Role of Women in the Church

The Role of Women in the Church

God created both male and female in His image. He did not make man in His image and then woman as a poor substitute. He gave dominion over the universe to both of them. The command to rule was not directed only to Adam. Eve was also commissioned with divine authority.

Genesis 1:26-28 HCSB Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness. They will rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the animals, all the earth, and the creatures that crawl on the earth." (27) So God created man in His own image; He created him in the image of God; He created them male and female. (28) God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and every creature that crawls on the earth."

Eve was created to be Adam’s helper – not his slave.

Genesis 2:18-25 HCSB Then the LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is like him." (19) So the LORD God formed out of the ground each wild animal and each bird of the sky, and brought each to the man to see what he would call it. And whatever the man called a living creature, that was its name. (20) The man gave names to all the livestock, to the birds of the sky, and to every wild animal; but for the man no helper was found who was like him. (21) So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to come over the man, and he slept. God took one of his ribs and closed the flesh at that place. (22) Then the LORD God made the rib He had taken from the man into a woman and brought her to the man. (23) And the man said: This one, at last, is bone of my bone, and flesh of my flesh; this one will be called woman, for she was taken from man. (24) This is why a man leaves his father and mother and bonds with his wife, and they become one flesh. (25) Both the man and his wife were naked, yet felt no shame.

Note:

1. “helper” – The Hebrew word used here is sometimes translated as “companion” in more modern Bible versions. It is a word that denotes intimacy and partnership. But through the centuries, “help meet” has been wrongly used to imply that Eve was some type of domestic appendage.

2. Man was inadequate by himself. The view of the self-sufficient male supporting the weak female is incorrect.

3. Cp. Gen. 5:2 He called them Adam – the man and woman together. When He took woman from the side of Adam, He meant for her to walk with Adam in harmony, not to be either subservient or superior to him.

Just as the curse on man is not held against all men, the curse on woman is not held against all women. God wants to reconcile with us and lift these curses.

Genesis 3:16-19 HCSB He said to the woman: I will intensify your labor pains; you will bear children in anguish. Your desire will be for your husband, yet he will dominate you. (17) And He said to Adam, "Because you listened to your wife's voice and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, 'Do not eat from it': The ground is cursed because of you. You will eat from it by means of painful labor all the days of your life. (18) It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. (19) You will eat bread by the sweat of your brow until you return to the ground, since you were taken from it. For you are dust, and you will return to dust."

Note:

1. We tend to discuss and enforce the curse of the woman, “he shall rule over thee” but we don’t enforce the curse of the man “toiling…sweating…tilling the weed-filled ground”.

2. It was after the Fall that God said fallen man would rule over woman. That was not God’s original intent, though it has become “church doctrine”.

3. Once we have been redeemed by the “Second Adam”, we are no longer under the curse of sin. The old man is dead and a new one takes his place. That new man is no longer under the curse. Cp. Rom. 6:6 knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin.

4. God not only puts our sins out of sight; He also puts them out of reach, out of mind, and out of existence

Out of reach:

Isaiah 38:17 HCSB Indeed, it was for my own welfare that I had such great bitterness; but Your love has delivered me from the Pit of destruction, for You have thrown all my sins behind Your back.
Micah 7:19 HCSB He will again have compassion on us; He will vanquish our iniquities. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.
Psalms 103:12 HCSB As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.

out of mind:

Isaiah 43:25 HCSB "It is I who sweep away your transgressions for My own sake and remember your sins no more.
Jeremiah 31:34 HCSB No longer will one teach his neighbor or his brother, saying: Know the LORD, for they will all know Me, from the least to the greatest of them"--the LORD's declaration. "For I will forgive their wrongdoing and never again remember their sin."

out of existence:

Psalms 51:1 HCSB For the choir director. A Davidic psalm, when Nathan the prophet came to him after he had gone to Bathsheba. Be gracious to me, God, according to Your faithful love; according to Your abundant compassion, blot out my rebellion.
Psalms 51:9 HCSB Turn Your face away from my sins and blot out all my guilt.
Isaiah 43:25 HCSB "It is I who sweep away your transgressions for My own sake and remember your sins no more.
Isaiah 44:22 HCSB I have swept away your transgressions like a cloud, and your sins like a mist. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you.
Acts 3:19 HCSB Therefore repent and turn back, that your sins may be wiped out so that seasons of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,

5. Redeemed man will once again walk again with redeemed woman in the way God intended, “submitting themselves to one another”

Romans 12:10 HCSB Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honor.
1 Corinthians 7:4 HCSB A wife does not have authority over her own body, but her husband does. Equally, a husband does not have authority over his own body, but his wife does.
Galatians 3:28 HCSB There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 5:21 HCSB submitting to one another in the fear of Christ.

