Many today say that people who try to look at the new covenant woman in a new light are changing what the Bible says to fit our times and the way we think. Before we get worked up about a supposed attack on the Bible, we must realize that the paradigm of every generation for the last 2000 years has effected its interpretation of the scriptures.

Our paradigm will effect our understanding of the scriptures no matter how hard we try to avoid it. I heard that N.T. Wright, one of the worlds foremost first century historians and one of my favorite authors, tells his new students that 1/3 of what he will teach them is wrong. The trouble is he just does not know which 1/3 it is. Biblical debates would be a lot more peaceful if we all shared Wright's humility.

The challenge of our day is to think like the writers of the new testament. It is vital that we attempt to put the scriptures in their first century context. When Paul said, "Let your women keep silent in the churches," what was the context of that statement? What challenges was Paul facing when he made this command? When we seek to answer these questions, we can reach a probable explanation of Paul's seemingly contradictory words and actions.

The Jews of the first century lived in a society that was male dominated to the extreme. Even the pagan cultures that surrounded Palestine often held women in higher regard than the Jews of Jesus' day. For example, it was considered beneath a man to speak to a woman in public. Jewish men were called Sons of Abraham. Women, "The Daughters of Eve." Education was for men alone especially in theological matters. Jewish women were not allowed to sit as a disciple of a great teacher.

Men were considered more righteous than women simply because of gender. We see this is Herod’s temple. The various courts and sub courts in the Temple showed degrees of righteousness. The closer a person was allowed to the Holiest of Holies, the more righteous he was. In fact, a worshipper actually stepped up higher and higher until he reached the highest point in the structure, the Holiest of Holies. Jewish women were allowed into the second court of the temple, but they could not go beyond the court of the women. Only men could advance further. Thus flesh and blood were determinants of righteousness under the old covenant system.

New covenant grace was already breaking in during the ministry of Jesus. Those who were unacceptable according to flesh and blood were now acceptable. Women were no exception. Jesus talked to women in public. He referred to them as "Daughters of Abraham," and He allowed them to be his disciples. The Lord was absolutely revolutionary in His treatment of women.

The new covenant gift of righteousness was about to turn the entire Jewish world upside down. Suddenly, the Gentile had the same measure of righteousness as a Jew, so there could no longer be any distinction between the two. Likewise, a man now had the same measure of righteousness as a woman, so all self-righteous distinctions between men and women had to be lost. 

MORE TO COME IN PART FOUR