07.31.08
Posted in Women in Ministry at 9:43 am by Administrator
Overseers/Elders
Many use this exact portion of scripture – 1Timothy 3 – to argue against women holding positions of authority and leadership in the church.
Two offices are spoken of in this section of scripture. One is referred to as ‘overseer’ and the other is referred to as ‘deacon’.
1Timothy 3:1 It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do.
According to the Strong’s Dictionary of the Greek the words translated as “any man” in the Greek is the word “tis” which is a non gender specific word meaning: “anyone, any man, any woman, whoever.”
The gender specific pronoun “he” in Verse 1 was added by the translators – it does not exist in the original text.
Paul is saying in 1Timothy 3:1 “if ANYONE aspires to the office of an overseer, it is a find work desires to do.”
Paul did not use gender specific words as he begins to speak the requirements for an overseer/elder in the church.
If Paul had wanted to limit being an overseers/elder to the male gender he would have used gender specific words — Paul did not use gender specific words because he was not limiting these offices to be held by males alone.
In this portion of scripture Paul uses non gender specific words which include ALL – male and female – who seek to serve in this office — Paul is NOT limiting this office to men alone.
Only one qualification for overseer/elder is addressed specifically to men and has definite gender word usage – the requirement of being “the husband of one wife”.
1Timothy 3:2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife,…
Some have interpreted this scripture to say overseers/elders must be a male because they see this statement as being addressed to husbands – which are obviously males.
Is this Paul’s intent? I do not believe it is because Paul used a non gender specific word when speaking of those who seek the office of overseer/elder in 1Timothy 3:1.
If we compare Titus 1:5-6 we find that Paul again used non gender specific words when speaking of the office of overseer/elder.
Titus 1:5-6 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, 6 namely, if any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion.
In Verse 6 the Greek Word translated as “man” is again the Greek Word “tis” which is a non gender specific word meaning: “anyone, any man, any woman, whoever.”
Paul says if anyone – non gender specific – is above reproach.
Paul in 1 Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:6 then continues on with the requirements for the office of overseer/elder – listing each requirement one after the other or in a series. An overseer/elder must be above reproach. An overseer/elder must be the husband of one wife. An overseer/elder must have believing children. An overseer/elder must not be accused of dissipation or rebellion.
“Husband of one wife” is just one of the listed requirements among a series of requirements. This requirement does not make this office to be limited to males alone.
When Paul gave the “husband of one wife” requirement he was giving a specific requirement for men who serve in the office of overseer/ elder.
When Paul gave the “husband of one wife” requirement he was giving a specific requirement which prohibited men who serve in the office of overseer/elder from having more than one wife at a time.
Paul is giving a specific requirement of men who serve in the office of overseer/ elder.
Men, historically and culturally, predominantly have been the gender married to more than one spouse at a time.
Women, historically and culturally, have not been the gender married to more than one spouse at a time.
If women had culturally practiced marrying more than one spouse Paul would have written this requirement also for wives to have only one husband.
It is incorrect to use this specific requirement written to men to disqualify women from leadership positions in the church.
Paul wrote a specific requirement for the men who were ordained as an overseer/ elder. The requirement “husband of one wife” DOES NOT limit women from being ordained as an overseer/elder in the church.
1Timothy 3:4 He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity
The gender specific pronouns of “he” and “his” have been added by the translators – they do not exist in the original text.
It should read “one who manages own household well, keeping children under control with all dignity.”
1Timothy 3:5 (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?),
The Greek Word translated as “man” is again the word “tis” which is a non gender specific word meaning: “anyone, any man, any woman, whoever.”
The gender specific pronouns of “he” and “his” have been added by the translators – they do not exist in the original text.
It should read “(but if anyone does not know how to manage own household, how will take care of the church of God?)”
1Timothy 3:6 and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil.
The gender specific pronoun of “he” was added by the translators – it does not exist in the original text.
It should read “and not a new convert, so that will not become conceited and fall into condemnation incurred by the devil.”
1Timothy 3:7 And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
The gender specific pronoun of “he” was added by the translators – it does not exist in the original text.
It should read “and must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.”
Deacons
1Ti 3:8 Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain,
The Greek word translated as “men of dignity” is “semnos” and denotes no gender but means: “venerable, honorable.”
The word “men” was added by the translators.
No gender specific word was used by Paul when he begins giving the requirements for the office of deacon.
It should read “Deacons likewise of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain,”
1Timothy 3:10 These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.
The Greek word translated as “men must also” is “kai” and denotes no gender but means: “and, also, both, but, even, for, if, indeed, likewise, moreover, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yea, yet.”
The gender of “men” was added by the translators. The Greek word translated as “these” is a non gender specific word denoting “these, they, this man, this woman, which, who”
It should read “These must also be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are above reproach.
1Ti 3:11 Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things.
The Greek Word translated as “women” is “gunē” which DOES denote the gender of a woman and means: “wife, woman”
Paul now writes a specific instruction to women who serve in the office of deacon.
Women who serve as deacons are to likewise be dignified (venerable, honorable), not malicious gossips, but temperate, and faithful in all things.
1Timothy 3:12 Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households.
Paul, as in 1Timothy 3:2, now writes a specific requirement to men who serve in the office of deacon.
1Timothy 3:13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
The Greek Word translated as “those” is “ho hē to” and is a non gender specific word which means: “the, this, that, one, he, she, it”
Paul in his last statement (after making gender specific statements to both the female and male gender) returns to using non gender specific words and says “those – male and female” who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing ….
Paul DOES NOT limit the offices of overseer/elder and deacon to those who are of the male gender alone. These offices are open to those of both genders – male and female.
Titus
Titus 1:5-6 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, 6 namely, if any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion.
In Verse 6 the Greek Word translated as “man” is the Greek Word “tis” which is a non gender specific word meaning: “anyone, any man, any woman, whoever.”
Paul directed to Timothy to appoint as elder anyone– non gender specific – who is above reproach.
Paul beings the requirements for overseer/elder with the words if “anyone”, “whoever”, “any man”, or “any woman” is above reproach.
Paul does NOT begin his specific and clearly written instructions with gender specifications.
As in 1Timothy 3:2 the requirement “husband of one wife” is a specific requirement written to men who serve in the office of overseer/elder.
The requirement of “husband of one wife” does not exclude women from the office of overseer/elder. This is a specific requirement for the men who Titus would ordain as elders in the church.
Men, historically and culturally, predominantly have been the gender married to more than one spouse at a time.
Women, historically and culturally, have not been the gender married to more than one spouse at a time.
Paul wrote a specific requirement for the men who were ordained as an overseer/ elder. The requirement “husband of one wife” DOES NOT limit women from being ordained as an overseer/elder in the church.
Titus 1:9 holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.
The gender specific pronoun of “he” was added by the translators – it does not exist in the original text.
It should read “holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that will be able to both exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.”
Paul was very specific to Titus and to Timothy when he chose to use non gender specific Greek words. Titus and Timothy were not confused by Paul’s written instructions – they understood that male and female could be appointed to this position.
If Paul had meant for this position to be for the male sex only he most certainly would have used gender specific words – he did not – he used non gender specific words in both letters where he listed the requirements for this position.
When we remove the added by the translators gender specific words we find no limitation given to those of the female gender from holding these offices in the church.
Gender bias and interpretation of Scripture in gender bias has brought this confusion into the church and not the writings of Paul.
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07.24.08
Posted in Women in Ministry at 10:42 am by Administrator
Proverbs 31:10 (KJV) Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
Proverbs 31:10 (NASB) An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels.
The Hebrew word translated as “virtuous” or “excellent” has the basic idea of strength and influence and means “a force, an army, able activity in might and power, valiant, full of valor and virtue, and worthy in war.”
The Hebrew word translated as “woman” or “wife” comes from the combination of two Hebrew words. The first is a feminine word meaning “woman of wife”. The second means “a champion, a warrior, one who is mighty.”
The Proverbs 31 Woman is a mighty woman of God. She is a woman of strength and influence. She is a woman of force who is able and effective in spiritual warfare, she is full of valor (acts of bravery) and virtue. She’s a champion, a warrior, and a woman of great might.
