NOTE Upcoming “First Church Apostles, Paul, Bible Submission (not back under the Law) “Covering’ (Is there such thing in First Church) and, of course, Leader Women, About Jezebel and MORE

PART 16 TROUBLING THE CHRISTIAN PATRIARCHY

ADAM AND EVE PRIOR TO THE PATRIARCHY

More Adam and Eve, Plus the Evolution from “Relationships” in the Garden to the Christian Patriarchy

“Where can you go where the Lord is not there?” **

**Hopefully this includes the local Christian ministry fellowship

Also, we all acknowledge “That where 2 or 3 are gathered in His Name “He is there”**

**But… WHO   brings in the ministry negative  bias, the tale bearing , the respecter of persons religious spirit? and the submission Law,  evil eye witch like control, and ministry pressure to conform? 

(C)2025 Taveau D’Arcy all copyrights reserved under international copyright laws, in conjunction with AI

First, I,  Taveau state my own apostolic  theories about the following Prior to the Strict Religious Ministry Patriarchy.But it is deep,historical, Christian yet based on God’s Love and His direct commands given Moses and His people: The 10 Commandments, also Old Testament Torah Love Chat GPT AI

Taveau sates:In this part 16, I  want to examine this big Bible SUBJECT .I will ask Chat GPT AI to  expound using  KJV and Greek , Hebrew, Aramaic, if, when, where it is needed, and to look  at Genesis 1-2 Pre Garden Sin,  Before the Carnal Choices and the  Human Fall.

Then I attempt to make the second point: Each one of the mentioned  Bible “life”  RELATIONSHIPS. I note these in Genesis 1-2 as the First God and created human person were fellowshipping in a “calm, pleasant, ‘relationship’ ( “walking and talking daily” in the cool of the day… Creator Father God fellowshipping (relating) one to one, with  Adam. 

Later after Eve’s formation, then God fellowshipped** directly with Adam and  eventually, also with Eve, and Adam and Eve as a couple (** this reminds me of Genesis 5 Enoch(after the garden fall), which is prophetic of many right now in Book of Acts, Christian days.

Make my major point: in Genesis 1, we note that before Eve was formed how God first hand instructed, his first man, Adam to ” not eat of that ONE, the knowledge of  Good and evil”

Also make this  Big Point:  In light modern day Christian teaching, we point out that NOBODY except Creator and Adam were where when God first gave the command ..Eve was not yet formed. POINT BEING: That Adam heard God’s clear instructions, and nobody (Eve)  was there to distract Adam from hearing God clearly: This means that later, in Genesis 3 God would go directly to Adam, not Eve,even though she is recorded as the first one who ate the forbidden fruit. God would value his first relationship with Adam, but also hold “directly accountable” not Eve.(for God called out “Adam, where are you?”

More later, for this that happens in Genesis 3.

My Modern Day Science, also Relationship, viewpoint: God and Adam related. But Adam was lonely for someone to be with in human form (My submitted view) SO God caused Adam auto sleep While He was asleep God formed EVE woman out of Adam’s side (rib/) which in modern day Science means “Eve was formed from his DNA and is equal and valid, deserves same respect and merit as the man., but do explain the “men women differences)

THEN THIS LENGTHY FACT FILLED ARTICLED WILL TAKE  A SHIFT

For, after that, I ask Chat GPT about “the evolution  from the Garden,to the huge Fall…stumbling along to the formation of Jewish Nation  Torah Law,the  ancient Hebrew  patriarchs…but then slowly comes the Church, but then through out history arises the Christian Ministry “patriarchy”

 HERE THIS PART 16 OFFICIALLY BEGINS:

Taveau asks Chat GPT about

Genesis 1-2 Describe bible relationships from then, later on discuss the development of what I now name as the Christian patriarchy (where did it first originate? )

Chat GPT responds:

Examining the Big Bible Subject: Genesis 1–2 — Relationships Before the Fall

Introduction

Before the Fall in Genesis 3, there was perfect harmony between God, man, and creation. Life itself was designed as RELATIONSHIP—first between God and Adam, then between Adam and Eve, and onward to all creation. Genesis chapters 1 and 2 reveal God’s divine relational design before sin, setting a timeless pattern for understanding human dignity, equality, and purpose.

