“Therefore the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.”

As the old saying goes, we always ask, “What is the ‘therefore’ there for?” In explaining the practice of head-covering, the apostle has appealed to the theology of headship within the Godhead and its reflection in the headship of Christ with man, and man with woman. He moved to the doxology of God’s glory rivaled by humanity’s glory, and then to the order of creation. All these are true and support the reason why men should be uncovered when the church comes together and women covered. Therefore,believers provide graphic testimony to angels who watch the church’s goings-on.

As with other verses in this passage, some unpacking is required, and assumptions must be identified. What interest do the angels have in this matter? Peter wrote of angels longing to learn about salvation, which was preached in cryptic form in the OT and has now been unfolded in the NT, especially as demonstrated in the church (1 Peter 1:12). We see that they were witnesses of Christ’s life and death (1 Tim 3:16) and of His resurrection (Matt 28:5). Christ will one day bear witness to the angels concerning those who confess Him before the unsaved world (Luke 12:8). Is it any wonder that the celestial beings would be witnesses to the goings-on in the church of the living God?

Where there is symbolism, there must be observers of the symbols—that should be obvious. In this context, the angels are the observers. We take it that the phrase “symbol of authority” means no other than a head-covering (along with the lack of head-covering). The angels are either confirming witness of the symbol or are learning from it. Both could be true. They are observing and learning from those who are saved by grace and the portrayal they are making when they practice what Paul is talking about. That portrayal is the theological, doxological, and creational order and roles of the sexes.

Why is that so important to the angels? Think about the significance of those truths. The order of the Godhead is represented to the angels, as well as the order of creation, which was distorted by sin. Christ restores the sexes to their original harmony. Angels are certainly interested in this, since it was a fallen angel, Satan himself, who led Adam and Eve into their downfall, resulting in confusion and conflict among the sexes. Ultimately, the glory of God is at stake, as enacted in the cosmic drama of the man and the woman, depicting the focus on God and not on humanity’s glory. Yes, the angels have a lot to learn by watching the church in this matter!

Lord, help me to enact my role in the church well. For it reflects Your glory!