The Hebrew word translated as “can find” not only means “to find or acquire” but also has the meaning of “to come forth, to appear or exist.”
God is calling His Proverbs 31 mighty women to come forth, and be warriors who are mighty and effective in spiritual warfare.
Psalm 68: 11(KJ V) The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.
The Hebrew word translated as “company” in the KJV is a feminine form of the word “tsbaah” which means “a mass of persons especially organized for war, an army, soldiers.”
Psalms 68: 11 (NASB) The Lord gives the command; The women who proclaim the tidings are a great host:
Psalms 68:11(Complete Jewish Bible) Adonai gives the command; the women with the good news are a mighty army.
God has under His command a mighty army of Proverbs 31 Women who proclaim His Word. God says the value of His army of Proverbs 31 Women is far more precious than all jewels.
Proverbs 31:11 (KJV) The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
Proverbs 31:11(NASB) The heart of her husband trusts in her, And he will have no lack of gain.
Proverbs 31 Women are the Bride of Christ and God is our husband.
The Hebrew word translated as “trusts” means “to trust, be confident or sure.” God, our husband, trusts and is confident and sure of His great army of Proverbs 31 Women.
The mighty army of Proverbs 31 Women plunders the enemy’s camp. They come forth from the enemy’s camp with the spoils of war. These spoils of war are the captives who have been set free from the bondage of the enemy.
Proverbs 31:12 (NASB) She does him good and not evil All the days of her life.
All the days of her life the Proverbs 31 Woman does the good works which God has prepared beforehand for her to walk in. She brings glory and honor and not harm or evil to God’s name. (Eph.2:10, Eph. 5:16)
Proverbs 31:13 (NASB) She looks for wool and flax And works with her hands in delight.
Proverbs 31 Women perform all their labor with a joy filled heart because they know that the joy of the Lord is their strength. They joyfully and willingly labor on the battlefields of spiritual warfare; they do so without grumbling or complaint.
Proverbs 31:14 (NASB) She is like merchant ships; She brings her food from afar.
The Hebrew word translated as “brings” means not only “to obtain and bring in” it also means “to go, depart, send, and carry.”
The Proverbs 31 Women are like merchant ships which carry and deliver cargo through out the whole earth. This mighty army of women obeys the command of Jesus to go into all the earth. They go carrying and delivering their cargos of the bread of life, which are the Word of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Proverbs 31:15 (NASB) She rises also while it is still night And gives food to her household And portions to her maidens.
Proverbs 31 Women arise early for prayer and fellowship with the Lord Jesus. What they receive from Him through prayer and study of His Word they impart to their households and to those whom they are disciplining.
Proverbs 31:16 (NASB) She considers a field and buys it; From her earnings she plants a vineyard.
Proverbs 31 Women are good stewards and faithful servants. They are good stewards who put to proper use the talents they been given by God. They are faithful servants who plant seeds which produce a bountiful harvest.
Proverbs 31:17 (NASB) She girds herself with strength And makes her arms strong.
The Hebrew word translated as “girds” means “to put on as a belt or armor.”
The Hebrew word translated as “strength” means “strength, force, boldness, loud, might, power, strong.”
Proverbs 31 Women put on the full armor of God and stand firm against the schemes of the devil. They are strong, bold, and full of power through the Holy Spirit. They shout aloud in loud shouts of victory.
The Hebrew word translated as “makes” means “to be on the alert physically and mentally.”
Proverbs 31 Women are always on the alert – ready and able to battle in spiritual warfare. They strengthen themselves physically and mentally and are prepared for the battle which lies directly ahead of them.
Proverbs 31:18 (NASB) She senses that her gain is good; Her lamp does not go out at night.
Proverbs 31 Women perceive that all they have accomplished is good. They, as Paul, know they are running the race set before them and they do not run in vain.
Proverbs 31 Women are a lamp which does not go out. They do not run dry of the oil of the Holy Spirit. They are full of the oil of the Holy Spirit and burn continually.
The Hebrew word translated as “night” means “night or adversity.”
The Proverbs 31 Women’s light does not to go out in the midst of adversity – her light continues to burn brightly in times of adversity.
Proverbs 31:19 (NASB) She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hands grasp the spindle.
Proverbs 31 Women put their hand to the plow and do not look back. They do not shrink back or turn around; their hands grasp and accomplish the labor of spiritual warfare.
Proverbs 31:20 (NASB) She extends her hand to the poor, And she stretches out her hands to the needy.
Proverbs 31 Women meet the needs of the poor and needy.
Proverbs 31:21 (NASB) She is not afraid of the snow for her household, For all her household are clothed with scarlet.
No matter what the circumstance or situation is Proverbs 31 Women are not afraid for their households. They know their households are safe from harm because they are covered with the scarlet blood of Jesus through their prayers.
Proverbs 31:22 (NASB) She makes coverings for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Proverbs 31 Women are clothed with the fine linen of priests and the kingly robes of purple. They are God’s royal priesthood. They are a kingdom of priests to God. (1Peter 2:5, 1Peter 2:9, Rev. 1:6, Rev. 5:10)
Proverbs 31:23 (NASB) Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land.
Proverbs 31 Women make Jesus known in all the earth. They testify of Him before kings and governors. (Matt. 10:18)
Proverbs 31:24 (KJV) She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
Proverbs 31:24 (NASB) She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies belts to the tradesmen.
Proverbs 31 Women are diligent workers who provide for their families.
This is an awesome statement of encouragement to every woman who has taken her place on the battlefield. We have NOT neglected our families as we are often accused of doing as we pursue God and His call on our lives. We are diligent workers who provide and care for our families as we perform every good work God has prepared before for us to walk in.
Proverbs 31:25 (KJV) Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
Proverbs 31:25 (NASB) Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the future.
Proverbs 31 Women are clothed with strength, dignity, and honor. They have no fear of the future because they rest in the promises of God. They know they will overwhelming triumph over all things through Christ who strengthens them. They know that they are an overcoming conqueror through Christ.
Proverbs 31:26 (NASB) She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
Proverbs 31 Women open their mouths and speak words of wisdom which no one will be able to refute. (Luke 21:15)
Proverbs 31 Women teach, refute, and correct with kindness. They do so in order to, if possible, turn all people and all nations to God. (Titus 1:9, 2Tim 2:24-26)
Proverbs 31:27 (NASB) She looks well to the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.
Proverbs 31 Women train up and instruct their children in the way that they should go. They watch over their flocks as shepherds to know their condition. As shepherds they turn the wayward sheep back to the correct path. (Proverbs 22:6, Psalms 107:41, Proverbs 27:23)
Proverbs 31 Women do not partake of the fruit of idleness – gossip and empty talk. They are not busybodies. (1Tim. 5:13)
Proverbs 31:28-29 (KJV) Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. 29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
Proverbs 31:28-29 (NASB) Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her, saying: 29 “Many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all.”
The Hebrew word translated as “bless” means “be straight, go forward, be honest, prosper, go, guide, and lead.” (her is an added worded by the translators)
The children of the Proverbs 31 Women shall rise up, go forward, be honest and prosper in the Lord. Their children shall serve the Lord and walk uprightly in Him. This shall be their greatest joy and blessing. (3John 1:4)
The Hebrew word translated as “praises” means “to boast, to rave foolishly, and to celebrate.”
God, our husband, boasts and raves about His mighty army of Proverbs 31 Women.
God boasts about His might army of women by saying, “Many daughters have done virtuously and nobly but you have exceeded – you have gone and done far above them all.”
Proverbs 31:30 (NASB) Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
The Proverbs 31 Women’s beauty is not found in her outward appearance. Her beauty comes from the inner man of her heart. Her beauty is found in her fear and reverence of the Lord.
God boasts about each Proverbs 31 Women and her possession of these qualities. (2Cor. 4:16, 1Peter 3:3-4)
Proverbs 31:31 (NASB) Give her the product of her hands, And let her works praise her in the gates.
