Lydia

“but I am still thinking through the “head” passages. I can see how Eph 4 and Eph 5 fit well with non-authoritative concepts, but I still have some questions on Eph 1 and the input from others has been helpful.”

I think we can get bogged down sometimes and miss the big picture. We have to get a overall view of the entire picture of scripture and ask hard questions. these are just a few:

1. Why is there nothing in the OT against women teaching men? But now, in the NT, there is? Why more legalism in the NT? Why would the OT allow women such as Huldah and Deborah? Was that sin? Why would someone like Abigail be considered wise for going against her husband?

2. Would God actually put a human authority layer between Jesus Christ and married women? What would be the function of the Holy Spirit in a married woman’s life, if that is the case?

3. If authority is meant in the ‘head’ passages then why didn’t the Holy Spirit inspire clear authority words to the author’s? There are several to choose from that would clearly communicate it is an authority, chain of command stance.

4. Why would a group of women be allowed to follow Jesus around (at least one was married) and support him financially if this was not their ‘role’.

5. Why would women be allowed to prophecy only on Pentecost and not for the church age? What would be the point of the Joel Prophecy?

6. Why can we not see that focusing on who is in charge, who is most important, etc, in Christian marriage or the Body of Christ is a very worldly and unChristian focus? So many try to turn “servant” into authority. The entire meaning is lost and it becomes a ‘religion’ of man and works. And it “usurps” the function of the Holy Spirit in believers lives.