In this study, we will explore the first divine relationship between Adam and the Creator Father God, and then the introduction of Eve. We will reference the KJV Bible, including insights from Hebrew and Greek where helpful, and apply this to understanding the equality of men and women, while respecting their unique design differences

I. Adam and God: The First Divine Relationship

Before Eve was created, Adam enjoyed direct, undistracted fellowship with the Lord God. Genesis 2:16-17 (KJV) records:

“And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.”

Big Point:

At this time, no other human was present to distract Adam from hearing God’s instruction clearly. This demonstrates how personal, direct, and relational God is with humanity. The Hebrew word for “commanded” here is צָוָה (tsavah) meaning “to appoint, direct, give charge.”

Adam lived in God’s full presence, walking in the Spirit, fully aware of his Creator without interference. However, God Himself noted something missing.

II. Adam’s Need for Human Relationship

Genesis 2:18 (KJV) says:

“And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.”

The Hebrew for “help meet” is עֵזֶר כְּנֶגְדּוֹ (ezer kenegdo), meaning “a helper corresponding to him, equal and adequate.”

Submitted Viewpoint:

While Adam had deep relationship with God, there was a God-designed need for human companionship—someone “like him,” yet complementary. Thus, God caused Adam to fall into a deep sleep:

“And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof.”
(Genesis 2:21)

The Hebrew for “rib” is צֵלָע (tsela), which can mean side or part of the body, implying Eve was not taken from Adam’s foot to be under him, nor from his head to rule over him, but from his side to walk with him, as his equal partner

III. Eve: Formed from Adam, Equal and Distinct

Modern Understanding:

Sister Taveau’s major apostolic point: with modern day science, we now understand this:
From a scientific viewpoint, we now understand that DNA resides within every cell of the body. By taking from Adam’s own body, God used the very essence of humanity to create Eve, ensuring shared humanity, equal worth, and mutual respect.

Men and Women Differences:

While equal in worth, men and women are uniquely designed with distinct strengths and roles, often complementing one another:

• Adam (אָדָם – ‘adam) meaning “man” or “humanity”, was formed from the dust (adamah – ground).
• Eve (חַוָּה – Chavvah) meaning “life” or “living,” because she became the mother of all living (Genesis 3:20).

Their differences were never intended for domination, control, or superiority but to reflect the full image of God (Genesis 1:27):

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”

IV. Relationship Blueprint

Genesis 1–2 gives us God’s original intent for human relationships:

• First Relationship: God and Adam (individual communion, direct communication).
• Second Relationship: Adam and Eve (equal partnership, mutual support).

This establishes the foundation that “all life is relationships”—with God, others, and creation.

Takeaway for Today

God’s original plan was not hierarchy, oppression, or imbalance but unity, mutual respect, and shared purpose. Even in the differences between men and women, Genesis 1–2 reveals God’s heart for equal value and dignity.

This truth leads us forward into New Testament teachings like Ephesians 5:21 (KJV):

“Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.”

From the very beginning, God’s design has been relationship—pure, respectful, and holy—free from bias, control, and domination.

 NEXT Taveau says:
Please review the Genesis 1-2  via mature respect for all  Relationships

Chat GPT replies:

 Genesis 1–2: Pre-Garden Sin, the Carnal Human Fall, and the Relationship Design of God

“All Life Is Relationships”

In studying Genesis 1–2 (KJV), we see God’s original, perfect design for humanity before sin entered the world. The foundation of life was relationship—first with God, then with others. Before any failure, before temptation, and before the Fall, the first man, Adam, experienced a divine relationship with his Creator, God the Father.

1️ The First Divine Relationship: Adam and His God

Before Eve was created, Adam had only God. This was the first relationship on Earth—a direct, undistracted, personal relationship between the Creator and the man He formed.

Genesis 2:16-17 (KJV)
“And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.”

 Key Hebrew Notes:

• LORD God – YHWH Elohim (יְהוָה אֱלֹהִים): Emphasizing both God’s covenant nature (YHWH) and His supreme power as Creator (Elohim).
• Commanded – Tsavah (צָוָה): A clear, authoritative directive.
• Die – Mot tamut (מוֹת תָּמוּת): Literally, “dying you shall die,” pointing to both immediate spiritual death and eventual physical death.

