Looking at Paul’s letters from a new perspective is a bit strange. Paul didn’t intend for these letters to be published in a book of scriptures, he just meant to provide some guidance to churches that were struggling nearby. His words weren’t meant to be a universal fix for all Christians like they’re used today, especially not when they’re studied out of context (which is also common). Finding out that some of the canonized letters of Paul may not even be Paul’s writing further complicates this study! Since I researched Paul and his words about women in the church, then realizing they may not actually be his words, I’m understanding now more than ever how Biblical research has been operating for so long. I thought this was all cut and dry, studied and found to be legit, and canonized afterwards. Who knew there were still so many pieces of the puzzle being put together? I have decided I can no longer rely on devotional study of the Bible and I really need to have a historical account to supplement this as well. It amazes me how my church did so little contextualization of passages like this and now curiosity is getting the best of me!
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