The Role of a Woman in Apostle Paul's Letters - Assignment Example

Critical Literature Review (Theology) Role of woman in Pauls letters to the Corinthians (First critical review) Women in biblical times were generally uneducated and were not allowed by the rabbis to learn law and other teachings. Women had a very minute role to play in social life and were supposed to be within the confinement of the house. They were considered as temptations to sin and did not have any role in spiritual ceremonies and rituals. Women were excluded while taking the number of persons required to have a synagogue and were absolutely unprivileged as far spiritual matters are concerned. They were unable to inherit the riches and blessings of their father during the Old Testament times. A court of law will never consider or value the testimony of a woman. But the story is different in the New Testament period. Jesus did not ignore women in his ministry. He even considered unrespectable women like the Samaritan woman, and shared good news with her (John 4). There were women disciples who followed Jesus from Galilee to Jerusalem. Jesus defended Mary’s interest to learn from him (Luke 10: 38-42). We can find from the New Testament that women only were found last at the crucifying time and first at the resurrection of Jesus. Jesus revealed himself to women first after the resurrection and asked them to disclose the good news to his disciples (Matthew 28:7). The active roles of women in spreading gospel are evident throughout the New Testament. In the Acts of apostles, we can see many women were extremely zealous about the teachings of Christ and played their role well in spreading good news. They did a great job during the founding of the church. The presence and attempts of women are seen in various occasions like the gathering at the upper chamber (1: 14) and various other incidents. The ministry done by women is clearly explained in Paul’s epistle to various churches. Racial, societal and sexual barriers have no relevance in Christ. "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is not male and female, for you all are one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28). Paul had openly appreciated many devoted women who actively participated and helped him in his ministry. He mentioned their names as good models. His letters gave unambiguous evidence about different kinds of efforts of women in the establishment of the early church. He appreciates Prisca, Julia, Junia, and Nereus sister, who was zealous about the gospel of Christ (they worked as missionaries and traveled for the sake of gospel, according to Romans 16:3, 7, 15). He introduced Junia as an outstanding apostle, who had to suffer imprisonment because of her ministry. Mary and Persis are praised by Paul for their good efforts (Romans 16:6, 12). Paul recommends Euodia and Syntyche as his fellow-workers in the ministry (Philippians 4:2-3). Apart from that, Paul pays tribute to Phoebe (Romans 16:1-2), Apphia (Philemon 2), and the mother of Rufus (Romans 16:13). This is a clear evidence of women Apostle’s active contribution for the spreading of Christian messages in the early period of the church. Lydia played a crucial role in the establishment and growth of church at Philippi. The daughters of Philip, who prophesize (Acts 21:9) are good examples of works of Holy Spirit through women. But anybody who reads Paul’s letter to the Corinthians will doubt whether Paul is contradicting himself in the topic of the role of women in the church. The issue concerning women arose in the situation of disruption of the worship service. The freedom given to women in church resulted in various problems in Corinthian church. Women used to unnecessarily interfere in the church matters (during service also) those days. According to I Corinthians 14: 36, disruption of the service through unnecessary interventions is an example of the proud nature of the people in Corinthian church. This practice disturbed the worship order and church activities and services. These policies and followings were absolutely shameful, particularly according to ancient practices in which public exposure of woman was an act of disgrace. Paul insisted women to be silent during the church services because of certain problems prevailed in Corinthian church that time, and also because of the attitudes and practices of the ancient world which existed then. Women in Corinthian church as a result of the equality (equality of sexes) obtained through Christ Jesus demanded equality with men overstepped the limits of propriety. They started performing prayers and prophesy without following the traditional practice of veiling (head-covering). It is a naked truth that woman were upgraded from their downtrodden situation as a result of gospel of Christ Jesus. But they must maintain their politeness, modesty, order, humbleness, and should not try to overtake men in their pride. Paul explains the women’s subjection to man according to the principles of creation. He explained the thought by telling that Christ is the head for every man and man is the head for a woman. Jews used Talith (veil) for expressing their reverence to God (as a result of the unworthiness to look God) (Isaiah 6:2). Women speaking (preaching or prophesizing) during worship was quite extraordinary which can be done only if they possess miraculous spiritual gifts (Anna and Priscilla in Acts 2:18). The general rule to women about their stand during worship was to be silent (1 Corinthians 14:34,35; 1 Timothy 2: 11,12). Paul did not give sanction for women speaking in assemblies even if they possess such valuable spiritual gifts. He simply included the good works happened in the church at Corinth and did not give comment about such preaching and prophesizing of spirit filled women. Women possessing the spiritual gifts of prophesy were allowed to exercise their gifts, rather during other occasions and prayers, than in big worship congregations. If a woman hesitates to cover her head during (veiling), she disobeys the divine ordinance and that modest propriety and formality. Covering head (using the veil) shows the subjection of woman to man which helps her to be in subjection to Christ. Women’s hair is a natural veil to cover her; shaving it off is definitely indecorous. Likewise, not using veil (like men who never use veil) will also be equally indecorous. Even though women are endowed with the natural hair, they are supposed to use the head-covering (veil) which completely shows their subjection to Christ through their subjection to man. No woman would like to ‘shorn’ (the worse thing, being shaven). If she refuses to be veiled in the front, why should she cover herself in the back; it is better for her to be uncovered in the back also. Man has got a better immediate relationship with God and woman has got a fellowship with man. Man is a symbol (representative) of the glory of God. A subjection to man will help women establish a submission to God himself. “Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.” (I Corinthians 14: 34-35). Likewise woman speaking (preaching) in public places is an act of her independence. It speaks out the absence of her subjection to her husband (1 Corinthians 11:3, Ephesians 5:22, Titus 2:5, 1 Peter 3:1) thereby severing her fellowship and subjection with Christ. Paul was not happy with women speaking and asking doubts and questions during the worship times. He advised them to learn through their husbands (at home) rather than bringing disturbance during the worship services. St Paul the missionary (Second critical review) St. Paul, the inexorable missionary of God and the ‘Apostle of the Gentiles’ was a Jew by birth, and was chosen by God and called by God by talking to him on the road to Damascus. He stayed in Damascus for few days after his Baptism, and later moved to Arabia (being there for couple of years) to equip himself for successfully performing his future missionary works in different places. He was back to Damascus (remained there for sometime), preaching in the synagogues and proclaiming that Jesus is the Christ (the Son of God) for whom Israel was waiting for. He could not convince Jews that Jesus is the Lord and had to flee from Damascus because of the hatred and opposition from the Jews. His next trip was to Jerusalem in order to meet Peter, the head of the Church. After that, he returned to Tarsus (his native), and preached gospel in his own province. Soon after that he was called to Antioch by Barnabus. Later after a year, both Paul and Barnabus were sent to the Christian community at Jerusalem for giving alms to the poor during a famine period. Both of them returned to Antioch after completing their works in Jerusalem. Almost immediately after this trip to Jerusalem, Paul and Barnabus started their first missionary trip, to the island of Cypress. Later they made journeys to Pamphylia, Lycaonia, and Pisidia, covering the areas of Asia Minor, and could establish churches at places like Pisidian Antioch, Lystra, Iconium, and Derbe. Later Paul, along with Silas (and later along with Timothy and Luke), started his second missionary journey, after finishing the Apostolic Council at Jerusalem. They visited Asia Minor to know the status of the churches which he established in his previous trip, and passed through the land of Galatia. Paul got a heavenly vision when he was in Troas (a vision of a Macedonian) and considered that vision as a call from God (will of the God) to share good news with Macedonians. Paul later journeyed to Europe, and preached the Gospel of Christ Jesus in Philippi. He evangelized people at Thessalonica, Athens, Beroea, and Corinth also. Afterwards he went back to Antioch passing through Ephesus and Jerusalem. During his third missionary trip, Paul visited many places and met different types of people, like his second missionary trip. He had been to Ephesus (which is the centre of his missionary activity) and continued there for almost three years. He wanted to have yet another journey for the sake of gospel, and had plans to visit Rome and Spain and leave Jerusalem. He could not accomplish that plan and did not make that trip as he had to meet several persecutions by the Jews that hindered him from accomplishing his purpose. He