
↑ For an overview of the various views please visit this page: https://answersingenesis.org/bible-characters/who-were-the-nephilim/
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How Gay Rights Advocates use Head Covering to Support their Position

The head covering passage (1 Corinthians 11:2-16) is a battleground for one of the most important issues of our day. Those who advocate for the normality of same-sex relationships by appealing to the Bible, use this passage to garner support for their position. As Christians we must understand their argument and get consistent in our theology if we are going to faithfully defend biblical sexuality.

This video is based on a section of an article we wrote here.

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How to Talk about Head Covering on Your Church Web Site

How to Talk about Head Covering on Your Church Web Site

Churches that practice head covering are a minority in the Western World. Those who are visiting these churches for the first time will immediately notice the distinction between men and women and many will wonder (especially those who are not Christians) what it means. On many church websites there are sections for frequently asked questions, beliefs and/or a page telling visitors what they can expect when visiting. We’d like to share some examples of church websites that do mention head covering and how they introduce the topic to potential visitors. Read more

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What Kind of Head Covering does the Bible Command?

In this video we discuss what is an appropriate and biblically faithful head covering. Does the Bible say anything about the size or type? Does it have to cover all your hair or can some be exposed? We answer these questions and debunk the myth that Paul was talking about veils that covered a woman’s face.

This video is an adaptation of an article we wrote here.

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A Critique of Bruce Winter’s “Roman Wives, Roman Widows” (Part 2)

A Response to Bruce Winter Regarding Head Covering

[Note: This is a response to pages 78-81 in Roman Wives, Roman Widows (Eerdmans, 2003) by Bruce Winter. The content appears under the heading “The Significance of the Veil in Marriage.” For part one of our response which deals with pages 81-83 (The Significance of the Removal of the Veil in Public) please click here.]

In Roman Wives, Roman Widows, Bruce Winter seeks to make a case that a woman wearing a veil communicated that she was married, faithful and modest. He begins his case by linking the veil to marriage through various historical sources. He mentions that Plutarch believed that “‘veiling the bride’, was in effect, the marriage ceremony” 1) Bruce Winter – Roman Wives, Roman Widows (Eerdmans, 2003) Page 78 and that “other writers in the early Empire confirm that the bride’s veil was an essential part of her apparel.” 2) Ibid Winter, by pointing out this evidence, seeks to convince the reader that the headcovering women were removing in 1 Corinthians 11 was their “marriage veil.” By taking it off they were identifying themselves as independent and immodest women.

The Connection between “Marriage” and the “Veil”

It would be helpful for us to now take a look at the original writings that Winter puts forth to support the connection between marriage and the veil. He references the writings of Plutarch, Juvenal and Tacitus. Read more

References

1.
↑ Bruce Winter – Roman Wives, Roman Widows (Eerdmans, 2003) Page 78
2.
↑ Ibid
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“Headcovering Throughout Christian History” by David Phillips

Headcovering Throughout Christian History

Today I’d like to introduce you to a great new e-book on 1 Corinthians 11. It’s called “Headcovering Throughout Christian History” by David Phillips.

Here’s a snippet from the book description:

“Headcovering Throughout Church History” is an overview of the Church’s response to 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 across the last 2000 years of Christianity. It features the writings of the Early Church, Augustine, Martin Luther, John Bunyan, Charles Spurgeon, and many others. It also documents contemporary theologians & denominations that endorse the Church’s historical stand on this passage of Scripture. Now in Kindle format, this book contains the most comprehensive research currently available on this topic. Carefully referenced quotations allow you to hear from well over 50 theologians, pastors, and other Christian writers throughout Church history.”

David has graciously placed his e-book on sale for only $0.99 now through September 12th. I really hope you will buy a copy as it’s a tremendous resource of historical quotes in a well-organized fashion. To continue to grow this movement, we all need to support one another’s efforts in spreading the word about this message. If we all get behind this book, it will show that there’s a demand for resources on this topic which can open new doors.

Come back tomorrow to learn about the history of head covering. We’ll be posting a video interview we recently conducted with David on this topic.

To purchase “Headcovering Throughout Christian History” please visit this page. You can read this book (or any other Kindle book) on your computer, smartphone or tablet by installing a free Kindle app.

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What is a Head Covering? Is it a Woman’s Long Hair or a Veil?

In 1 Corinthians 11, the Apostle Paul instructs women to cover their heads while praying or prophesying. For 1900 years, the church understood Paul to be speaking of an artificial covering such as a veil or scarf. However, in the 20th century, a view began to gain popularity which argued that Paul wasn’t speaking about veils, but hair lengths. In this video we’ll overview this debate and provide 5 reasons for why we believe a woman is to cover her long hair with an artificial covering when praying or prophesying.

This video is an adaptation of an article we wrote here.

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