Paul does not tell us why he reasons in this line. Often Scripture does not feel obligated to justify itself. But it seems likely that Paul saw in the priority of Adam's creation the symbol of the leadership role God intended man to fulfill at home and in the church. From a logical standpoint, it seems arbitrary to assign leadership on the basis of priority of creation. From a Biblical standpoint, however, the arbitrariness disappears because the priority of creation is not an accident but a divine design, intended to typify the leadership and headship role man was created to fulfill. Further, the significance attached to the priority of Adam's formation is reflected in the meaning that Scripture attaches to the “firstborn,” a title used even with reference to Christ (“the Firstborn of all creation,” Colossians 1:15).
The sanctification of the seventh day provides another example. From a logical standpoint it seems arbitrary that God should choose to bless and sanctify the seventh day instead of the first day, since all days consist alike of 24 hours. From a Biblical standpoint, however, it is not arbitrary that God should choose the seventh day as a symbol of Creation and as a type of re-creation and sanctification (Genesis 2:2, 3; Exodus 31:13, 17; Ezekiel 20:20).
- Adventist Affirm, Answers to Questions about Women's Ordination - Pauline Passages about the Role of Women |