Cheryl Schatz

Great comments!

Dave,
Thanks for being sensitive to explain that the capitals were for emphasis not shouting. I understood that quite clearly but I do know that some may be sensitive and I am glad that you cleared that up!

It is time for the exegesis. I have made it clear to Mark that his work on the meaning of kephale is insufficient without a study on the meaning of kephale in the context of the passage. Mark was hesitant at first to even really consider that this would be needed, but I am glad to see that he seems to have changed his mind somewhat because he has admitted that context is necessary to determine the meaning in the passage.

So, I am assuming that we have an agreement from Mark to present his exegesis. I think it would be appropriate in this post comment thread, but I could start another post if that would be better.

I actually am very interested to see what Mark comes up with. I have been scratching my head to try and remember if I have ever seen an exegesis of the passage showing “authority over” or “superiority” as an interpretation that would fit quite easily into the passage. Honestly, I do not remember ever reading such an exegesis. I know that my memory is not as good as it used to be (in fact it is terrible if I can be honest) but I am thinking that the only thing I have seen has been focused on the word and never on the context.

Well it is time to change that. Mark is very convinced that there is a hierarchy meant in this passage. Since I have not yet seen his exegesis, I am really geared up to consider what he has to say. I think that we all can be very respectful to Mark. After all he has been brave enough to enter this debate on an egalitarian blog. That is to be commended.

So, Mark, I think that it is time. The context is important because it is God’s Word. Show us how a consistent hierarchist can explain the context verse by verse so that we can actually hear your heart and understand the hope that is within you. (1 Peter 3:15) Consider it witnessing to the skeptical, but also to brothers and sisters in Christ who are in need of the truth if you have it.

And for all others, let’s remember that Mark is a brother in Christ. If we strongly disagree with his view and can show where his view cannot fit the context, that is great. But whatever we do, let’s not question Mark’s motives. Let’s assume that he believes what he does because he is honest with his views and he believes that this is the best way to serve God by obeying what he believes he has found in the Scriptures.

So go ahead, Mark, let’s read your exegesis of the passage. I will keep a handle on the conversation so that we can all have a respectful “iron sharpens iron” discussion on the proof of hierarchy in the passage that apparently none of us has been educated to see.

Mark, if you need a day or two or three, etc, because of a busy school schedule, please let us know. We can patiently wait for your explanation as long as we know that you will indeed be giving out what is needed to prove your point. After all you have made it clear that others point of view is “silly” so it is up to you to prove your own point of view as the scholarly one.

Over to you, Mark.