Gender Dynamics and Roles in the Corinthian Assembly Flashcards
Draw a digram of the hierarchical relations in the Corinthian assembly as described in 1 Corinthians 11:2–4. How is this hierarchy related to gender?
In 1 Corinthians 11:2–4, the hierarchical relations in the Corinthian assembly are as follows: God is at the top, followed by Christ, then man, and finally woman. This hierarchy reflects a gender-based structure where men hold authority over women, illustrating a patriarchal system.
According to Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:4–16, who should wear a veil in assembly meetings and who should not? What are Paul’s three arguments in favor of this position?
According to Paul, women should wear a veil in assembly meetings, while men should not. Paul presents three arguments for this practice: First, a veil signifies authority over a woman. Second, the creation order established that man was created first, then woman. Third, wearing a veil is respectful to the presence of angels.
What roles are women presumed to play in the assembly according to 1 Corinthians 11:5?
In 1 Corinthians 11:5, women are presumed to pray and prophesy within the assembly.
Who are the important female figures mentioned in 1 Corinthians 16:19 and Romans 16:1–5, and how are they described?
Important female figures include Chloe, who was a benefactor and may have hosted gatherings; Prisca (Priscilla), who, along with Aquila, hosted assembly meetings; Phoebe, described as a deaconess in Cenchreae; and Junia, who is noted as being outstanding among the apostles.
What is the take-home point regarding women’s roles in the Corinthian assembly despite the hierarchical system?
Despite the patriarchal structure, women in the Corinthian assembly were active in significant roles such as praying, prophesying, delivering letters, serving as benefactors, and hosting meetings, indicating that some women held considerable status within the group.