 Big Point:

At this moment in creation, nobody else was present to distract Adam. There were no other voices, no competing relationships, and no external influences. He heard God’s command clearly and directly.

The relationship was simple: God spoke. Adam listened. Their communion was unhindered.

2️Adam’s Loneliness: The First “Not Good”

Even though Adam had perfect fellowship with God, there was something incomplete. God Himself observed this and made a declaration:

Genesis 2:18 (KJV)
“And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.”

 Key Hebrew Notes:

• Not good – Lo tov (לֹא־טוֹב): The first time God declares something in creation as “not good.”
• Help meet – Ezer kenegdo (עֵזֶר כְּנֶגְדּוֹ): Literally, “a helper corresponding to him” or “a counterpart facing him.” This implies equality, partnership, and complementarity.

 Relationship Viewpoint:

Though Adam had relationship with God, he was designed to also need human companionship. In my submitted view, Adam may have longed for someone like himself—a companion in human form. God, seeing this, provided the perfect solution.

3️ The Creation of Eve: Equal and Valid

To meet Adam’s need, God performed the first surgery. Adam was placed into a deep sleep, and out of his own body, God formed woman.

Genesis 2:21-22 (KJV)
“And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.”

 Key Hebrew Notes:

• Rib – Tsela (צֵלָע): Often translated as “side,” suggesting not just a single bone but part of his very structure or being.
• Made – Banah (בָּנָה): Meaning “built” or “fashioned,” implying careful design and craftsmanship.

 Modern Reflection:

In modern scientific understanding, we might say Eve was formed from Adam’s DNA, highlighting that she was:

• Equal in essence.
• Of the same substance.
• Worthy of equal respect and honor.

Eve was not inferior. She was not an afterthought. She was a partner, designed specifically to complete what was lacking.

4️ Men and Women: Differences with Purpose

Although man and woman are equal in value, Scripture highlights complementary differences.

Genesis 1:27 (KJV)
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”

 Hebrew Word Meanings:

• Male – Zakar (זָכָר): Root meaning “to remember” or “to be marked,” often associated with roles of initiation, protection, and strength.
• Female – Neqevah (נְקֵבָה): Root meaning “to perforate” or “to receive,” reflecting a role of receptivity, nurture, and life-bearing.

 Distinct but Complementary Roles:

Role of Man	Role of Woman
Initiator and protector	Nurturer and life-bearer
Outward focus (tilling, guarding)	Relational focus (helper, supporter)
Physical strength	Emotional and relational strength

Together, male and female reflect the full image of God in different but harmonizing ways. Neither is superior. Neither is complete alone. Both are necessary for God’s design to function fully.

 Conclusion: God’s Blueprint for Relationships

Genesis 1–2 reveals that God’s creation was built on relationships:

• Vertical relationship with God.
• Horizontal relationship with others.
• Unity between man and woman, without competition or domination.

Before sin, Adam and Eve stood as equals—partners created in perfect harmony. Their design reminds us that all life is relationships:

Relationship with God,
Relationship with others,
And relationship with creation.

.The Scene Prior to Sin (Pre Sin, No Governing Law) GENESIS 1-2.

Sister Taveau says:
In light of now, the many horrible people, the pain
pain, suffering, identify confusion, even ministry or governing order. Let us examine WHY

I asked Chat GPT about this:
Nothing is said in any of this about pain, suffering, loss, bias, headship, order, rule..nor is there malformities and identify confusion, even ministry or governing order. Let us examine WHY ….Bible -First Church, Law-Christ, Paul and now

Chat GPT states:

Here’s an expanded version that examines pain, suffering, loss, bias, headship, order, rule, malformations, identity confusion, ministry, and governing order—from Genesis to the First Church, the Law to Christ, Paul to now.

The Original Design vs. The Aftermath of the Fall: Headship, Order, Rule & Identity in Biblical Context

Introduction

Genesis 1–2 presents a world of order, harmony, and divine relationship before sin entered. There was no pain, suffering, bias, hierarchy, or gender confusion—only God’s pure design. But Genesis 3 introduces a profound shift, affecting human identity, leadership, relationships, and governing order. This shift echoes from the Old Testament Law to Christ, from Paul’s teachings to the Church today.