Miriam was a prophetess, patriot and congregational worship leader

Exodus 15:1-2 HCSB Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the LORD. They said: I will sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted; He has thrown the horse and its rider into the sea. (2) The LORD is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation. This is my God, and I will praise Him, my father's God, and I will exalt Him.

Exodus 15:20-21 HCSB Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron's sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her with tambourines and dancing. (21) Miriam sang to them: Sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted; He has thrown the horse and its rider into the sea.
Micah 6:4 HCSB Indeed, I brought you up from the land of Egypt and redeemed you from that place of slavery. I sent Moses, Aaron, and Miriam ahead of you.

Note:

1. Miriam was a prophetess.

2. Miriam led the congregation in worship and praise.

3. In Micah 6:4, we see Miriam placed on an equal ministerial basis with Moses and Aaron by God

Women served at the doorway of the tabernacle

Exodus 38:8 HCSB He made the bronze basin and its stand from the bronze mirrors of the women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting.

Deborah was a prophetess, judge, ruler, patriot. She held court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites came to her to have their disputes decided.

Judges 4:1-9 HCSB The Israelites again did what was evil in the sight of the LORD after Ehud had died. (2) So the LORD sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor. The commander of his forces was Sisera who lived in Harosheth of the Nations. (3) Then the Israelites cried out to the LORD, because Jabin had 900 iron chariots, and he harshly oppressed them 20 years. (4) Deborah, a woman who was a prophet and the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time. (5) It was her custom to sit under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites went up to her for judgment. (6) She summoned Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali and said to him, "Hasn't the LORD, the God of Israel, commanded you: 'Go, deploy the troops on Mount Tabor, and take with you 10,000 men from the Naphtalites and Zebulunites? (7) Then I will lure Sisera commander of Jabin's forces, his chariots, and his army at the Wadi Kishon to fight against you, and I will hand him over to you.'" (8) Barak said to her, "If you will go with me, I will go. But if you will not go with me, I will not go." (9) "I will go with you," she said, "but you will receive no honor on the road you are about to take, because the LORD will sell Sisera into a woman's hand." So Deborah got up and went with Barak to Kedesh.
Judges 5:6-7 HCSB In the days of Shamgar son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the main ways were deserted, because travelers kept to the side roads. (7) Villages were deserted, they were deserted in Israel, until I, Deborah,I arose, a mother in Israel.

Jael was not only a patriot, she was a national hero.

Judges 5:24-27 HCSB Jael is most blessed of women, the wife of Heber the Kenite; she is most blessed among tent-dwelling women. (25) He asked for water; she gave him milk. She brought him curdled milk in a majestic bowl. (26) She reached for a tent peg, her right hand, for a workman's mallet. Then she hammered Sisera--she crushed his head; she shattered and pierced his temple. (27) He collapsed, he fell, he lay down at her feet;he collapsed, he fell at her feet; where he collapsed, there he fell--dead.

Huldah was a prophetess and served as councilor to the King. When the king wanted to “inquire of the Lord” he went to Huldah.

2 Kings 22:11-14 HCSB When the king heard the words of the book of the law, he tore his clothes. (12) Then he commanded Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Achbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the court secretary, and the king's servant Asaiah: (13) "Go and inquire of the LORD for me, the people, and all Judah about the instruction in this book that has been found. For great is the LORD's wrath that is kindled against us because our ancestors have not obeyed the words of this book in order to do everything written about us." (14) So Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Achbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah went to the prophetess Huldah, wife of Shallum son of Tikvah, son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe. She lived in Jerusalem in the Second District. They spoke with her.
2 Kings 22:20 HCSB Therefore, I will indeed gather you to your fathers, and you will be gathered to your grave in peace. Your eyes will not see all the disaster that I am bringing on this place.'" Then they reported to the king.

