Exploring the Dichotomy of Women in Ecclesial Leadership During the Pauline Mission: A Sociorhetorical Analysis of Romans 16:1-16 and 1 Corinthians 11:1-16 and 14:26-40
Exploring the Dichotomy of Women in Ecclesial Leadership During the Pauline Mission: A Sociorhetorical Analysis of Romans 16:1-16 and 1 Corinthians 11:1-16 and 14:26-40
Ca-Asia Ann Lane | 2021
Abstract
This study examined the roles of women in leadership during the first-century church through a sociorhetorical analysis of 1 Corinthians 11:1-16 and 14:26-40 and Romans 16:1-16. The sociorhetorical analysis identified connections to the women leaders referenced in 1 Corinthians and the women mentioned in Romans. Paul addressed the early churches in an effort to create a pattern of leadership behavior and moral efficacy within the Christian communities. This study identified roles that Paul ascribed to and or affirmed about the women serving in leading roles within the two communities. Specific attention was given to the aforementioned Scriptures with a focus on the complexity in roles taken upon the women of Corinth and Romans 16:1-16 where Paul presented leaders—both men and women serving the church throughout the Roman providence. The scope of the research included (a) a biblical exposition of 1 Corinthians 11:1-16 and 14:26-40 that highlights the conflicting roles that are associated with the women within the Scriptures, (b) a biblical exposition of Romans 16:1-16 that highlighted the women referenced and the roles that were associated with them within the Scriptures, and (c) an examination of feminist and womanist viewpoints as it pertains to the Scriptures and the limitations of each in order to bring a wholistic perspective from the two as it relates to women in ecclesial leadership during the Pauline mission. For women who identify with ecclesial leadership, interpreting Paul’s injunctions to silence, contrasting to his expectations for worship and his affirmation towards women serving in leading roles, juxtapose with church patriarchal culture. This sociorhetorical analysis approached the text by examining the evidence concerning the roles women played in the social and worship organization of the Pauline churches. In keeping with that aim, leaving aside the complexity raised by the apostle’s position, this study sought to understand the roles and expectation of the women within the ecclesial leadership context. The analysis yielded nine themes developed into six principles that provide a strong framework model for women serving within contemporary ecclesial leadership roles.