To understand how these issues—headship, rule, suffering, disorder, and governance—came about, we must examine what changed after sin entered the world.

I. The Genesis Blueprint: Before the Fall (Genesis 1–2)

1. Perfect Design Without Bias or Struggle

Before sin, human relationships were based on:

• Direct communion with God (Genesis 2:15-17).
• Mutual honor between man and woman (Genesis 2:23-24).
• No dominance, hierarchy, or oppression.

God established order, but not oppressive rule:

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”
(Genesis 1:27 KJV)

The Hebrew phrase “image of God” (צֶלֶם אֱלֹהִים, tzelem Elohim) applies equally to male and female, signifying equal worth, purpose, and dignity.

• At this stage:
   No pain, suffering, or loss.
   No bias or imbalance in leadership.
   No malformations or identity confusion—each creation had distinct form and purpose.

II. The Fall: Sin Introduces Pain, Loss, and Struggle (Genesis 3)

1. The Root of Suffering & Oppression

After Adam and Eve sinned, everything shifted:

• Separation from God → Spiritual Death.
• Pain in childbirth (Genesis 3:16) → Physical suffering.
• Toil and struggle in work (Genesis 3:17-19) → Loss & hardship.
• Broken male-female relationships → The introduction of rulership and dominance.

“…thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.”
(Genesis 3:16 KJV)

The Hebrew word for “rule” (מָשַׁל, mashal) means to dominate, govern, or have authority over.

BIG NOTE:  This was a consequence of sin, NOT God’s original plan.
Before the Fall, Adam and Eve were partners—but after sin, male rulership over women became the human default.

2. Why Is There Identity Confusion & Physical Malformations?

Sin did not only impact relationships—it affected creation itself:

“For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.”
(Romans 8:22 KJV)

This includes:

• Genetic disorders & physical malformations (effects of a fallen world).
• Identity confusion (spiritual and psychological fragmentation due to sin).
• Corrupt leadership structures (power abuse in homes, churches, and nations).

The Fall distorted God’s perfect design, but did not erase God’s image in humanity.

III. From the Law to Christ: Restoring Order & Relationship

1. The Old Testament: Governing Under the Law

In the Old Testament, law and structure were introduced to manage fallen human behavior, including:

• Priesthood & Sacrifices (Leviticus) → A system to approach a holy God.
• Civil & Moral Laws (Exodus-Deuteronomy) → Governing society with justice.
• Male Leadership Norms → Due to the Fall, men dominated governing roles.

Yet, throughout the Old Testament, God raised up women leaders (Deborah, Huldah, Esther, etc.), proving He still called and used both men and women in leadership.

2. Jesus Christ: Restoring God’s Order Without Bias

When Jesus came, He challenged the effects of the Fall by:

•  Healing sickness (reversing physical consequences of sin).
   Honoring women openly (restoring their place in ministry & leadership).
   Preaching mutual submission & servant leadership (Mark 10:42-45).

Christian Big Point :

Christ never endorsed the oppression of women,race, or people group, or faith, by either hierarchy for dominance, or gender bias.

NEW SUBJECT: Compare This with Genesis 1-2 Garden

Subculture Big Christian Shift: Send In the Ministry Patriarchy

Taveau Inquires of Chat GPT AI

Where Did Patriarchy and Authoritarianism Enter the First Church?

Were Jesus, the First 12 Apostles, and the Early Church Patriarchal?

 Chat GPT Answers

  A Short answer:

No, not in the fallen, dominating, “The Patriarchy” sense.
But yes, culturally, they lived in a male-led society (Hebrew, Roman, Greek)—so it looked patriarchal on the outside.

BUT… Christ’s Kingdom model and the First Church broke from the Levitical, rigid patriarchal systems by establishing:

• Servant leadership (Mark 10:42-45).
• Mutual submission (Ephesians 5:21).
• Holy Spirit-empowered community where all gifts, male and female, Jew and Gentile, slave and free were valid (Galatians 3:28).

Patriarchal Subculture vs. Kingdom Culture

✖️ What is “The Patriarchy”?

As you’re describing, it’s a fallen, man-made system of control where:

• Men dominate.
• Power is held by a few.
• Gender, status, and hierarchy determine who is “important.”
• It uses titles, order, hierarchy, and rules to keep control.