Women led in praise and worship, not just Miriam.

Exodus 15:20-21 HCSB Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron's sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her with tambourines and dancing. (21) Miriam sang to them: Sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted; He has thrown the horse and its rider into the sea.
1 Chronicles 25:5-6 HCSB (5) All these sons of Heman, the king's seer, were given by the promises of God to exalt him, for God had given Heman fourteen sons and three daughters. (6) All these men were under their own fathers' authority for the music in the LORD's temple, with cymbals, harps, and lyres for the service of God's temple. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were under the king's authority.
Ezra 2:65 HCSB not including their 7,337 male and female slaves, and their 200 male and female singers.
Nehemiah 7:67 HCSB not including their 7,337 male and female slaves, as well as their 245 male and female singers.

They were required to attend to the reading of the Law.

Deuteronomy 31:12 HCSB Gather the people--men, women, children, and foreigners living within your gates--so that they may listen and learn to fear the LORD your God and be careful to follow all the words of this law.
Joshua 8:35 HCSB There was not a word of all that Moses had commanded that Joshua did not read before the entire assembly of Israel, including the women, little children, and foreigners who were with them.

Compare that to the attitude of the rabbinical law towards women hundreds of years later.

Mishna Sotah 3.4; B. Sotah 20a. “Out of respect to the congregation, a woman should not herself read in the law. It is a shame for a woman to let her voice be heard among men. The voice of a woman is a filthy nakedness.” –

Note: It should be noted that the Jewish Talmud is a collection of comments by rabbis who disagree, and the statement here about the “obscenity” of teaching women the law of God is challenged. However, many scholars of early Jewish thought believe the quote here represents the prevalent opinion of rabbis in the first century. Women were not allowed to study the Torah or to become disciples of rabbis.

The Bible praises women who are involved in business.

Proverbs 31:14-18 HCSB She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from far away. (15) She rises while it is still night and provides food for her household and portions for her servants. (16) She evaluates a field and buys it; she plants a vineyard with her earnings. (17) She draws on her strength and reveals that her arms are strong. (18) She sees that her profits are good, and her lamp never goes out at night.
Proverbs 31:24 HCSB She makes and sells linen garments; she delivers belts to the merchants.

Women had property rights in inheritance.

Numbers 27:1-11 HCSB The daughters of Zelophehad approached; Zelophehad was the son of Hepher, son of Gilead, son of Machir, son of Manasseh from the clans of Manasseh, the son of Joseph. These were the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. (2) They stood before Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders, and the entire community at the entrance to the tent of meeting and said, (3) "Our father died in the wilderness, but he was not among Korah's followers, who gathered together against the LORD. Instead, he died because of his own sin, and he had no sons. (4) Why should the name of our father be taken away from his clan? Since he had no son, give us property among our father's brothers." (5) Moses brought their case before the LORD, (6) and the LORD answered him, (7) "What Zelophehad's daughters say is correct. You are to give them hereditary property among their father's brothers and transfer their father's inheritance to them. (8) Tell the Israelites: When a man dies without having a son, transfer his inheritance to his daughter. (9) If he has no daughter, give his inheritance to his brothers. (10) If he has no brothers, give his inheritance to his father's brothers. (11) If his father has no brothers, give his inheritance to the nearest relative of his clan, and he will take possession of it. This is to be a statutory ordinance for the Israelites as the LORD commanded Moses."
Numbers 36:1-9 HCSB The family leaders from the clan of the descendants of Gilead--the son of Machir, son of Manasseh--one of the clans of the sons of Joseph approached and addressed Moses and the leaders who were over the Israelite families. (2) They said, "The LORD commanded my lord to give the land as an inheritance by lot to the Israelites. My lord was further commanded by the LORD to give our brother Zelophehad's inheritance to his daughters. (3) If they marry any of the men from the other Israelite tribes, their inheritance will be taken away from our fathers' inheritance and added to that of the tribe into which they marry. Therefore, part of our allotted inheritance would be taken away. (4) When the Jubilee comes for the Israelites, their inheritance will be added to that of the tribe into which they marry, and their inheritance will be taken away from the inheritance of our ancestral tribe." (5) So Moses commanded the Israelites at the word of the LORD, "What the tribe of Joseph's descendants says is right. (6) This is what the LORD has commanded concerning Zelophehad's daughters: They may marry anyone they like provided they marry within a clan of their ancestral tribe. (7) An inheritance belonging to the Israelites must not transfer from tribe to tribe, because each of the Israelites is to retain the inheritance of his ancestral tribe. (8) Any daughter who possesses an inheritance from an Israelite tribe must marry someone from the clan of her ancestral tribe, so that each of the Israelites will possess the inheritance of his fathers. (9) No inheritance is to transfer from one tribe to another, because each of the Israelite tribes is to retain its inheritance."
Joshua 17:3-6 HCSB Now Zelophehad son of Hepher, son of Gilead, son of Machir, son of Manasseh, had no sons, only daughters. These are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. (4) They came before Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the leaders, saying, "The LORD commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our male relatives." So they gave them an inheritance among their father's brothers, in keeping with the LORD's instruction. (5) As a result, 10 tracts fell to Manasseh, besides the land of Gilead and Bashan, which are beyond the Jordan, (6) because Manasseh's daughters received an inheritance among his sons. The land of Gilead belonged to the rest of Manasseh's sons.
Job 42:15 HCSB No women as beautiful as Job's daughters could be found in all the land, and their father granted them an inheritance with their brothers.

