What were the women in the Corinthian church to recognize about the man's role and their own submission?
Women in the Corinthian church were to recognize that the man was still the head of the family and head of the woman, and that she was to be subdued under those services in the church. This order rested on God's command that the husband rule over the wife.
Les explains that the curse included the woman’s desire being toward her husband and the husband ruling over her; this was the way God commanded and ordained it. He notes that throughout the Old Testament the woman was, by our way of thinking, almost overly subdued, yet this was still part of Paul’s thinking as he dealt with the Corinthian church. Therefore the women were to recognize that the man remained head of the family and head of the woman, and that she was to be subdued under those services in the church. Paul then challenges any who think themselves prophets or spiritual to acknowledge that the things he writes are the commandments of the Lord.
Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.
Who is the head of the family and of the woman?
The man, specifically the husband, is the head of the family and of the woman. This order was ordained by God, and the New Testament affirms it, as the Apostle Paul dealt with the Corinthian church regarding women recognizing the man's headship.
Was the Old Testament pattern of the woman being subdued still part of Paul's thinking for the Corinthian church?
Yes. The Old Testament pattern of the woman being subdued remained part of Paul's thinking as he dealt with the Corinthian church. Women were to recognize that the man was still head of the family and head of the woman, and that she was to be subdued under those services in the church.
More Questions
Why did Paul tell women to remain subdued and not take authority in the local church?
Paul wrote his instructions for women in the church (remain subdued, don't be talkative, don't take authority in the local church) in the light of the culture and the day and time in which he was writing.
What did Paul tell the women in Corinth to watch?
Paul told the ladies in the church to watch their languages, speaking, and behavior.