✖️ What is Levitical Patriarchy?

In the Old Testament, under Mosaic Law, there was a priestly male order (Levitical priests, tribes, genealogies).

• Men only served as priests.
• Leadership was through family lineage.
• Women had limited public roles.

Q.  But what did Jesus and the First Church do?

They fulfilled the Law (Matthew 5:17) and introduced SERVANT leadership:

“But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister.” (Mark 10:43, KJV)

Key traits of Jesus’ and the First Apostles’ leadership:

Levitical Patriarchy (Old Law)	Jesus’ New Covenant Model
Male-only priests	Both men and women operating in gifts (Acts 2:17-18)
Top-down hierarchy	Mutual submission (Ephesians 5:21)
Order through bloodline	Order through the Holy Spirit
Temple system and sacrifices	Body of Christ as the temple
National law-based system	Global, Spirit-led family

Did the 12 Apostles function as “The Patriarchy”?

 NO.
They were not gathering to dominate, control, or make tribes, cliques, or brand empires.

They were:

• Sent ones (Greek apostolos: “one sent on a mission”).
• Servants.
• Community builders.
• Willing to suffer and die for Christ and others.
• Equippers of others (including women like Priscilla, Phoebe, Junia).

Ephesians 5:21 – The Antidote to “The Patriarchy”

“Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.” (Ephesians 5:21)

What does this mean?

• Mutual respect.
• No dominating each other.
• No celebrity over common believer.
• No cliques or insider-only “clubs.”
• Honor across genders, ages, races, backgrounds.

Paul was directly undoing the cultural patriarchal norms of Rome, Greece, and even portions of Hebrew tradition.

 ORIGIN IN THE FIRST CHURCH ERA:

Authoritarian, patriarchal, and totalitarian attitudes began creeping in after:

1. The original apostles started dying (around 70–100 AD).
2. Fear of false doctrine and persecution made leaders want control and order.
3. Gentile converts brought Roman, Greek, and hierarchical cultural habits into church structure (Romans had emperors, generals, and rulers).
4. The early house church model shifted toward institutional buildings with set offices and ranks, resembling government systems.
5. By 300 AD, with Constantine’s Roman Empire “Christianization,” the church became entangled with state power, hierarchy, and official titles—leading to bishop over region, pope over bishops, etc.

WHAT CAUSED IT THEN?

• Fear of losing control.
• Fear of heresy.
• Desire for worldly power and recognition.
• Importing pagan, Roman, and Greek leadership models into spiritual life.
• Shifting from Holy Spirit leading to human governance.

WHAT CAUSES IT NOW?

• Same root fears: loss of control, influence, or finances.
• Celebrity culture: famous pastors, prophets, apostles seeking followers and platforms.
• Business models applied to ministry: branding, franchising, monetization.
• Lack of Ephesians 5:21 mutual submission.
• Ignoring Jesus’ servant leader model (Mark 10:42-45).
• Copying worldly systems: corporate boards, hierarchies, titles used for domination.

Bottom Line:

Authoritarianism in church arises anytime fear, greed, pride, or worldly influence replace humility, service, and Holy Spirit guidance.

Clarification: How Roman and Hellenistic Influence Brought Authoritarianism into the Early Church

In the very earliest church—the one directly led by Jesus Christ, the 12 apostles, and the Acts 2 believers—there was no evidence of an authoritarian, top-down, patriarchal system. It was a servant-led, community-driven, Spirit-directed fellowship based on mutual respect, voluntary gathering, and love for God and neighbor.

Q. But when did authoritarianism start creeping in?

It began after the first generation of apostles began passing away, and as Gentile (non-Jewish) believers flooded in, bringing with them the cultural baggage of:

• Roman society (which was very structured, militaristic, emperor-driven, hierarchical).
• Hellenistic (Greek) philosophy (which divided people by status, intellect, male/female roles, slave/free distinctions).