They were allowed to sell real estate.

Ruth 4:3-9 HCSB He said to the redeemer, "Naomi, who has returned from the land of Moab, is selling a piece of land that belonged to our brother Elimelech. (4) I thought I should inform you: Buy it back in the presence of those seated here and in the presence of the elders of my people. If you want to redeem it, do so. But if you do not want to redeem it, tell me, so that I will know, because there isn't anyone other than you to redeem it, and I am next after you.""I want to redeem it," he answered. (5) Then Boaz said, "On the day you buy the land from Naomi, you will also acquire Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the deceased man, to perpetuate the man's name on his property." (6) The redeemer replied, "I can't redeem it myself, or I will ruin my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption, because I can't redeem it." (7) At an earlier period in Israel, a man removed his sandal and gave it to the other party in order to make any matter legally binding concerning the right of redemption or the exchange of property. This was the method of legally binding a transaction in Israel. (8) So the redeemer removed his sandal and said to Boaz, "Buy back the property yourself." (9) Boaz said to the elders and all the people, "You are witnesses today that I am buying from Naomi everything that belonged to Elimelech, Chilion, and Mahlon.

Esther was a queen, patriot, and a hero who is heralded to this very day.

Esther 4:13-17 HCSB Mordecai told the messenger to reply to Esther, "Don't think that you will escape the fate of all the Jews because you are in the king's palace. (14) If you keep silent at this time, liberation and deliverance will come to the Jewish people from another place, but you and your father's house will be destroyed. Who knows, perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this." (15) Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: (16) "Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa and fast for me. Don't eat or drink for three days, night and day. I and my female servants will also fast in the same way. After that, I will go to the king even if it is against the law. If I perish, I perish." (17) So Mordecai went and did everything Esther had ordered him.

Joel prophesied that both men and women would receive the Spirit and would prophesy.

Joel 2:28-29 HCSB After this I will pour out My Spirit on all humanity; then your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your old men will have dreams, and your young men will see visions. (29) I will even pour out My Spirit on the male and female slaves in those days.

Some argue that women are naturally more “meek” than men and that they are by nature ill-suited for leadership. However, those who make such a fatuous argument demonstrate their lack of understanding of meekness. We are all supposed to be meek.

Matthew 5:3-5 HCSB "Blessed are the poor in spirit, because the kingdom of heaven is theirs. (4) Blessed are those who mourn, because they will be comforted. (5) Blessed are the gentle, because they will inherit the earth.

To say that a woman is to be quiet and meekly humble is to say something that should be true of ALL Christians.

1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 HCSB (9) About brotherly love: you don't need me to write you because you yourselves are taught by God to love one another. (10) In fact, you are doing this toward all the brothers in the entire region of Macedonia. But we encourage you, brothers, to do so even more, (11) to seek to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, (12) so that you may walk properly in the presence of outsiders and not be dependent on anyone.

