Describe in detail the role of women within Paul's early assemblies. What were Paul's attitudes toward women in the Church? the evidence for women holding leadership positions in Christianity from the time of Jesus to the time of the Pastoral epistles. In what ways did women's leadership roles change over time? Why do you think this happened?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Answer is Paul's letters give somewhat mixed messages regarding his stance on women in the church. On one hand, his undisputed letters indicate that women played a role in the foundation of the earliest churches. Women served as deacons, patrons, and even apostles in early Pauline communities. He cites ancient material which promotes a sort of ancient egalitarianism (e.g. Gal 3:27-28: there was "no longer male and female…in Jesus Christ"). On the other hand, in some parts of his undisputed letters, Paul appears to believe that certain "natural" gender norms ought to be maintained. Women, for instance, need to wear head coverings when they pray and prophesy in churches, 1 Cor 11:3-16). It appears that Paul believes that women are equal in Christ, but that this equality will not be fully realized socially in this age. Women are naturally subordinate to men, just as men are subordinate to Christ (who is subordinate to God) (1 Cor 11:3).

Describe in Detail the Role of Women Within Paul's Early