God will fully reward and fully recompense each faithful Proverbs 31 Woman. (Ruth 2:12, 2Chr. 15:7, Proverbs 11:18, Proverbs 22:4)
The Proverbs 31 Woman’s praise in the gates will not be the praises of men. Their praise will be from God. (1Cor 4:5, 1Peter 1:7)
Proverbs 31 Women are a mighty force. They are champions, warriors, and women of might who are effective in spiritual warfare.
The trumpet is sounding! God is calling His Mighty army of Proverbs 31 Women to arise and step on to the battlefields of spiritual warfare.
Will you answer the call??
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07.17.08
Posted in Women in Ministry at 7:59 am by Administrator
Psalms 68: 11 (New American Standard) The Lord gives the command; The women who proclaim the tidings are a great host:
Psalms 68:11 (Complete Jewish Bible) Adonai gives the command; the women with the good news are a mighty army.
Psalm 68: 11 (Kings James Version) The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.
The Hebrew word company used in the KJV is “tsaba”. Tsaba is a feminine form of the word “tsbaah,” which means “a mass of persons especially organized for war, an army, soldiers.”
The Hebrew word published used in the KJV is “basar,” which means “to announce glad news, a messenger, to PREACH, to publish, and to show forth.”
God chose to use this Hebrew word – a word that did not speak of women being silent but of being VOCAL announcers and messengers of His good news.
Women can not be silent and be the MESSANGERS God Himself has commanded they be. Women can not be silent and PREACH the Word of God which God Himself has commanded they do.
God Himself has risen up the might army of women who publish, who PREACH, and who show forth the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ and His gospel.
Women of the Old Testament
Eve
In Genesis 1:26 and Genesis 1: 28 God made no distinction between the functions of the male and female. He gave THEM the AUTHORITY to RULE over the earth. God gave an equal job and an equal responsibility to both Adam and Eve. God made NO DISTINCTION and NO SEPERATION of FUNCTION according to their gender!!
It just isn’t there!!! God DID NOT at the creation of male and female give ‘separate’ functions for Adam and ‘separate’ functions for Eve. God gave THEM the SAME FUNCTION and RESPONSIBILITY to rule and have dominion over the earth.
Zipporah
Exodus 4:24-26 Now it came about at the lodging place on the way that the LORD met him and sought to put him to death. 25 Then Zipporah took a flint and cut off her son’s foreskin and threw it at Moses’ feet, and she said, “You are indeed a bridegroom of blood to me.” 26 So He let him alone. At that time she said, “You are a bridegroom of blood”–because of the circumcision.
It was Zipporah who perceived God was set to kill Moses because of his not keeping of His command of circumcision upon their sons. Perceiving this fact she cut the foreskins from her sons.
Zipporah had to know the command made to Abraham to circumcise all males in order to perceive this was the reason for God’s displeasure. In perceiving this she obeyed the command of God given to Abraham and circumcised her sons.
I especially like what Barnes says in Barnes Notes on the Bible about the meaning of “bloody husband”
Quote: “A bloody husband – Literally, “a husband of blood,” or “bloods.” The meaning is: The marriage bond between us is now sealed by blood. By performing the rite, Zipporah had recovered her husband; his life was purchased for her by the blood of her child.”
What a picture of the coming Christ child – salvation purchased by the blood of a child born through a woman.
Miriam
The Word of God lists Miriam as a prophetess (Ex. 15: 20) and we have record of her speaking messages in God’s name (Numbers 12:1-2).
The Word of God does NOT stop here in speaking of the position in which Miriam was placed by God.
Micah 6:4 “Indeed, I brought you up from the land of Egypt And ransomed you from the house of slavery, And I sent before you Moses, Aaron and Miriam.
God says He placed Miriam alongside Moses and Aaron in a position of LEADERSHIP over the nation Israel as they came out of the land of Egypt. This position of leadership was over both men and women.
Just as God gave Eve an equal position with Adam, we find God giving Miriam leadership over the nation of Israel alongside Moses and Aaron.
Did Miriam have authority over Moses – NO !!! Moses was the chief and head commander over Israel. But Miriam as God’s appointed leader did have authority over the men and women of the tribes of Israel.
God does not see woman as being not able to lead or not able to be placed in a position of leadership over men. God sees women as able and He placed them in positions of leadership alongside of men.
Deborah
Judges 4:4 Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time.
The Hebrew word translated as ‘judging’ is “shaphat” and means “to judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate or punish, to govern”
Deborah according to the Hebrew judged, pronounced sentence, had the ability to vindicate or punish, and governed the nation of Israel.
Deborah held a position of authority as a judge over the tribes of Israel.
It is usually assumed that God did such a ‘strange’ and ‘unusual thing’ when He placed Deborah as a prophetess and judge over Israel. We find this NOT to be so when we see in CONTEXT of the Word of God that God gave leadership to Eve in the Garden of Eden and to Miriam when He brought Israel out of Egypt. God does not discriminate due to gender. He placed Eve and Miriam in positions leadership and He continued to do so by placing Deborah in a position of authority and leadership.
God has NEVER discriminated against women in positions of leadership and authority – those who translate the scriptures in order to say He does violate the very intent of God shown forth in the whole counsel and context of the Word of God.
Deborah’s position of ‘leadership’ and ‘authority’ of man IS NOT an exception to the rule. God was continuing in the same pattern He had instituted in creation – equal and same function for man and woman!!!
Deborah’s position of authority and leadership WAS NOT only because “a man” would not step up and function in this position.
NO WHERE can such a statement be proven by Scripture. NO scripture can be found to back this statement!! This statement is simply a ‘doctrine of man’ used in an attempt to explain away Deborah’s position of leadership and authority over males!!
Many have used what is termed as “Barak’s rebuke” as proof God’s displeasure with a man not stepping up into the position of leadership.
Let’s just look at that:
Judges 4:6-9 Now she sent and summoned Barak the son of Abinoam from Kedesh-naphtali, and said to him, “Behold, the LORD, the God of Israel, has commanded, ‘Go and march to Mount Tabor, and take with you ten thousand men from the sons of Naphtali and from the sons of Zebulun. 7 ‘I will draw out to you Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army, with his chariots and his many troops to the river Kishon, and I will give him into your hand.’” 8 Then Barak said to her, “If you will go with me, then I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go.” 9 She said, “I will surely go with you; nevertheless, the honor shall not be yours on the journey that you are about to take, for the LORD will sell Sisera into the hands of a woman.” Then Deborah arose and went with Barak to Kedesh.
In verse 7 Deborah tells Barak God will gvie Sisera into his hand. In verse 8 Barak states he will go out to war if Deborah will go with him and he will not go if she would not.
Deborah’s response is found in verse 9. “…the honor shall not be yours on the journey that you are about to take, for the LORD will sell Sisera into the hands of a woman.”
These words of Deborah have been taught by many as being a rebuke from God to Barak for the heinous act of asking Deborah, a woman, to go with him into war.
God’s supposed displeasure of a woman ruling is supposed to be shown because God rebuked Barak. God’s supposed displeasure and this supposed rebuke of Barak is used to prove that God only placed Deborah in this position of leadership and authority because a man would not rise to this position.
To teach this passage in this manner you must totally ignore verse 14 which is spoken by Deborah to Baraak AFTER the supposed ‘rebuke’.
Judges 4:14 Deborah said to Barak, “Arise! For this is the day in which the LORD has given Sisera into your hands; behold, the LORD has gone out before you.” So Barak went down from Mount Tabor with ten thousand men following him.
God DID NOT rebuke Barak for asking Deborah to go up with him. In verse 14 God repeated to Barak the promise given to him in verse 7 of “giving Sisera into his hand”. It is very important to note that verse 14 comes AFTER the supposed rebuke was given!!!
When Deborah spoke that Sisera would be sold into the hands of a woman she was prophesying what Sisera’s end would be. She was a prophetess after all!
If God did not have a problem with making Deborah a prophetess and a judge of Israel, I doubt He had a problem with her going up to war with Barak. I believe her answer to Barak in verse 9 was not negative, but positive and one full of excitement; “I will surely go with you!”