In fact, a meek, humble attitude is necessary to proper servant leadership.

Matthew 20:26-28 HCSB It must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, (27) and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave; (28) just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life--a ransom for many."

Jesus described Himself as being meek. We certainly would not disqualify the Master from leadership.

Matthew 11:28-30 HCSB "Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (29) All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. (30) For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

The prophets predicted that Israel’s king would be meek.

Matthew 21:1-5 HCSB When they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage at the Mount of Olives, Jesus then sent two disciples, (2) telling them, "Go into the village ahead of you. At once you will find a donkey tied there, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to Me. (3) If anyone says anything to you, you should say that the Lord needs them, and immediately he will send them." (4) This took place so that what was spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled: (5) Tell Daughter Zion, "See, your King is coming to you, gentle, and mounted on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden."

It was a woman who first understood that Christ was going to die for her sins.

Matthew 26:6-13 HCSB While Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon, a man who had a serious skin disease, (7) a woman approached Him with an alabaster jar of very expensive fragrant oil. She poured it on His head as He was reclining at the table. (8) When the disciples saw it, they were indignant. "Why this waste?" they asked. (9) "This might have been sold for a great deal and given to the poor." (10) But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a noble thing for Me. (11) You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have Me. (12) By pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she has prepared Me for burial. (13) I assure you: Wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told in memory of her."

Compare her revelation and reward to Peter’s.

Matthew 16:13-20 HCSB When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" (14) And they said, "Some say John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." (15) "But you," He asked them, "who do you say that I am?" (16) Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God!" (17) And Jesus responded, "Simon son of Jonah, you are blessed because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father in heaven. (18) And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the forces of Hades will not overpower it. (19) I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth is already bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth is already loosed in heaven." (20) And He gave the disciples orders to tell no one that He was the Messiah.

Anna was a prophetess.

Luke 2:36-38 HCSB There was also a prophetess, Anna, a daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well along in years, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, (37) and was a widow for 84 years. She did not leave the temple complex, serving God night and day with fastings and prayers. (38) At that very moment, she came up and began to thank God and to speak about Him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

Jesus had female disciples and women who supported him financially.

Luke 8:1-3 HCSB Soon afterwards He was traveling from one town and village to another, preaching and telling the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with Him, (2) and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses: Mary, called Magdalene (seven demons had come out of her); (3) Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward; Susanna; and many others who were supporting them from their possessions.

Jesus allowed and encouraged women to be taught.

Luke 10:38-42 HCSB While they were traveling, He entered a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. (39) She had a sister named Mary, who also sat at the Lord's feet and was listening to what He said. (40) But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, and she came up and asked, "Lord, don't You care that my sister has left me to serve alone? So tell her to give me a hand." (41) The Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, (42) but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her."

Note: Compare this to Acts 22:3 where Paul is said to have “sat at the feet of Gamaliel” a formal phrase meaning “studied under the tutelage of…”

Jesus did not teach that women derive their value from men.

Luke 14:25-27 HCSB Now great crowds were traveling with Him. So He turned and said to them: (26) "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters--yes, and even his own life--he cannot be My disciple. (27) Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.
Luke 14:33 HCSB In the same way, therefore, every one of you who does not say good-bye to all his possessions cannot be My disciple.

Note: Does this passage relate to all Christians or only men? If it is directed to all Christians, then God never intended for a woman to derive her value form a man or to base her worth on producing offspring. Neither marriage nor childbirth validate a woman’s personhood, her character or her spirituality. A Christian woman’s identity is to be found in Christ alone. He makes her complete, whether she has a husband and twelve children or if she remains single all her life. Christ is her life; she is betrothed to Him. To place her husband, her children or any other human relationship above Christ would be idolatry.

John 17:1-5 HCSB Jesus spoke these things, looked up to heaven, and said: Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son so that the Son may glorify You, (2) for You gave Him authority over all flesh; so He may give eternal life to all You have given Him. (3) This is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and the One You have sent--Jesus Christ. (4) I have glorified You on the earth by completing the work You gave Me to do. (5) Now, Father, glorify Me in Your presence with that glory I had with You before the world existed.

Note: No verse in the Bible says that God’s ultimate purpose for a woman is to find a mate and then reproduce. On the contrary, the Scriptures say that our lives can be made complete by only one thing: a constant, abiding relationship with Christ. This is true for men and women alike – all of us are called to know Him.