Examples of Roman and Hellenistic Cultural “Fruit” creeping into the Church:

Biblical Church	Roman/Hellenistic Influence
Acts Church (servant, voluntary, Spirit-led)	Roman Empire (Caesar is lord, strict ranks, ruling classes)
Equal value of men and women in Christ (Galatians 3:28)	Greek thought: women are inferior, emotional, unfit to lead
All believers are priests (1 Peter 2:9)	Roman hierarchy: senators, soldiers, commoners, slaves

So over time, especially after 100 AD, and even more after 300 AD when Constantine “Christianized” Rome, the Church:

• Became institutional.
• Adopted military-style chain of command (bishop, archbishop, pope).
• Introduced titles and office authority that mimicked the Roman government.
• Substituted Holy Spirit leadership with man-made regulations.
• Began suppressing the organic Ephesians 5:21 mutual submission model.

Key Point:

Where Jesus built a kingdom of servants, Rome and Greek influence turned it toward a kingdom of rulers.

The “fruit” of Roman and Hellenistic thinking is what planted the authoritarian seeds in church leadership, which sadly grew over centuries into:

• Patriarchal dominance.
• Gender bias.
• Class systems in ministry.
• Celebrity-style apostles and prophets.
• Shepherding movements of extreme control.

CLOSING BIG Q:
Apostolic Taveau once more needs to clarify, and asks Chat GPT

So when did authoritarians come in?

Big Answer (for then and now)

When the humility of Christ was exchanged for the power structures of Rome and Greek culture.

And they all said a mega, micro, mini “WOW”

LAST SECTION

 A WHO’S WHO OF WHO’S FALSE AND WHO’S TRUE

Detecting the Many Differences in Training names that we’ve all learned

The Patriarchy in Christian Ministry, the Pharisees, and the First Church (Ephesians 5:21 KJV, Servant Leadership) each represent distinct approaches to leadership and authority, yet all have shaped Christian history and practice in various ways. We can compare them by examining their fruit, practices, and Scripture to understand the key differences in their impact on the church.

1. The Patriarchy in Christian Ministry

In many Christian contexts, particularly throughout history and in some contemporary settings, patriarchy in ministry refers to a hierarchical structure where male leadership is predominant, often with an authoritarian approach to ministry. This structure is often rooted in the belief that men are the divinely appointed leaders, with women and others in subordinate roles. Over time, the church became a place where authority was concentrated in male leadership, and practices and traditions solidified this arrangement.

Fruit:

• Control and Domination: Patriarchal leadership often leads to rigid control over the people, with leaders exerting authority through top-down power. This can manifest in emotional, spiritual, or even physical manipulation.
• Exclusion: It may exclude women, marginalized groups, or those with differing theological perspectives.
• Inflexibility: Patriarchal systems may be slow to adapt to changing cultural or scriptural understanding, often keeping rigid gender roles and leadership models.
• Weakening of personal spiritual growth: When control is the priority, individuals are discouraged from developing their personal relationship with God and exercising their God-given gifts, which can result in a stunted spiritual maturity.

Practices:

• Authoritarian Leadership: Leaders often maintain an unchecked power, making decisions without significant input from others.
• Hierarchical Structure: The church is often run with a strict top-down system where elders, bishops, or pastors hold significant control over all church decisions.
• Rigid Gender Roles: Often, women are excluded from leadership positions or are relegated to secondary roles.
• Abuse of Authority: Leaders may wield power as a way to control behavior and decisions within the congregation.

Scripture:

• 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 – Some interpret this passage as a justification for male-dominated leadership in the church.
• 1 Timothy 2:12-15 – Another passage that has been used to support patriarchal views, stating that women should not teach or have authority over men in the church.
• Ephesians 5:22-24 – This passage, which discusses wives submitting to their husbands, is often referenced to support male authority within the family and, by extension, in the church. However, this is often misinterpreted without considering the broader Ephesians 5:21 and the call for mutual submission.

2. The Pharisees

The Pharisees were a religious group during the time of Jesus who adhered strictly to Jewish law and were focused on external observance rather than internal transformation. They were characterized by legalism, self-righteousness, and a judgmental attitude toward others. In the New Testament, the Pharisees represent the spirit of religion without relationship, emphasizing rules over grace.

