For me, what is easily one of the most perplexing passages in all of Scripture is 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 about women and head-coverings. In particular, v. 10, “For this reason a woman ought to have authority over her head, because of the angels.” And Paul is adamant about this: “But if anyone is disposed to be contentious—we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God” (v. 16)!
Paul brings together a heap of things in this passage:, Corinthian gender norms, honor and shame, clothing, his reading of Genesis 1, the God-Christ relationship, propriety in prophecy, and even appeals to “nature.”
I’m a professional biblical scholar and even I find this section confusing and hard to follow!
To read further, consider joining the “Aviary” by taking out a paid subscription, only $7 per month or $75 per year, supports me in my ministry and scholarship, and gets you 4-5 posts per week on biblical studies, Christianity and gender relationships, cultural commentary, book reviews, previews of my forthcoming books, and some cool videos.