Christ spoke to women and tried to teach them, contrary to prevailing societal mores.

John 4:9 HCSB "How is it that You, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?" she asked Him. For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.
John 4:26-29 HCSB "I am He," Jesus told her, "the One speaking to you." (27) Just then His disciples arrived, and they were amazed that He was talking with a woman. Yet no one said, "What do You want?" or "Why are You talking with her?" (28) Then the woman left her water jar, went into town, and told the men, (29) "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could this be the Messiah?"
John 4:35-39 HCSB "Don't you say, 'There are still four more months, then comes the harvest'? Listen to what I'm telling you: Open your eyes and look at the fields, for they are ready for harvest. (36) The reaper is already receiving pay and gathering fruit for eternal life, so the sower and reaper can rejoice together. (37) For in this case the saying is true: 'One sows and another reaps.' (38) I sent you to reap what you didn't labor for; others have labored, and you have benefited from their labor." (39) Now many Samaritans from that town believed in Him because of what the woman said when she testified, "He told me everything I ever did."

Note: When Jesus first tried to teach his disciple about the principle of evangelization, he gave them a practical example and that practical example was a woman who brought an entire city to him!

4:26 “I…am He.” This was the only occasion before His trial on which Jesus specifically said that He was the Messiah.

Compare Jesus’ treatment of the adulterous woman with that of the Pharisees.

John 8:10-11 HCSB When Jesus stood up, He said to her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" (11) "No one, Lord," she answered. "Neither do I condemn you," said Jesus. "Go, and from now on do not sin any more."]

When all else had fled, it was women who were the last standing at the cross.

Matthew 27:55-56 HCSB Many women who had followed Jesus from Galilee and ministered to Him were there, looking on from a distance. (56) Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee's sons.
Mark 15:40-41 HCSB There were also women looking on from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. (41) When He was in Galilee, they would follow Him and help Him. Many other women had come up with Him to Jerusalem.
Luke 23:27-28 HCSB A great multitude of the people followed Him, including women who were mourning and lamenting Him. (28) But turning to them, Jesus said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and your children.
Luke 23:49 HCSB But all who knew Him, including the women who had followed Him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.

They were the first at the gravesite

Mark 15:46-47 HCSB After he bought some fine linen, he took Him down and wrapped Him in the linen. Then he placed Him in a tomb cut out of the rock, and rolled a stone against the entrance to the tomb. (47) Now Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses were watching where He was placed.
Mark 16:1-6 HCSB When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so they could go and anoint Him. (2) Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they went to the tomb at sunrise. (3) They were saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone from the entrance to the tomb for us?" (4) Looking up, they observed that the stone--which was very large--had been rolled away. (5) When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; they were amazed and alarmed. (6) "Don't be alarmed," he told them. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has been resurrected! He is not here! See the place where they put Him.
Luke 23:55-56 HCSB The women who had come with Him from Galilee followed along and observed the tomb and how His body was placed. (56) Then they returned and prepared spices and perfumes. And they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment.
Luke 24:1-4 HCSB On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared. (2) They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. (3) They went in but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. (4) While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood by them in dazzling clothes.

The first person to see Christ after his resurrection was a woman and he purposely sent her to tell of this to his male disciples.

John 20:11-18 HCSB But Mary stood outside facing the tomb, crying. As she was crying, she stooped to look into the tomb. (12) She saw two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet, where Jesus' body had been lying. (13) They said to her, "Woman, why are you crying?" "Because they've taken away my Lord," she told them, "and I don't know where they've put Him." (14) Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, though she did not know it was Jesus. (15) "Woman," Jesus said to her, "why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?" Supposing He was the gardener, she replied, "Sir, if you've removed Him, tell me where you've put Him, and I will take Him away." (16) Jesus said, "Mary." Turning around, she said to Him in Hebrew, "Rabbouni!"--which means "Teacher." (17) "Don't cling to Me," Jesus told her, "for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to My brothers and tell them that I am ascending to My Father and your Father--to My God and your God." (18) Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord!" And she told them what He had said to her.

