Paul - Should Women Teach?

Paul - Should Women Teach?

Paul - Should Women Teach?

Introduction

This message explores Paul's teachings about women, particularly focusing on whether women should teach within the context of the early church and Roman society. It emphasizes understanding the historical and cultural background of Paul's letters to properly interpret his instructions. Matthew Vander Els examines the verses often cited to restrict women's roles, arguing that they must be understood within the specific social dynamics of the first-century Roman Empire.

The Context of Paul's Letters

Paul's letters were written to specific audiences facing unique challenges. Understanding the context is crucial to avoid misinterpreting his words. Paul's letters could have been seen as encouraging revolt against Rome because he promoted an alternative society with an alternative king, Yeshua Messiah.

• Paul's message of Yeshua as Lord (kyrios) was a direct challenge to the Roman imperial cult, which declared Caesar as Lord and master.
• Cities like Corinth and Ephesus were centers of the imperial cult, filled with temples dedicated to Caesar.

The "New Women" of Rome

Around 100 BC, Roman society underwent significant changes affecting women's roles. The Lex Julia laws granted women new freedoms, including the right to divorce and retain wealth. This led to the emergence of "new women" who challenged traditional norms.

• These women sought independence and dominance, rejecting traditional roles of modesty and submission.
• They engaged in activities previously associated with lower classes, such as wearing immodest clothing and seeking influence through unconventional means.
• The pursuit of philosophy and rhetoric became popular among these women, not for personal growth, but to dominate conversations and exert power.

1 Corinthians 11: Head Coverings

Paul's instructions about head coverings in 1 Corinthians 11 must be seen against this backdrop of social upheaval. The covering of a married woman's head was a public signal of her status and morality.

• Married women (matrons) traditionally covered their heads in public to distinguish themselves from the "new women" who behaved immodestly.
• Removing the head covering was akin to removing a wedding ring today, signaling availability and defiance of traditional values.
• Paul's concern was that the behavior of women in the ekklesia (church) should not be misconstrued as aligning with the immodesty of the "new women."
• The term "angels" in 1 Corinthians 11:10 can also be interpreted as "messengers," referring to those observing the worship and potentially misinterpreting the actions of uncovered women.

1 Corinthians 14: Women Speaking in Church

The command for women to remain silent in churches (1 Corinthians 14:34) is often misunderstood. Paul is addressing contentious women who were disrupting the services.

• These women, influenced by rhetoric, were interrupting teachers and causing disunity.
• Paul was not prohibiting all women from speaking but addressing a specific problem of disruptive behavior.
• The "law" mentioned in 1 Corinthians 14:34 refers to Roman law, which restricted women from intervening in public legal and governmental settings.
• The term "silent" (Greek: sigao) implies peaceful learning rather than complete prohibition.

1 Timothy 2: Teaching and Authority

Similarly, 1 Timothy 2:11-14, which states that women should learn quietly and not exercise authority over men, needs careful interpretation. Paul isn't establishing a universal ban on women teaching, but addressing a specific situation.

• The issue was about women dominating men, not about teaching or learning.
• Paul commends women like Priscilla, Phoebe, Lois, and Eunice, who held significant roles in teaching and leadership.
• The concern was with women adopting the arrogant and domineering attitudes of the "new women."

Application for Everyday Life

• Understand Context: Always interpret scripture within its historical and cultural context.
• Check Motives: Ensure that your pursuit of knowledge and teaching is for edification and not for self-promotion or dominance.
• Promote Unity: Avoid contentious behavior that disrupts the community and tears down the faith.
• Edify One Another: Support and uplift each other in your roles, recognizing that men and women are equal in status, though different in roles.
• Reject Arrogance: Be careful not to adopt a spirit of arrogance or self-assumed dominance, regardless of your knowledge or position.
• Value Modesty: Emulate modesty and self-control, avoiding the trap of excessive display and immodesty.

Conclusion

Paul's teachings about women were deeply rooted in the social and cultural realities of the first-century Roman Empire. By understanding this context, we can avoid misinterpreting his words and appreciate his message of unity, edification, and mutual respect within the community of believers.

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References

• 1 Corinthians 11
• 1 Corinthians 14
• 1 Timothy 2
• Romans 10
• Genesis 3

Resources

• Roman Wives, Roman Widows by Bruce W. Winter
• Paul and the Empire
• The Bible

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