God was NOT displeased with Deborah’s leadership as a prophetess and judge over Israel. Her leadership and position of authority was in line with Eve and Miriam’s functions as equals in leadership with equal roles and functions.
Jael
God used Jael – a blessed woman of the tent according to Judges 5:24 – to drive a peg through the temple of Sisera.
Judges 4:18 And Jael went out to meet Sisera, and said to him, “Turn aside, my master, turn aside to me! Do not be afraid.”
Jael went out to meet Sisera – she did not wait for Sisera to come to her. She was confident of her God given call.
Judges 4: 22 And behold, as Barak pursued Sisera, Jael came out to meet him and said to him, “Come, and I will show you the man whom you are seeking.”
Jael went out to meet Barak, she told him to come and see the man he sought. Jael was not ashamed that she, a woman, had accomplished the call of God on her life – her actions tell us she was fully assured and confident. She did not keep it secret – she instead loudly announced it. She came out to meet Barak and joyfully announced, “Come and see!”
Serah
We find the name of Serah in Numbers 26:46 where she is named among the sons of Israel who “are able to go out to war”. This woman – the daughter of Asher – was named and included in this list. Her inclusion here places her as being one of those who are able to go out to war!!
Numbers 26:2 “Take a census of all the congregation of the sons of Israel from twenty years old and upward, by their fathers’ households, whoever is able to go out to war in Israel.”
Numbers 26:46 The name of the daughter of Asher was Serah.
This expression ‘able to go out to war’ meant Serah possessed the ability to accomplish and carry out ALL aspects of warfare. In order for Serah to possess this ability to war she must have been trained in the skills of combat and in the use of the weapons of war.
Serah’s name was enrolled for service in war, she was a mighty warrior of valor who possessed great ability in combat and performed mighty exploits.
We find Serah performing the equal function of warrior beside the men of the tribe of Asher.
Sheerah
We find the name of Sheerah in 1 Chronicles 7:24 which tells us she built the cities of lower and upper Beth-horon, also Uzzen-sheerah.
Uzzen-sheerah was named after her own name. Sheerah built this city and she either named it after herself or others in honor of her named it after her.
The cities of Beth-horon were taken by Joshua (Joshua 10) during the time of Israel’s conquest of Canaan.
These cities were given to the tribe of Ephraim when the land was divided among the tribes of Israel.
The next we hear of the cities of Beth-horon is when they are built by Sheerah.
Sheerah did not only ‘rebuild’ these cities as a carpenter or one who builds with stone.
These cities were given as an inheritance to the tribe of Ephraim. She possessed leadership over these cities as a member of the tribe of Ephraim in order to build them.
Sheerah did not rebuild these cities by herself – she had authority and leadership over those who dwelled in these cities. She directed the work of rebuilding the cities.
After ‘settling’ these cities through their rebuilding Sheerah built a new city which was named Uzzen-sheerah.
In order for the tribes of Israel to possess their inheritance – the cities and land they inherited – they had to drive out the Canaanites who lived there.
In order for Sheerah to build the city of Uzzen-sheerah she had to first take possession of the land by driving out the Canaanites who still dwelled in the land.
Huldah
God used a woman to teach and instruct his high priest, the elders, and the king of Judah.
Hilkiah the high priest found the book of the law in the house of the LORD.
King Josiah commanded Hilkiah and some of the king’s servants to go and inquire of the Lord for him concerning the words of the book of the law. King Josiah feared the wrath of God which burned against them because they and their fathers had not listened to the words of the law to do all that it commanded.
I personally find it very interesting that Hilkiah the priest did not understand the meaning of the words of the Law, because of his lack of knowledge he was not able to instruct the king and the elders in its meaning. It was Huldah, a woman, who would give them INSTRUCTION in the meaning of the words of the Law.
2 Kings 22:14-15 So Hilkiah, the priest, Ahikam, Achbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah went to Huldah, the prophetess, the wife of Shallum, the son of Tikvah, and the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe (now she lived in Jerusalem in the Second Quarter), and they spoke to her. 15 She said to them, “Thus says the LORD God of Israel,
Huldah the prophetess spoke the message of God to them and they carried the message of the Lord back to the king.
Huldah’s words were more than prophecy. We can ascertain from the end of verse 14 where it says “they spoke to her” that her were spoken in answer to the questions they asked her.
Huldah’s prophetic message was so much more than a simple prophetic word – it answered their questions and gave them the instruction they sought. Instruction is the reason they sought her out.
How can we say God does not allow a woman to teach or instruct men when we have an example from His very Word of the woman Huldah whom God used to instruct men through speaking a message from the Lord?
Huldah DID NOT usurp their male authority when she gave these men instruction. Their authority of as king, as elder, and as high priest was not usurped by Huldah when she instructed them. Their authority remained intact, just as the authority of men today remains intact and IS NOT usurped by a woman preaching and instructing males in the Word of God.
It is incorrect to say that Hilkiah the high priest sought out the prophetess Huldah because there was NO male prophet in the land who was able to speak a word from the Lord.
According to 2 Chronicles 34:8 &14 it was in the eighteenth year of King Josiah that the book of the law was found in the temple.
Jeremiah the prophet BEGAN speaking the word of the Lord in the thirteenth year of King Josiah’s reign in Judah. (Jeremiah 1:2 & Jeremiah 25:3 )
Zephaniah the prophet also spoke the word of the Lord during the reign of King Josiah ( Zephaniah 1:1 )
Hilkiah the high priest sought out Huldah the prophetess not because she was his only choice because there were no male prophets in the land.
Hilkiah the high priest sought out Huldah because she was a prophetess of known integrity in speaking the message of the Lord.
Women of the New Testament
Anna
Anna was a prophetess who lived as a widow indeed in the temple.
Luke 2:36-38 And there was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with a husband seven years after her marriage, 37. and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. And she never left the temple, serving night and day with fasting and prayers. 38. And at that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
Anna, the prophetess, continued to speak of Him to all– male and female – who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. She not only recognized Jesus as being the Christ, she did not keep her mouth shut –she went forth proclaiming that the Messiah had come.
Where did Anna continue to speak this message – in the temple!! Just as Anna proclaimed Him in the temple it is permissible for women to proclaim Him and His good news in the church.
Mary (Sister of Martha and Lazarus)
Jesus allowed Mary to sit at His feet – to listen and learn – as He spoke to those in attendance in her home.
Women were NOT allowed to have such a position of learning or being taught in this time. In effect Mary was breaking into an “all men’s club”. She was taking a position not allowed to her by Jewish tradition and rabbinical teaching.
Martha spoke to Jesus NOT from her having to ‘do all the work’ by herself – Martha wanted Jesus to send Mary back to the kitchen where women traditional were considered to belong !!! She want Jesus to send Mary back into what was considered her proper position as a woman.
Jesus did not rebuke Mary for taking this position of learning. Jesus did not send Mary away from this position of learning. Jesus told her SHE HAD CHOSEN THE BEST PART. Jesus received her and commended her for chosing to hear and to learn.
Jesus broke with all tradition when He allowed Mary to sit and learn at His feet.
Mary Magdalene
Jesus told Mary Magdalene “to go tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead.”
Jesus could have shown Himself to His male disciples. Jesus purposely showed Himself first to a woman. Jesus purposely chose a woman to go and tell his disciples.
Jesus rebuked the disciples for not believing Mary Magdalene’s witness of His resurrection!! (Mark 16:11,14)
We find the Scripture reports Jesus’ first act after His resurrection was to appoint a woman. Jesus appointed Mary Magdalene to go and tell His disciples – which included Jesus’ first 11 apostles – that He was risen.
We find Mary Magdalene being given by Jesus the same and not a separate function of going and telling as His witness, just as His male apostles had been instructed by Him.
Phoebe
Romans 16:1-2 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea; 2 that you receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and that you help her in whatever matter she may have need of you; for she herself has also been a helper of many and myself as well.
The Greek word translated as servant is “diakonos”. According to the Strong’s Greek Dictionary “diakonos” means: “specifically a Christian teacher and pastor (technically a deacon or deaconess): – deacon, minister, servant.”