Christ gave the command of the Great Commission to all Christians, not just men. He told his disciples to go wait for the Holy Spirit and lo and behold the next thing we see is that both men and women are in the upper room praying and receiving the Holy Spirit. Peter specifically ties this to Joel who prophesied that both men and women would receive the Spirit and prophesy.

Acts 1:1-5 HCSB I wrote the first narrative, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach (2) until the day He was taken up, after He had given orders through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom He had chosen. (3) After He had suffered, He also presented Himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during 40 days and speaking about the kingdom of God. (4) While He was together with them, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father's promise. "This," He said, "is what you heard from Me; (5) for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now."
Acts 1:12-14 HCSB Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olive Grove, which is near Jerusalem--a Sabbath day's journey away. (13) When they arrived, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. (14) All these were continually united in prayer, along with the women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and His brothers.
Acts 2:14-18 HCSB But Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and proclaimed to them: "Jewish men and all you residents of Jerusalem, let this be known to you and pay attention to my words. (15) For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it's only nine in the morning. (16) On the contrary, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: (17) And it will be in the last days, says God, that I will pour out My Spirit on all humanity; then your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. (18) I will even pour out My Spirit on My male and female slaves in those days, and they will prophesy.

Women participated in the selection of the apostle Matthias.

Acts 1:26 HCSB Then they cast lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias. So he was numbered with the 11 apostles.

Note: In verses 13-14, we see that women were equally present and participating in the activities.

Philip ministered to both men and women, contrary to popular mores.

Acts 8:12 HCSB But when they believed Philip, as he proclaimed the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.

Note: Philip was a deacon and yet preached and performed miracles. Compare to the position that Phoebe held.

Priscilla and her husband co-taught an apostle who was wise enough to accept their teaching and be improved thereby.

Acts 18:24-28 HCSB A Jew named Apollos, a native Alexandrian, an eloquent man who was powerful in the Scriptures, arrived in Ephesus. (25) This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught the things about Jesus accurately, although he knew only John's baptism. (26) He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. After Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him home and explained the way of God to him more accurately. (27) When he wanted to cross over to Achaia, the brothers wrote to the disciples urging them to welcome him. After he arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace. (28) For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public, demonstrating through the Scriptures that Jesus is the Messiah.

Philip’s four daughters were prophetesses (cp. word with that found in Acts 15:32). Philip was on of the Seven (Acts 6:3) who were considered respected, wise and filled with the Spirit. So it’s not likely that his daughters were rebellious to the tenets of the early church. Besides, within the context of 21 Paul did not rebuke Philip for having prophetess daughters.

Acts 21:8-9 HCSB The next day we left and came to Caesarea, where we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the Seven, and stayed with him. (9) This man had four virgin daughters who prophesied.

Notice that God does not lay the blame for sin on woman but on man.

Romans 5:12-21 HCSB Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, in this way death spread to all men, because all sinned. (13) In fact, sin was in the world before the law, but sin is not charged to one's account when there is no law. (14) Nevertheless, death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who did not sin in the likeness of Adam's transgression. He is a prototype of the Coming One. (15) But the gift is not like the trespass. For if by the one man's trespass the many died, how much more have the grace of God and the gift overflowed to the many by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ. (16) And the gift is not like the one man's sin, because from one sin came the judgment, resulting in condemnation, but from many trespasses came the gift, resulting in justification. (17) Since by the one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive the overflow of grace and the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. (18) So then, as through one trespass there is condemnation for everyone, so also through one righteous act there is life-giving justification for everyone. (19) For just as through one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so also through the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. (20) The law came along to multiply the trespass. But where sin multiplied, grace multiplied even more, (21) so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace will reign through righteousness, resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The ministry gifts have been given equally to women as well as men.

Romans 12:6-8 HCSB According to the grace given to us, we have different gifts: If prophecy, use it according to the standard of faith; (7) if service, in service; if teaching, in teaching; (8) if exhorting, in exhortation; giving, with generosity; leading, with diligence; showing mercy, with cheerfulness.

Note: The entire context is universal. We cannot say that everything in the entire passage applies to all Christians whether male or female – oh, except for the ministry gifts.

Phoebe was a deaconess.

Romans 16:1-2 HCSB I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church in Cenchreae. (2) So you should welcome her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever matter she may require your help. For indeed she has been a benefactor of many--and of me also.

