The Social History of the Early Christian Church Essay

In Galatians 3:28, Paul writes “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you all are one in Christ Jesus”. Although this theology contradicts some old testament writings, it appears to be saying that men and women are equal in the eyes of the Lord. 1 Corinthians does state that “It is a shame for women to speak in the church”, however this is widely believed to have been inserted at a later time from the verses in 1 Timothy to further bolster the Pauline authorship and theology of 1 Timothy. Conversely, in the Pastorals, we see a very segregated view of gender roles within the church. 1 Timothy 2:12-15 says “I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. For Adam was created first, then Eve. and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and transgressed. But she will be saved through childbearing, if she continues in faith, love, and holiness, with good sense.” These verses convey the idea that women are inferior to men. By stating that “Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and transgressed,” the author seems to suggest that women are somehow more credulous than men and that women must be saved through childbearing if she “continues in faith, love, and holiness, with good sense.” The “if” is very important, it seems to apply conditional salvation upon women that is not extended towards men,