had to undergo two years imprisonment at Caesarea and came to Rome, where also he was in chains for nearly two years. . No further information is given in Acts of the Apostles about the life and mission of Paul, the Apostle. However, we can see from the Pastoral Epistles (Epistles of Paul) and also from the other writings that Paul stayed as a prisoner for two years and were released later from the Roman imprisonment. Paul later moved to Spain, visiting the East again, and coming back to Rome. Paul got imprisoned in Rome (a second time) and was beheaded. Apostle Paul was the most intriguing and influential figure (after Christ Jesus) of the Ist century church (of Christianity, in another words). Almost all the letters or epistles (with few exceptions) that are the primary sources available to Christianity are the works of Paul, the apostle. Johannes Munck in his book, Paul and the Salvation of Mankind, tries to explore Paul’s position and attitude in the light of his missionary works. He watches Paul right from his calling at Damascus. He finds the experience of Paul regarding the heavenly call similar to that experienced by Jeremiah and Servant of II Isaiah (a similar call bringing salvation to Gentiles). The epistles of Paul are beautiful study of systematic theology, getting into the details of deep doctrines of the faith in Christ Jesus and the righteousness of God the Lord. Paul, in his epistles navigated through almost all relevant topics faith in God, worship and other formalities, life of a Christian, study about Jesus Christ (Christology), spiritual gifts, the Christians mind, attitude, the election and the spiritual perseverance of Christian saints, final redemption of Israel and so on. God sent heavenly manna showered to Christians (both Gentiles and Jews) through the pen of Paul (Roetzel 1999). He preached the theory of justification by faith. Paul introduced the approach and concept of sinners receiving the experience of salvation, through the grace acquired through faith in Christ Jesus, irrespective of their physical, spiritual and racial background. Paul at his death bed, seeing the fullness of Gentiles, and his mission completed, told that “Now salvation is near, and Christs coming is at the door.” Paul’s epistles continually gave the message that neither works nor circumcision (or law) will contribute positively towards salvation (Horrell 2004). He is the one who made Gospel of Jesus Christ accessible to Gentiles, and is named as the apostle of Gentiles. Paul’s letters were according to the requirements of each church and are still useful for the Christian community in the 21st century also. Paul sent a letter of instruction on harmony and unity to the church at Corinth when they were in the genuine requirement of such a message. Paul drafted a letter of consolation and comfort to the Thessalonian community as they were confused and worried about their future. Paul was an admonishing parent for the Galatian congregation when they were turning again to the old chapters of Jewish orientation. Epistles of Paul were shaped according to the situations prevailed in various churches for which he laid the foundation. Epistles still strengthen the Christians who really want to live according to divine standards. Paul (Saint Paul, the apostle) is the central figure of the development and establishment of Christianity in the world. He was the best advisor and was found to be the finest interpreter of the teaching of Christ Jesus. Paul gives an account about himself portraying him as a born Israelite (from the tribe of Benjamin), one who underwent circumcision on the eighth day, a knowledgeable Pharisee (Romans 11:1; Philippians 3:5) and one who knows the A to Z of laws, doctrines and covenants. He was very zealous about the tradition and practices of Jewish religion and was the prominent enemy of Christianity before he got saved. Jesus himself called him and made him embrace Christianity and used him a tool for the proclamation of Gospel. According to Acts 22:25, 27-29, Paul possessed a Roman citizenship that he used several times to shield his dignity and also to escape from certain persecution. Paul manifests the crucial and powerful doctrine of ‘the works of Holy Spirit’. The book of Romans (2 Corinthians also) illustrates Holy Spirit as an important aspect and explains the trinity, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Paul’s policies regarding social issues are very crucial and influential for Christian community (especially for churches). He explains how a follower of Christ should live a separated life standing for holiness and virtue. He defined the heavenly standards of Christian life, in clear simple words. He formulated the fundamental doctrines of Christianity. He condemned impurity, greed, lust and other filthy practices and highly valued virtues of kindness, patience, love and peace. References Fee, G. D. 1987, The First Epistle to the Corinthians, Eerdmans Publishing, Grand Rapids, MI. Hooker, M.D. 2003, Paul: A Short Introduction, Oneworld Publications, Oxford. Munck, J. 1977, Paul and the Salvation Of Mankind, John Knox Press. Read More