Re: Always in the Church, but not always in fellowship with the brethren
ZNP,
Excellent points, ZNP.
Paul also said in 1 Cor. 7:7 "For I would that all men were even as I myself." Was Paul telling men, for all time, that they should not marry? Noooooooo! 1 Cor. 7:28 "But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned;" Or, did Paul simply give his personal opinion?
Because of the dangerous times you describe in context of Paul's letter to Timothy, would it be a reach to suggest that Paul's remarks about women not teaching was to women...for their own protection during this dangerous time?
We already know Paul's thoughts about marriage; he also advised Timothy to drink a little wine for his stomach; and "next time you go to Troas, pick up my coat I left there and bring it with you". So it would seem that Paul's letters to Timothy were...to Timothy. Of course, not all was personal, but the letters obviously contained some personal comments to Timothy...assuming we don't all need to drink wine as a Christian practice for all time, and we all don't need to go to Troas to pick up a coat.
So, to your point, context is important!
Nell
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