Does Paul Contradict Himself? A Conversation with Rev. Dr. Michael F. Bird (Women and Words)

About this episode

Rev. Dr. Michael F. Bird discusses the complexities of interpreting Paul's writings regarding women in the church.

In this podcast, Rev. Dr. Michael F. Bird explores the crucial sociological context that often influences human interpretation of Scripture along with the complexities involved in reading passages from Paul who is considered both the ally of both egalitarians and complementarians. Spending significant time on Paul’s reference to Phoebe (Romans 16:1–2) as deacon in the church of Cenchrea. Too often we allow Paul’s passages that appear to silence women for all time (1 Timothy 2:11-15, Ephesians 5:22&FF and 1 Corinthians 14:34–36 ) overlooking the many women speaking, teaching and leading in the OT and NT, especially beside Paul and throughout Church History. Mike considers the impact of sin on God’s original design for women and men in Gen 1:26–31. Because of sin, the mutuality enjoyed by women and men deteriorates into the male rule noted in Gen 3:16. Supremely, Mike notes the victories of Christ in conquering sin on Calvary, along with the many passages in the New Testament that speak of the ontological mutuality and equal service of women and men, such as Proverbs 31, Galatians 3:28 but also a passage heavily cited by the Abolitionists that reads: “From one man he made all…

People in this episode

Guest: Rev. Dr. Michael F. Bird

Topics covered

• Paul's writings
• women in scripture
• egalitarianism
• complementarianism
• biblical theology
• church history
• gender roles

Keywords

• Paul
• women
• scripture interpretation
• egalitarian
• complementarian
• church history
• gender roles
• theology

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Romans 16:1–2, 1 Timothy 2:11-15, Ephesians 5:22&FF, 1 Corinthians 14:34–36, Gen 1:26–31, Gen 3:16, Proverbs 31, Galatians 3:28, Acts 17:26

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