GENDER AND POWER DYNAMICS IN 1 COR 10:31–11:16: AN ANALYSIS OF PAUL’S GOSPEL MESSAGE

Abstract

This study analyzes gender and power dynamics in 1 Corinthians 10:31－11:16, focusing on Paul’s guidance to the Corinthian church concerning cultural practices, gender roles, and their implications for Christian identity and community. The passage addresses eating, worship, and bodily expression, providing a framework to examine the intersection of gender, authority, and cultural expectations in the Greco-Roman context. Employing a narrative-critical method, the article situates the text within its historical and cultural context to demonstrate how Paul maintains ecclesiastical order while affirming the dignity of both women and men in the faith community. The interpretation of the head covering motif is central to this analysis, as it is often misinterpreted as a directive that supports patriarchal dominance. This article contends that the gospel serves as the interpretive key to these dynamics in the Corinthian church. It asserts that Paul’s instructions should be understood as a call to respect local customs while promoting inclusivity that transcends traditional gender boundaries. This study contributes to ongoing discussions about gender, authority, and community dynamics in contemporary Christian thought.