Phoebe according to the meaning of the “diakonos” was a Christian TEACHER, PASTOR and at the very least a deacon.
This Greek word used of Phoebe is often interchanged with the word “diakoneō” – the word is used of Stephen and the six others who were set aside to serve as deacons in the church in Acts 6.
These Greek words used of Phoebe and Stephen are the same words used of the office of deacon in 1 Timothy 3.
Rom 16:1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant1249of the church which is at Cenchrea;
1Ti 3:8 Deacons1249 likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain,
1Ti 3:10 These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons1247 if they are beyond reproach.
1Ti 3:12 Deacons1249must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households.
1Ti 3:13 For those who have served well as deacons1247 obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
The word used to describe Phoebe is the word used in1 Timothy of a “deacon” and the instruction to be the husband of one wife. The use of this Greek word in the description of Phoebe goes along way in proving women as well as men serve in the position and office of deacon in the church.
Stephen is also called a deacon – let’s see his actions as said deacon.
Act 6:8 And Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people.
Act 6:9-10 But some men from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, including both Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and some from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and argued with Stephen. 10 But they were unable to cope with the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.
Stephen was out among the people performing great wonders and signs, he answered those who questioned him with great wisdom.
What’s my point – if at the very least Phoebe was a deacon in the church this was a position of ministry to the people and this ministry included performing miracles, speaking, and teaching – being able to give an answer to a question with wisdom is definitely a form of teaching.
The Greek word translated as commend means “to approve, to introduce favorably, to stand near.”
Paul by his use of the word ‘commend’ gave his written APPROVAL of Phoebe and her ministry as a – teacher, pastor and at the very least a deacon – as he introduced her to the Corinthian church.
We Do NOT find Scripture giving a separate function to the woman Phoebe. She functioned in a position of enough authority for the Corinthian Church to be instructed to help her in whatever she asked!!!
The Greek word translated as helper or succourer as used in the KJV is “protatis”, which is a feminine form of “proistemi.”
Don’t oversimplify Paul’s description of Phoebe as an “prostatis”.
According to Thayer’s Greek Dictionary “prostatis” means: “a woman set over others, a female guardian, protectress, patroness, caring for the affairs of others and aiding them with her resources”.
According to the Complete Word Study Dictionary “prostatis” means: “to set before. It meant not only a leader, ruler, or director but a patron, a defender of a lower person.”
According to the Strong’s Greek Dictionary “prostatis” is a “Feminine of a derivative of G4291” G4291 is “proistēmi” and means: “to stand before, that is, (in rank) to preside, or (by implication) to practise: – maintain, be over, rule.”
Paul used words which described Phoebe as a teacher, pastor, or deacon who stood before others in rank, who presided over others, who ruled, and who acted with authority. Paul’s description of Phoebe places her in a position of authority and leadership in the church.
Phoebe acted with authority/leadership in a church. This leadership and authority included both men and women.
Paul instructed the church at Corinth to give Phoebe aid in whatever matter she had need of them.
Don’t oversimplify Phoebe and Paul’s instruction to the church in Rome – made up of both men and women – to “help her in whatever matter she may have need of you”
Phoebe functioned in some position of enough authority for the Corinthian Church to be instructed by Paul to help her in whatever she asked!!!
Phoebe’s position of authority in the church caused others – both male and female – to be instructed to help her in whatsoever she asked.
Paul told the Corinthian church to HELP Phoebe in WHATEVER MATTER she has need of. Now that is a position of authority!! If you have to help me in whatever matter I request for your help then I am in a position of authority over you!!!
I personally believe because of Paul’s use of the word “Proistemi” and its meaning of “to stand before in rank, to preside, to be over, to rule, one who acts with authority” that Phoebe was most likely more that a deacon. I believe she served as either a teacher or pastor in the church – I believe this because she presided, was over, and acted with authority in the church.
Paul’s descriptions of Phoebe DOES NOT show a separate function being given her over her male counterparts.
Junias
Romans 16:7 Greet Andronicus and Junias, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoner, who are outstanding among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.
The female name of Junias (and possibly Julia) is used by Paul. Junias served in the office of APOSTLE in the church. Paul described her as being outstanding among the apostles.
The Greek word translated as among is “en” and is a “primary preposition denoting a fixed position (in place, time or state)”.
Junias was NOT simply known among the apostles as some would state to try and explain away her apostleship. Junias held a fixed position as an apostle.
The Greek word translated as outstanding is “episēmos” and means “remarkable and eminent.”
Remarkable according to The Random House College Dictionary means: notably unusual or extraordinary, worthy of notice.
Eminent according to The Random House College Dictionary means high in station, rank, or repute, distinguished, prominent.
Junias is not only described as remarkable – worthy of notice – she was also described as eminent – high in station and rank, distinguished and prominent. Junias was a distinguished and prominent apostle in the early church.
Another fact that tells us Paul is describing Junias as an outstanding apostle is the context of this chapter. Paul is giving instructions to greet certain individuals and he lists their service to the Lord. He lists Andronicus’ and Junias’ service to the Lord as being outstanding apostles.
We have a historical statement made by John Chrysotom (347-407) which directly mentions Junias as a woman who was an apostle. What is so amazing about this statement is the fact that he was not in any of his writings sympathetic towards women. He writes, “Oh how great is that devotion of this WOMAN, that she should be counted worthy of appellation of apostle.”
There is also a statue of the apostle Junias – this statue of her was disfigured by cutting the breasts off of it. This was done in order to make the apostle Junias ‘male’ and not ‘female’.
An apostle has a commission, he is sent out by the Holy Spirit. An apostle’s function is one who is sent out by the Spirit to preach the gospel and establish churches. The Apostle provides spiritual leadership over the church until there is an established spiritual authority who will be entrusted with the leadership of the church. The apostle also guards against any distortion of the gospel; they defend the gospel against heresy, false doctrines, and false teachers.
1 Thessalonians 2:6 nor did we seek glory from men, either from you of from others, even though as apostles of Christ, we might have asserted our authority.
Junias possessed this authority as an apostle of Christ.
We again find Scripture to give us NO separate function or role of women in the church.
Priscilla
Priscilla and her husband Aquila taught the Word of God correctly to Apollos.
Acts 18:24-26 Now a Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the Scriptures. 25 This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately the things concerning Jesus, being acquainted only with the baptism of John; 26 and he began to speak out boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.
THEY – Priscilla and Aquila took Apollos aside and explained the way of God more accurately.
We have another Biblical example of a woman giving INSTRUCTION and TEACHIING to a man. In doing so Priscilla DID NOT violate the Word of God or the command of God for women and their function in the church.
According to 1 Corinthians 16:19 they were both also leaders of a church which met in their home.
1Corinthians 16:19 The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Prisca greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
We again find Scripture to give us NO separate function or role of women in the church.
Mary
Romans 16:6 Greet Mary who has worked hard for you.
We again find Scripture to give us NO separate function or role of women in the church.
Tyrpheana, Tryphosa and Persis
Romans 16:12 Greet Trypheana and Tryphosa, workers in the Lord. Greet Persis the beloved, who has worked hard in the Lord.
We again find Scripture to give us NO separate function or role of women in the church.
Chloe
1 Cor. 1:11 For I have been informed concerning you, my brethren, by Chloe’s people, that there are quarrels among you.
It is clear that Chloe had to have some position of influence – some clot. It is her name Paul used to substantiate the fact that he had received this report and believed what it contained. This report given to Paul from those of Chloe was not considered by him to be a mere rumor or just some gossip; it was received by him as true report. Chloe’s name had to hold some position of influence over the Corinthian church for Paul to have used her name as someone who carried the clot to report this to him and have it be considered absolute truth.
If we look at the fact that Paul received a report concerning the Corinthian church from a delegation sent forth from Chloe to give such a report. This is definitely a woman who held a position of influence and some authority in the church.
We again find Scripture to give us NO separate function or role of women in the church.
