¹³For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. ¹⁴And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression.

The issue of gender roles causes much consternation in the broad Christian world today. Denominations split over this issue of whether a woman can be a pastor, the senior pastor, or an elder. Why not relegate this teaching to the same category as foot washing, which Jesus commanded (John 13:14–15), or greeting one another with a “holy kiss” (Rom. 16:16, 1 Cor. 16:20, etc.)? But that is a superficial reading of the texts.

Paul gives a theological rationale for the teaching on gender roles in the church. With the holy kiss, no theological foundation is given. We agree with all commentators that Paul’s intention was to express greetings in a warm, affectionate way, relevant to the existing cultural expression. Today that might be fulfilled with a firm handshake or gentle hug. Concerning foot washing, one might assert there is no more significant theological rationale than the fact that Jesus did it and clearly told His disciples to do likewise. But again, Jesus said other things that we interpret expansively, like turning the other cheek, which we interpret as not taking revenge, or selling all and following Him (Mark 10:21), which we understand to be limited to those who, like the rich young ruler, hold on to all as more important than following Christ.

Therefore, we don’t apply all of Jesus’ words in a rigidly literalistic way for everyone in the same way. Our Lord intended for His disciples, in that culture where people generally walked in sandals, to take the role of the household servant who washes the feet of the guests in preparation for a meal.

But with the gender roles in the church, the apostle Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, roots his teaching in the pre-fall creational order. Note that gender roles do not exist because of the fall, but firstly because of the order of creation. Therefore, the forgiveness of sin in the new covenant where we live under grace does not change the order of creation. The fact that Paul is using this as a rationale shows that this teaching is not superseded by the new covenant. “Adam was created first, and then Eve.” And the woman was deceived, not Adam. Whatever this means, Paul bases his teaching on this created order and the order of the fall. Much more has been written on this issue, with theologians and preachers lining up on one side or the other. At the heart of the matter, we must have willing hearts to follow the Word no matter how out of step that is with the world.

Lord, I joyfully accept my responsibility in the church as You designed it.