Kristen

If this is really the way Greek grammar works, then I concede the point. Paul is talking about one particular woman throughout. My real objection had to do with not wanting to read more into the words than were actually there (which is what the comps do all the time). I have always started from the premise that Paul was not only inspired, but an intelligent man and a scholar, and that he worded his letters exactly as he wanted them to read and said exactly what he meant to say. So that’s why I’m careful not to assume that Paul said something unless I’m convinced that’s what he meant to say.
Question: in the comparison with Adam and Eve, why do you think Paul puts an emphasis on Adam having been created first? Comps say that Paul is “grounding” male privilege in the creation order. I still think it means that because Adam was created first, he had more learning (ie, experience) than Eve and thus was not deceived: hence the instruction that this woman needs to learn [before she can teach]. Is that your understanding too, Cheryl?