New Testament

Week 21: The Epistles of Paul, Part 2

1 Corinthians 1–14

23 March 2023

• The ᴋᴊᴠ’s use of “effeminate” and “abusers of themselves with mankind” in 1 Corinthians 6:9 are not helpful to modern readers. For an explanation of these what these terms meant to Greeks in Paul’s time, see, “Paul's Malakos: Its Evolution from Classical Greece Through the Roman World.” (This article contains discussion of ancient Greek sexual practices that may make some readers uncomfortable.)

• Paul’s counsel in 1 Corinthians 11:2–16 that women should cover their heads when praying or prophesying may also have connections to the ancient Greek view of sexuality. See this summary of Troy W. Martin, “Paul’s Argument from Nature for the Veil in 1 Corinthians 11:13–15: A Testicle Instead of a Head Covering,” Journal of Biblical Literature 123, no. 1 (Spring 2004): 75–84.