Appendix A: How Did the Early Church Interpret Paul?
Church Fathers
Hermas (AD 150) wrote, “A virgin meets me, adorned as if she were proceeding from the bridal chamber…her head was covered by a hood.”54
Irenaeus (AD 120-202) wrote, “A woman ought to have a veil [kalumma] upon her head, because of the angels.” He also made clear that the “authority” Paul referred to was the cloth covering, not the hair. 55
Tertullian (AD 150-225) argued that all females should wear coverings and all males should worship bared. “Behold two diverse names, Man and Woman ‘every one’ in each case: two laws, mutually distinctive; on the one hand (a law) of veiling, on the other (a law) of baring.”56 Interestingly, Tertullian said that the pagans did not tend to do so. “Among the Jews, so usual is it for their women to have the head veiled, that they may thereby be recognized.”57
Clement of Alexandria (AD 153-217) argued that the covering in verse 5 was a fabric veil. He also said, “…this is the wish of the Word, since it is becoming for her to pray veiled.”58
Hyppolytus (AD 170-236) wrote the following church canon that represents church practice of that era: “Canon Seventeenth. Of virgins, that they should cover their faces and their heads.”59
Chrysostom (AD 340-407) wrote a commentary on 1 Corinthians 11:1-16, defending our position. At one point he said, “And if it be given her for a ‘covering,’ say you, ‘wherefore need she add another covering?’ That not nature only, but also her own will may have part in her acknowledgment of subjection. For that thou oughtest to be covered nature herself by anticipation enacted a law. Add now, I pray, thine own part also, that thou mayest not seem to subvert the very laws of nature; a proof of most insolent rashness, to buffet not only with us, but with nature also.”60
Catacomb Art
Early Christians sought refuge from Roman persecution in the catacombs. The catacombs are replete with images of men and women worshipping. The men are pictured bare headed, and the women with a simple shawl.
