John Calvin Commentary 1 Corinthians 11:16

"But if any man seemeth to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God." — 1 Corinthians 11:16 (ASV)

But if any man seem A contentious person is one whose disposition inclines him to stir up disputes, and who does not care what happens to the truth. This describes all who unnecessarily abolish good and useful customs—who raise disputes about matters that are not doubtful, who do not yield to reasoned arguments, and who cannot bear for anyone to be above them.

This also describes those (ἀκοινώνητοι)—those who wish to be seen as unique—who, from a foolish affectation, aim for some new and unusual way of acting. Paul does not consider such persons worthy of a reply, since contention is a pernicious thing and ought, therefore, to be banished from the Churches.

By this he teaches us that those who are obstinate and fond of quarreling should rather be restrained by authority than refuted by lengthy arguments. For you will never see an end to contentions if you are inclined to contend with a combative person until you have defeated him; for even if defeated a hundred times, he would still argue.

Let us therefore carefully note this passage, so that we do not allow ourselves to be carried away by needless arguments, provided that we also know how to distinguish contentious persons. For we must not always consider a man contentious who does not accept our decisions, or who ventures to contradict us; but when ill-temper and obstinacy show themselves, let us then say with Paul that contentions are contrary to the custom of the Church.