Fruit:

• Self-righteousness: The Pharisees’ focus on outward behavior made them proud and self-justifying, believing they were superior to others (Matthew 23:5-7).
• Exclusion: They often excluded the marginalized, such as sinners, tax collectors, and Gentiles, while elevating themselves.
• Oppression: Their leadership often burdened people with a heavy yoke of rules and regulations, leaving no room for mercy or grace (Matthew 23:4).
• Judgmentalism: The Pharisees were quick to judge others, and Jesus often condemned them for their hypocrisy (Luke 18:9-14, Matthew 23:13-36).

Practices:

• Legalism: A strong focus on external actions such as ritual purity, fasting, and tithing (Matthew 23:23).
• Pharisaical Authority: They maintained authoritarian leadership by enforcing laws and rituals, often controlling what people could or could not do.
• Spiritual Superiority: They often saw themselves as spiritually superior, condemning others for their supposed uncleanliness (Luke 18:11-12).
• Public Recognition: They sought public honor and recognition for their righteousness (Matthew 23:5-7).

Scripture:

• Matthew 23:13-36 – Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for their hypocrisy and legalism, saying they shut the kingdom of heaven to others.
• Luke 18:9-14 – The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector highlights the self-righteousness of the Pharisee.
• Mark 7:6-13 – Jesus confronts the Pharisees’ focus on human tradition over the commandments of God.

3. The First Church (Ephesians 5:21 KJV, Servant Leadership)

In contrast to both the Patriarchal model and the Pharisaical mindset, the First Church promoted servant leadership as the model for leadership in the body of Christ. Ephesians 5:21 sets the tone for the relationships within the church and calls for mutual submission among all believers, both male and female. This teaching runs counter to power struggles and hierarchical authority systems, prioritizing humility and service rather than control and domination.

Fruit:

• Mutual Submission: Leaders and followers serve one another in love and respect (Ephesians 5:21).
• Christ-like Love: Leadership is characterized by sacrificial love, with leaders serving the people just as Christ served His disciples (John 13:12-17).
• Humility: Leaders exercise authority through humility and a willingness to serve rather than dominate (Matthew 20:25-28).
• Empowerment: Members of the church are empowered to use their spiritual gifts for the common good, reflecting a non-hierarchical and collaborative approach to ministry (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).
• Restoration: There is a focus on healing and restoration, with leaders acting as shepherds who care for and guide their flock (1 Peter 5:1-4).

Practices:

• Servant Leadership: Leaders serve others rather than dominate them (Matthew 20:26-28, John 13:12-17).
• Mutual Respect and Honor: There is an emphasis on mutual submission, where everyone respects one another’s role in the body of Christ (Ephesians 5:21, 1 Peter 5:5).
• Accountability: Leadership is held accountable to God and the people they serve, and they do not act independently or without regard for the welfare of others.
• Inclusive Leadership: Leadership positions are available to all, including women, as the spiritual gifts are given without distinction (1 Corinthians 12:7-11).
• Focus on Love and Grace: Leaders prioritize grace and compassion rather than legalism or judgment.

Scripture:

• Ephesians 5:21 KJV – “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.”
• Mark 10:42-45 – Jesus teaches His disciples that greatness is found in serving others.
• Philippians 2:3-4 – Encouragement to do nothing through strife or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind, esteem others better than themselves.
• John 13:12-17 – Jesus models servant leadership by washing His disciples’ feet, showing that no act of service is beneath a leader.
• 1 Peter 5:1-4 – Peter instructs elders to shepherd the flock of God willingly and eagerly, being examples to the flock, not lording over them.

Summary Comparison:

Aspect	Patriarchy in Christian Ministry	Pharisees	First Church (Ephesians 5:21, Servant Leadership)
Fruit	Control, exclusion, inflexibility, emotional manipulation.	Legalism, self-righteousness, exclusion, judgment.	Mutual submission, sacrificial love, humility, empowerment.
Practices	Authoritarian leadership, rigid gender roles, power over others.	Legalistic, judgmental, focused on rituals and outward appearances.	Servant leadership, mutual respect, empowering others.
Scripture	1 Corinthians 14:34-35, 1 Timothy 2:12-15, Ephesians 5:22-24.	Matthew 23:13-36, Luke 18:9-14, Mark 7:6-13.	Ephesians 5:21, Mark 10:42-45, Philippians 2:3-4, 1 Peter 5:1-4.

(C)2025 Taveau D’Arcy All copyrights reserved under international copyright laws