Euodia and Syntyche
Phil. 4:2-3 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. 3 Indeed, true comrade, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the gospel, together with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Euodia and Syntyche shared with Paul in the struggle in the gospel as fellow workers. These two women were preachers of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
We again find Scripture to give us NO separate function or role of women in the church.
Women preaching in the book of ActsLook at the book of Acts and see its witness of women preaching the Word and testifying as His witnesses.
Acts 10:40-42 “God raised Him up on the third day and granted that He become visible, 41 not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen beforehand by God, that is, to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. 42 “And He ordered us to preach to the people, and solemnly to testify that this is the One who has been appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead.
Who ate with Jesus after he rose from the dead??
Luke 24:33 And they got up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found gathered together the eleven and those who were with them,
Luke 24:41-43 While they still could not believe it because of their joy and amazement, He said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” 42 They gave Him a piece of a broiled fish; 43 and He took it and ate it before them.
Who are “those that were with the eleven” and ate with Jesus?
In the book of Acts we find those that were with the eleven numbered 120 and were made up of both male and females.
(Acts 1:14-15) These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. 15) At this time Peter stood up in the midst of the brethren (a gathering of about one hundred and twenty persons was there together), and said,
Peter in Acts 10:41-42 is referring to what Jesus spoke to all those who ate with him that day.
Luke 24:46-48 and He said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day, 47 and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 “You are witnesses of these things.
Now, you may say that I’m assuming too much because I can’t specifically prove that on that day “those with them” were both male and female.
Let’s look at another section from Acts where we can specifically place women as those who were commanded to witness and to preach.
Acts 13:31-32 and for many days He appeared to those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, the very ones who are now His witnesses to the people. 32 “And we preach to you the good news of the promise made to the fathers,
The Greek word translated as “preach” means “to bring good news, to announce glad tidings, instruct concerning the things that pertain to Christian salvation.”
Women as well as men had come up with Jesus from Galilee to Jerusalem.
Matthew 27:55-56 Many women were there looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee while ministering to Him. 56) Among them was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.
Mark 15:40-41 there were also some women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the Less and Joses, and Salome. 41 When He was in Galilee, they used to follow Him and minister to Him; and there were many other women who came up with Him to Jerusalem.
Luke 23:49 And all His acquaintances and the women who accompanied Him from Galilee were standing at a distance, seeing these things.
It is undeniable that both men and women came up to Jerusalem from Galilee with Jesus. Paul in Acts 13:31-32 said those who did so are now His witnesses and preach the good news of Jesus Christ.
Each of these women took their place in this great host of women beside Eve who was given equal rule and dominion over the earth with Adam (Gen. 1:26-28).
God has always used women in positions of leadership and authority. God continues to use women in positions of leadership and authority today.
Paul would have to be double minded to commend women in one breath and then condemn their speaking in the church in another.
Paul commanded in 1Corinthians 16:16 “that you also be in subjection to such men and to everyone who helps in the work and labors.”
The Greek word translated as ‘such men’ is “toioutos” which means “of this sort, like, such”
The word ‘men’ was added by the translators and IS NOT in the original Greek.
Paul instructs the church to be in subjection to such as these (no gender given) and to EVERYONE who helps in the work and labor.
WOMEN and men are named by Paul as fellow workers and labors in the gospel. Paul instructs the church – made up of both males and females – to obey, to submit unto, and be subordinate to these male and female labors and workers.
Of the 39 co-workers and laborers who Paul mentions by name 1/4 are WOMEN!!!
These women ARE NOT usurping a male’s authority when males in the church obey the instructions of Paul and are in subjection to them.
Paul would be double minded to command this submission and then silence women in the church.
These examples of women in positions of leadership does show women are able and called by God to serve in positions of leadership in the church and when they do so they do not ‘usurp’ the authority of men.
We DID NOT find a ‘separation’ of roles given by God for man and woman at their creation. We have NOT found a ‘separation’ of roles of man and woman even after the fall and the curse was pronounced.
Let’s see what the voice of ‘church history’ has to say about women in positions of leadership and authority in the church.
John Chrysostom (A.D. 347-407), in preaching on Romans 16:7, said in reference to Junias, “Oh! how great is the devotion of this woman, that she should be even counted worthy of the appellation of apostle!”
John Chrysostom was known as “the greatest preacher in the early church”. His “Homilies” on various books of the Bible are considered to be among the valuable works written in this time. Other important treatises written by John Chrysostom include a series of well-known letters to the deaconess Olympias.
The voice of ‘church history’ has NOT been historically against women serving in positions of leadership and authority in the church.
The voice of ‘church history’ speaks of Junias as a woman who served in the church as an apostle. The voice of ‘church history’ has a series of letters written by an early church leader to a deaconess named Olympias.
Permalink
07.09.08
Posted in Women in Ministry at 1:00 pm by Administrator
1 Corinthians 14:33-35
In this section of 1 Corinthians Paul is answering question asked of him by the Corinthian church.
1Corinthians 7:1 Now concerning the things about which you wrote,
In Verse 33 Paul is ending his answer to the Corinthian church concerning the use of tongues and prophecy in the church.
In Verse 34-35 Paul turns to the next question asked of him by the Corinthian church.
1Corinthinans 14:34-35 The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. 35 If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church.
Paul begins by QUOTING their question.
What ‘proof’ do I offer that Paul was restating their original question?
Paul was an excellent and exceptional student of the LAW as a Pharisee – he would most certainly know THERE WAS NO LAW that stated a woman must be silent in the temple!! THERE WAS NO LAW which did not permit a woman to speak in the temple!! Women were allowed to pray in the temple. Anna live in the temple and prayed continually. Samuel’s mother prayed in the temple, her prayers were so fervent that Eli thought she was drunk.
Paul begins his answer to the Corinthian church in Verse 36. He begins the verse with a word which has been defined by Greek scholars as an “emotional rebuttal and expletive of disassociation. This word’s closets English equivalent is “What?”, “Nonsense!” or “No Way!”
Paul used this small (and often not translated) emotional rebuttal and expletive of disassociation twice in Verse 36. (This Greek word is used 49 times by Paul in the book of 1 Corinthians. It is often not translated because it carries more of an emotional meaning than intellectual.)
1 Corinthians 14:36 Was it from you that the word of God first went forth? Or has it come to you only?
Verse 36 translated with this Greek word of emotional rebuttal and expletive of disassociation should read as, “What”, “Nonsense”, “No way” “Was it from you that the Word of God first went forth?” “Nonsense”, “No Way” “Has it come to you only?”
Paul was NOT silencing women in the church – he instead spoke a strong rebuttal to those who would!!!
Under the Law?
The church in Corinth was not walking in spiritual maturity but was still operating as babes in Christ. I believe this spiritual immaturity was addressed by Paul as he strongly responded to them that they were incorrect in their opinion that women were to be silent in the church.
They were incorrect and immature in their thinking because they were trying to place women back under the law – they were trying to place women back under the law which had been completely fulfilled already in Christ!
Many do not understand the significance of Jesus’ first appearing to a woman, Mary Magdalene, and His instructions given to her to go tell His disciples that He was risen from the dead. Many today have underestimated what Jesus was establishing.
Jesus by first showing Himself to a woman established women’s use in preaching the gospel and women’s use in the church. Women were free to serve Jesus fully without constraint.
Jesus could have gone to His disciples and showed Himself to them first. Yet, He purposely showed Himself first to a woman – I believe He did so to establish and show the change that had taken place at His resurrection and His fulfillment of the law – women serving in the church without constraint.
Jesus who fulfilled the law in all respects appointed 12 male disciples – who became the first apostles – He did so in order to fulfill the law in all respects. At His resurrection after He had fulfilled all of the law Jesus established a new way. He established and showed this new way when He chose to not show Himself first to His disciples but to a woman and told her to go and tell.
Jesus as a Jew knew women’s testimony was not taken or used as a credible witness. He was establishing a change as He told Mary Magdalene to go and tell – Jesus sent her as His witness!! Jesus sent her as a credible witness of His resurrection!! He established and showed a new way – women used as credible witnesses of His gospel.
