Women

Does The Bible Really Say A Woman Is Not Permitted To Teach A Man?, Part 1

Teach A Man

11 A woman must learn in quietness and full submissiveness. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; she is to remain quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first, and then Eve. 14 And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman who was deceived and fell into transgression. (1 Tim. 2:11-14 BEREAN)

This is one of the most misunderstood and abused passages in the entire Bible. It has been misinterpreted and misapplied for centuries leading to absurd, inconsistent, and even cruel practices directed toward women. The way in which this passage has been translated into English has contributed greatly to the problem. 

Continue reading →
Posted by Eddie Lawrence in 1 Timothy, Women

Unholy Hands And Braided Hair

Unholy Hands And Braided Hair

Church is messy. How can it be anything else since the church is a bunch of flawed people. A lot of Christians, myself included, advocate for a return to the practices of the church of the first century AD. In recent years I have realized the modern church has achieved this goal. I know this because churches today are just as messy as the ones the apostle Paul was trying to corral. In 1 Timothy 2, Paul has some words for those with unholy hands and braided hair.

8 I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; 9 likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, 10 but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works. (1 Tim. 2:8–10 ESV)

Continue reading →
Posted by Eddie Lawrence in 1 Timothy, Women, Worship

Buying A Wife?

Buying A Wife

When a modern Westerner reads about an arranged marriage in the Bible it looks to us like a man was buying a wife. For example, consider the story in Genesis 24 where Abraham sent his servant to find a wife for his son Isaac. To us, this looks more like a business transaction than a proposal.

After Abraham’s servant encountered Rebekah at the well, her family welcomed him into their home. No doubt the golden jewelry he gave her helped pave the way for him (Gen 24:22, 47). Abraham’s servant then explained how his master had made him swear to go back to his homeland to find a wife for Isaac. After Rebekah’s family agreed for her to become Isaac’s bride, the servant gave gifts of gold and other costly items. These “presents” were given to Rebekah, her brother, and her mother (Gen 24:50-53).

Continue reading →
Posted by Eddie Lawrence in Ancient Customs, Genesis, Women