Craig

I am still thinking through Cheryl’s ideas stated above. I think she would find this illustration OK for what she is saying. So time for the bathroom illustration again! (Just slightly modified)
I have some guests over to my house and I say
(3:1-7) ” If anyone would like to use the games room he must a good sport, not violent when losing…..etc.”
(3:8-10) ” If anyone would like to use the bathroom, be as quick and efficient as you can in consideration for anyone who may be waiting.”
(3:11) ” Women, don’t take too long doing your hair and putting on your makeup.”
(3:12) “Anyone who uses the bathroom please leave it tidy.”
(apologies to the women- I am just trying to make the illustration work:) Any help in “tidying up” the illustration would be welcome)
You could think that
1. only v 11 applies to women because women are not allowed to play games, but they may use the bathroom.
But it is also possible that
2. both men and women can play games and use the bathroom, but women need a particular mention about a matter that was a particular concern.
I used to read the passage as 1. but now I can see that 2. could also be a valid way of reading it. It depends on what we see the rest of the bible as teaching.
Any thoughts?