Absolute Command?
If Paul had been making an absolute command for women to be silent in the church in 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 he would be contradicting the Holy Spirit who said, “your sons and your daughters shall prophesy” in Acts 2.
If Paul was making an absolute command for women to be silent in the church, then all women must be absolutely silent in the church. No woman would be allowed or permitted to speak one single word in the church.
If we are to apply this verse ‘exactly as it says” then women must NOT open their mouths in church ever – not one word are they ever permitted to speak.
Not only can they not speak in the church, they can not sing and they can not teach Sunday school in the church. Each of these requires a woman opening her mouth and uttering words.
If we take this verse “exactly as it reads” all women must NEVER utter a word in the church. A woman must be absolutely silent in the church at all times.
Almost all church denominations have put aside such a literal interpretation of this Scripture as nonsense. They have done so because of clear Scriptural indications made in the Bible through other Scriptures of women being allowed to speak in the church.
Permalink
07.08.08
Posted in Women in Ministry at 3:06 pm by Administrator
1Timothy 2:11-15 is one of the most often used portions of scripture used to support the theological position that God’s set order in the church does not allow women to be used in positions of authority or influence.
1Timothy 2:11-12 A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. 12 But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet.
We must look at this scripture in context of the whole book of 1Timothy in order to establish the reason “why” Paul wrote this command in his letter to Timothy.
1Timothy 1:2 To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
1 Timothy is not written as a ‘teaching’ or ‘instruction’ to the whole church, Paul wrote this letter to Timothy.
1Timothy 1:3-4 As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines, 4 nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith. 5 But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6 For some men, straying from these things, have turned aside to fruitless discussion, 7 wanting to be teachers of the Law, even though they do not understand either what they are saying or the matters about which they make confident assertions.
Paul wrote this letter to Timothy in order to address a particular situation that existed in the church of Ephesus.
Timothy was left by Paul in the city of Ephesus in order to give INSTRUCTION to those who were teaching strange doctrines, to those who were giving attention to myths and endless genealogies and to those who had strayed away from a sincere faith and turned aside to fruitless discussions.
Paul’s wrote this letter to Timothy in order to give Timothy instruction on how to complete his assignment of giving instruction.
The Greek Word translated as ‘men’ in verses 3 & 6 is “tis” which is a non gender specific word meaning: “anyone, any man, any woman, whoever.” “Tis” is not a gender specific word – both the male and the female gender are denoted by this Greek word.
Timothy was instructed by Paul to give instruction to both males & females who were teaching strange doctrines, who were giving attention to myths and endless genealogies, and had strayed away from a sincere faith and turned aside to fruitless discussions in the church of Ephesus.
We now have the context in which 1Timothy 2:11-12 was written.
1Timothy 2:11-12 A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. 12 But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet.
Bible scholars vary in their opinions if this was a singular woman being spoken of her by Paul or if it was women in plural. Be it a singular woman or women in plural – Paul’s instruction to Timothy was for her or them to receive INSTRUCTION with entire submissiveness.
According to the context of this letter the instruction she (they) were to receive from Timothy was in connection to “what” she (they) was teaching. This woman (women) was to receive instruction from Timothy so that she no longer taught strange doctrine in the church.
She (they) were to receive Timothy’s INSTRUCTION in correct doctrine with entire submissiveness – which is an attitude of being willing to be taught, willing to receive the teaching of another and learn from them.
Paul continued his instructions to Timothy concerning this woman (women) who was teaching strange doctrine with this instruction concerning her (them) “I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man”.
Paul gave Timothy instructions to not allow her (them) to teach or exercise authority in the church of Ephesus until and only if she (they) submitted and received Timothy’s instruction in correct doctrine.
Paul’s instruction to Timothy DOES NOT mean that she (they) were barred forever from teaching or exercising authority in the church. Paul’s instructions meant she (they) must first submit and receive correct instruction from Timothy BEFORE she (they) could again teach or exercise authority in the church.
There is one more possibly explanation for what Paul meant by his words of “I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man”.
The Greek word translated as “allow” means turn over or transfer. This expression carries with it the connotation of the act of laying on of hands in ordination to the call to ministry. Paul could be saying, “I have not ordained this particular woman to teach or exercise authority in the church. She must not do either of these until she receives full instruction and is properly ordained by those in leadership of the church.”
1Timothy 2:13-14 For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. 14 And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression.
We have several possible solutions to Paul’s words in these verses.
1) Paul continues in his train of thought by speaking of another woman who was once DECEIVED as this woman (women). This woman (women) and her deception were compared by Paul to – Eve – who had also been deceived.
Paul was using Eve’s deception and its dire consequences as an analogy for why this woman (women) must be silenced until she has received proper instruction. Paul used the example of Eve influencing Adam in her deception and the dire circumstances it wrought.
Paul is speaking about the influence those who are deceived have upon others. Paul is using this as an analogy to show why this woman must be silenced due to the influence deception has upon others.
2) In Ephesus at this time there were false teachings being taught which said that Eve had been created before Adam and Eve had actually liberated the world when she listened to the serpent and ate of the apple.
In Verses 13 & 14 Paul uses his apostolic authority to refute and correct the strange doctrine which was being taught by this woman (women).
1Timothy 2:15 But women will be preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint.
The words “women” and “they” are added words by the translators. Paul IS NOT directing this statement at women alone but to all – both male and female – who have been preserved from the dire consequences of the fall through the birth of our Lord Jesus if we continue in faith, love, and sanctity with self-restraint.
Does this woman’s (women’s) restoration to teaching after receiving proper instruction fit the model we find in Scripture??
It most certainly does. Let’s look at several examples.
1) In Acts 18 we have the example of Apollos.
Act 18:24-28 Now a Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the Scriptures. 25 This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately the things concerning Jesus, being acquainted only with the baptism of John; 26 and he began to speak out boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. 27 And when he wanted to go across to Achaia, the brethren encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him; and when he had arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace, 28 for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, demonstrating by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ. Apollos after receiving proper instruction in the Word of God went forth powerfully refuting the Jews in public and demonstrating by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.
He powerfully went forth preaching the more accurate way of God he had received through the instruction of Priscilla and Aquila.
2) Paul gives written directions to Titus instructing him (just as he instructed Timothy) that there were those who must be silenced in the church. After being silenced they were to receive correction and be restored to sound doctrine so that they may be sound in the faith.
Titus 1:10-12 & 13 For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of sordid gain. Verse 13 This testimony is true. For this reason reprove them severely so that they may be sound in the faith,
The word ‘men’ in verse 10 is an added word by the translators. Verse 10 should be written as “For there are many rebellious empty talkers and deceivers …”
Paul’s instructs Titus to silence these (male and female) rebellious empty talkers and deceivers and to reprove them severely so that they may be sound in the faith.
I believe once these were “sound of faith” they were free to go forth again (just as Apollos) teaching the Word of God. I base my belief on the fact that the Word of God instructs all who are of sound faith are to be able to teach.
2Timothy 2:24 The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, …
Who are the bondservants of the Lord – according to Acts 2:18 the bondservants of the Lord are men and women who have believed and been saved.
All the bondservants of the Lord who are sound in the faith are according to the Word of God to be able to teach.
Heb 5:12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers,
We again see in the book of Hebrews an instruction for all believers to be able to teach.
Once these who were silenced were restored to sound faith they were free to go forth teaching the Word of God. They were NOT silenced forever.
Paul’s hope was always for restoration after correction and instruction.
Gal 6:1 Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness
2Ti 2:25 with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,
Paul’s goal was for all to be restored after receiving instruction.
Paul’s goal was for this woman to submit and receive instruction from Timothy in sound doctrine and after receiving this instruction for her to be restored and continue on in faith, love, holiness, and self-control.
All who are restored after receiving correct instruction should continue on in faith, love, holiness, and self-control.
Paul goes on to say one who refuses to submit and receive instruction in sound doctrine is proud and knowing nothing.
