34 Frank,

But in this comment, in part a refocusing on the “big picture” (i.e., the historical, cultural and literary context) in response to comments made by Chris and Donald (20, 12)–some elements of which I agree with and some of which I do not–I would like to add to and expand upon my own (10), if I may.

Thank you for coming onto my blog to offer the “big picture”. While I consider my gift to be seeing the tiny details that others may miss, I recognize that my brothers and sisters in Christ can add to my understanding of scripture by giving the “big picture” approach. Often I do not see the “big picture” until I have worked through every little detail of the text in my biblical “microscope”, so I always appreciate having a look outside my own box that brings me a fresh perspective of the “big picture”. Thanks!

As I had stated in my previous comment, as general rules and guidelines Paul had laid down for the churches he had founded, there are striking parallels between 1 Cor. 11:2-14:32 and 1 Tim. 2:1-15. Both passages, as revealed by commonalities in concerns, terms and phraseology, are examples of standard rules and guidelines designed to both define and regulate the proper conduct of men and women as they together engage in intercessory prayer, adoration of God, and in prophesying in the house church meetings.

Excellent point to remind us about recurring terms, concerns and phraseology!

Moreover, on the basis of the principle of a legal pronouncement or a word of testimony requiring confirmation and validation by two or three witnesses, which Cheryl has argued so well from the Scriptures, we can firmly and without reservation state that Paul himself, as long as the standard rules and guidelines were followed, both approved and urged men and women to engage together in mutual, complementary prayer, adoration of God, and prophesying.

Again a wonderful overview regarding the scriptures and my argument!

Now you would think, in light of this clear, threefold testimony given by Paul himself, that when people read what he says in 1 Cor. 14:33b-40 and 1 Tim. 2:11-15, they would immediately recognize that these passages are clear departures from his regular rules and guidelines and that they must be Spirit-given, ad hoc rulings pertaining to special problematic situations arising in Corinth and Ephesus either 1) such was the nature of the problem that the standard regulations did not apply or 2) as the historical, cultural and literary context of both 1 Corinthians and 1 Timothy indicates, there were deliberate violations of these Pauline regulations due to certain rebellious factions, influenced by heretical teaching, that were to be found among the members of the congregations in Corinth and in Ephesus.

I feel so blessed to read your review of these passages in such a clear and concise way and with that “big picture” view. Thank you for your contribution and your affirmation of the work that I have done to make this passage understandable to the common man. I am so blessed by the quality of people who visit my blog and who give me their insights. Truly the body of Christ is blessed when we work together. All of us are needed with our gifts. You have greatly blessed me with your gift that is definitely on a bigger view than mine typically is. Thank you so much!