Question:

There has been much controversy over Paul’s view of women and especially their role in the church. Does Paul subordinate women to men?

Answer:

Understanding the historical context of Paul’s instructions regarding women is essential. Neither the Hebrew nor the Greek cultures of the time held women in high regard. Respectable women were constricted by the rule of men while women who were not under the subjection of a man were considered loose and at best disrespected in the community. Paul is simply instructing the churches in their cultural situations not to create confusion or offense over cultural practices regarding women.

But His instructions to them were not to be applied for all churches at all times. Paul’s view of women under Christ is clear as stated in Gal. 3:28, “…there is neither male nor finale, for you are all one in Christ Jesus”.

Just as slavery was accepted in Paul’s culture, so was the subordination of women to men. Paul’s interest was not to change cultural traditions or practices but to address believers in their cultural context concerning Spirit-filled living. If Paul were speaking today he would not encourage slavery or a first century version of gender relationships. He would no doubt render wise and godly counsel to the Body of Christ in terms of current cultural practices without discarding elementary principles that inform mankind regardless of time or place under the Creator.

When Paul states the husband is head of the wife in Eph. 5 he is speaking in universal terms but this relationship is not one of heavy handed subordination of man over woman, rather, it is a relationship based on love, honor, and mutual respect.

Woman, the “weaker vessel”, is in no way inferior to man in spiritual-redemptive terms. Paul, properly understood, is the first in history to liberate women from the bondage of the old world condescension on the female. He is absolutely revolutionary in this regard.