1Ti 6:3-5 If anyone teaches otherwise, and does not consent to wholesome words (those of our Lord Jesus Christ), and to the doctrine according to godliness, 4 he is proud, knowing nothing. …
First, let’s not Paul used a non gender specific word of “anyone” with teaching. He again did not limit teaching to the male gender alone.
The Greek word translated as consent is “proserchomai” and means” “come near, assent to, consent, come thereunto.”
If anyone does not “give assent to” or “consent to” wholesome words and to sound doctrine they are proud and knowing nothing.
The Word of God does not tell us if this woman (women) submitted herself to the instructions of Timothy or not, we simply see the instructions given for her to do so. If she did not submit and consent to being taught she was indeed proud and knowing nothing.
Why was this woman not publicly named by Paul?
Paul does not publicly names those who are to receive correction through proper instruction. He does not publicly name them because he hopes they will be restored to sound faith through the receiving of proper instruction and the go forth teaching once again.
Those whom Paul had no hope of restoring through instruction he sometimes publicly named as seen in 1 Timothy 1: 20.
1Timothy 1:20 Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan, so that they will be taught not to blaspheme.
Paul did not publicly name the woman (women) teaching strange doctrine, just as he did not name those who were teaching strange doctrines in the book of Titus. Paul hoped all these would receive proper instruction and be restored to full use in the church.
There are numerous scriptural examples of Paul not publicly naming those who were in need of correction, instruction, or were causing problems in the church.
1Timothy 1:3 As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines,
These certain ones (men = “tis” which means “anyone, whoever, any man, any women”) who were know by Timothy were NOT publicly named here by Paul.
1Timothy 1:6 For some men, straying from these things, have turned aside to fruitless discussion,
Those (men = “tis” which means anyone, whoever, any man, any women) who were straying from these things and had turned aside to fruitless discussion were NOT publicly named by Paul.
1Timothy 5:24 The sins of some men are quite evident, going before them to judgment; for others, their sins follow after.
These ( men = “anthrōpos” which means “a man or woman, an individual of the human race, a person”) whose sins were quite evident were NOT publicly named by Paul.
2Timothy 3:8-9 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, rejected in regard to the faith. 9 But they will not make further progress; for their folly will be obvious to all, just as Jannes’s and Jambres’s folly was also.
These (= “anthrōpos” which means “a man or woman, an individual of the human race, a person”) who were of depraved mind and rejected in regard to the faith were NOT publicly named by Paul.
Titus 1:10-11 For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of sordid gain.
These rebellious (men is an added word by the translators) were NOT publicly named by Paul.
Jude 1:4 For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
Even these ungodly and marked for condemnation persons were NOT publicly named by Paul.
2Corinthians 11:13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.
Even these (men is an added word by the translators) false apostles and deceitful workers are NOT publicly named by Paul.
2Thesalonians 3:11-12 For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. 12 Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread.
These who were leading an undisciplined life, doing no work, and acting like busybodies were NOT publicly named by Paul.
Just as Paul did not publicly name all these, he did not publicly name the woman (women) who were to be silenced due to teaching strange doctrine.
The interpretation 1 Timothy 2: 11-15 as a command of God which silences women in the church violates the Word of God
To interpret 1 Timothy 2: 11-15 as the command of God to silence all women in the church or to keep women from positions of authority in the church actually violates what God Himself says about women and His desire to use them as effective ministers of the gospel of Christ.
Psalms 68: 11 (New American Standard) The Lord gives the command; The women who proclaim the tidings are a great host:
Psalms 68:11 (Complete Jewish Bible) Adonai gives the command; the women with the good news are a mighty army.
Psalm 68: 11 (Kings James Version) The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.
The Hebrew word company used in the KJV is “tsaba”. Tsaba is a feminine form of the word “tsbaah,” which means “a mass of persons especially organized for war, an army, soldiers.”
God proclaims in His Word that He has a great host of WOMEN who are a mighty army who proclaim His tidings at His command.
The Hebrew word published used in the KJV is “basar,” which means “to announce glad news, a messenger, to PREACH, to publish, and to show forth.”
God Himself has risen up the might army of women who publish, who PREACH, and who show forth the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ and His gospel.
Women CAN NOT be silent in the church and be the mighty army God called them to be. Women CAN NOT be silent in the church and proclaim – PREACH – the Word of God as His messengers.
Let us look at in the Word of God who can be found in positions of giving instruction to males.
Are woman commanded to teach? Yes, they are according to 2 Timothy 2:2
2 Timothy 2:2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men (men = “anthropus” which means “a man or woman, an individual of the human race, a person”) who will be able to teach others also.
Timothy was instructed by Paul to commit to faithful men and women what he had heard so that they (men and women) would be able to teach others also.
Hebrews 5:12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers,
Paul commands ALL who are mature in Christ to be able to TEACH. This command is not written to just the men in the church – it is written to the whole church – men and women!!
2Timothy 2:24 The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged,
Bond-servants according to Acts 2:18 does not refer only to males – but to both males and females.
As bond-servants of the Lord both men and women are commanded to be able to TEACH.
Priscilla
The Word of God said Priscilla (a woman) along with her husband Aquila gave instruction to a man named Apollos.
Act 18:24-26 Now a Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the Scriptures. 25 This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately the things concerning Jesus, being acquainted only with the baptism of John; 26 and he began to speak out boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.
Priscilla and Aquila took Apollos aside and explained the way of God more accurately.
Was not Priscilla a woman?? Was not Apollos a man???
This is a clear Biblical example of a woman giving INSTRUCTION and TEACHIING to a man.
The words translated as “took him aside” in the Greek mean “to take to oneself, lead”.
Priscilla and Aquila took Apollos to themselves and they lead him in the correct way. This could have been done in the open or in their home church. Scripture does not tell us ‘where’ this occurred.
1Corinthians 16:19 The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Prisca greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
Priscilla and Aquila not only gave instruction to Apollos but they as a husband and wife pastor team gave instruction to the church – both men and women – that met in their home.
Lois and Eunice
2Timothy 1:5 For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well.
Timothy’s grandmother and mother instructed to him – a male – and built his faith in the Lord.
Let us also look at women who taught men from church history.
Suzanna Wesley
In 1711 Suzanna Wesley (the mother of John and Charles Wesley) began a Bible study in her home which was attended by both men and women. This Bible study drew crowds of up to 200 people each week.
Her son John Wesley referred to his mother as a “preacher of righteousness”. Because of the example of his mother he later encouraged women to enlist in public ministry and sent many women forth as circuit riding preachers.
Lottie Moon
Lottie Moon wrote many letters to the Baptist Mission Board soliciting them to cease to oppose the full use of women in ministry positions. Her letters were filled with requests for the Baptist mission board to cease to oppress and hold back women who desired to serve God fully. She was an outspoken proponent for women and their use as minister in the church.
Extensive lists exist which list what females can and can not do in the church.
Much ‘chaos’ and ‘confusion’ is caused in the church as we all must ‘decide’ what a woman may and may not do in the church.
The denominational and nondenominational churches are greatly divided in the ‘limits’ they each set upon women in church.
In one a woman is not allowed to speak at all, but must remain quiet at all times.
In another a woman can ask questions and express an opinion during Bible Study, but she is not allowed to perform anything that could be considered as ‘teaching or instructing a man’.
In yet another a woman is free to teach women, but never men.
In another a woman may only teach a man if another man is present as her ‘spiritual covering’.
In one a woman is not allowed to teach any one who is of the male gender.
In another a woman may teach small boys under the age of ??? = the allowed age for a boy to be taught by a woman varies in range from the age of 6 to the age of 12 or 13.
In one a woman is never allowed to speak to a group which is made up of both genders.
In another she may speak from the ‘floor’ but can not ever stand behind the pulpit to speak.
In one a woman is not allowed to lead worship because this would be a form of being over a man.
In another a woman may freely led worship.
The “limits” set by individual denominations and churches upon women could go on and on and on.
With all my heart I wish the ‘chaos’ and ‘confusion’ caused in the church as they ‘decide’ what a woman may and may not do would cease. With all my heart I wish women were free in God to minister and serve Him fully.
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