10-12Don't, by the way, read too much into the differences here between men and women. Neither man nor woman can go it alone or claim priority. Man was created first, as a beautiful shining reflection of God—that is true. But the head on a woman's body clearly outshines in beauty the head of her "head," her husband. The first woman came from man, true—but ever since then, every man comes from a woman! And since virtually everything comes from God anyway, let's quit going through these "who's first" routines. (The Message)
Some people don't see Paul as very friendly toward women because of some of the things that he writes. Other people try to discount Paul's words by speaking about the cultural context in which he was living at the time. One way or another we must face Paul's words and ask ourselves, what might God be saying to us today through this guidance? In the end Paul seems to be saying one way or another get over it, treat each other with respect. It is a message that we can still hear and take to heart.
Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:
- What do you know about the way women were treated in Paul's day?
- What were the ways men and women might have been treated differently when you were growing up compared to today? Do you think that change is better or worse?
- What does it mean for you to treat both men and women as children of God?
- How do you see the church today living out Paul's words here? How might they not be living this out?
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