PAUL’S PERSPECTIVE OF WOMEN IN THE NEW TESTAMENT AND ITS IMPLICATIONS TO THE CONTEMPORARY SCHOLARSHIP

Abstract

The role and importance of women in the family and society cannot be underestimated. In the creation story, God created Adam first and then Eve to be a helpmate for Adam. This indicates that women's place is crucial in God's agenda. From ancient times to the present, there have been traditions and cultures that do not value women. Women are often not recognized or valued in high positions or certain social functions because of religious and cultural beliefs. What should be the role of women in social, economic, and religious functions? What does the New Testament say about women, their roles, and functions in social and religious gatherings? The focus of this work is to investigate the documentation of Paul the Apostle concerning women and its implications for contemporary scholarship. This study also examines what scholars have discussed in the Old Testament and secular fields to provide a balanced view through historical and analytical approaches, enhancing the understanding of Paul’s perspective on women. It is observed that women have great potential and have significantly contributed to the growth of society and nations in both the past and present. Therefore, there should be no discrimination against women; they should be given opportunities to serve and hold important positions, enabling them to contribute and uplift humanity.