Junia was an apostle.

Romans 16:3-7 HCSB Give my greetings to Prisca and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus, (4) who risked their own necks for my life. Not only do I thank them, but so do all the Gentile churches. (5) Greet also the church that meets in their home. Greet my dear friend Epaenetus, who is the first convert to Christ from Asia. (6) Greet Mary, who has worked very hard for you. (7) Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow countrymen and fellow prisoners. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were also in Christ before me.

Women do not derive their value from men, they hold equal power to sanctify as the man in the marriage relationship. However, there is a chain of command, a “natural order” derived from origin. A chain of command does not imply a hierarchy of value. If we say that then we have to deny the equality of the Son to the Father because the Son submitted voluntarily submitted to the Father’s will. To say that a woman’s submission to her husband’s leadership makes her less of a woman is to deny the very divinity of the Messiah!

1 Corinthians 7:4 HCSB A wife does not have authority over her own body, but her husband does. Equally, a husband does not have authority over his own body, but his wife does.
1 Corinthians 7:10-16 HCSB (10) I command the married--not I, but the Lord--a wife is not to leave her husband. (11) But if she does leave, she must remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband--and a husband is not to leave his wife. (12) But to the rest I, not the Lord, say: If any brother has an unbelieving wife, and she is willing to live with him, he must not leave her. (13) Also, if any woman has an unbelieving husband, and he is willing to live with her, she must not leave her husband. (14) For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the Christian husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy. (15) But if the unbeliever leaves, let him leave. A brother or a sister is not bound in such cases. God has called you to peace. (16) For you, wife, how do you know whether you will save your husband? Or you, husband, how do you know whether you will save your wife?
1 Corinthians 11:8-16 HCSB (8) For man did not come from woman, but woman came from man; (9) and man was not created for woman, but woman for man. (10) This is why a woman should have a symbol of authority on her head: because of the angels. (11) However, in the Lord, woman is not independent of man, and man is not independent of woman. (12) For just as woman came from man, so man comes through woman, and all things come from God. (13) Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? (14) Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair it is a disgrace to him, (15) but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her as a covering. (16) But if anyone wants to argue about this, we have no other custom, nor do the churches of God.

Just as the Son voluntarily submitted to the Father a woman who marries voluntarily submits to that chain of command. This is why the Apostle Paul said that he thought a woman would be happier unmarried because she would not have anyone be her boss except the Lord. Therefore, a woman is equal to a man. She remains equal to him in marriage, but of her own free will voluntarily submits to a chain of command in order to facilitate decision making.

1 Corinthians 7:32-40 HCSB (32) I want you to be without concerns. An unmarried man is concerned about the things of the Lord--how he may please the Lord. (33) But a married man is concerned about the things of the world--how he may please his wife-- (34) and he is divided. An unmarried woman or a virgin is concerned about the things of the Lord, so that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the things of the world--how she may please her husband. (35) Now I am saying this for your own benefit, not to put a restraint on you, but because of what is proper, and so that you may be devoted to the Lord without distraction. (36) But if any man thinks he is acting improperly toward his virgin, if she is past marriageable age, and so it must be, he can do what he wants. He is not sinning; they can get married. (37) But he who stands firm in his heart (who is under no compulsion, but has control over his own will) and has decided in his heart to keep his own virgin, will do well. (38) So then he who marries his virgin does well, but he who does not marry will do better. (39) A wife is bound as long as her husband is living. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to anyone she wants--only in the Lord. (40) But she is happier if she remains as she is, in my opinion. And I think that I also have the Spirit of God.

If we see that women receive the gift of prophesy, and we see that there are women prophetesses in both the Old and New Testament, where do we get the idea that their gift is not to be practiced in the assembly?

1 Corinthians 14:1-5 HCSB (1) Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, and above all that you may prophesy. (2) For the person who speaks in another language is not speaking to men but to God, since no one understands him; however, he speaks mysteries in the Spirit. (3) But the person who prophesies speaks to people for edification, encouragement, and consolation. (4) The person who speaks in another language builds himself up, but he who prophesies builds up the church. (5) I wish all of you spoke in other languages, but even more that you prophesied. The person who prophesies is greater than the person who speaks in languages, unless he interprets so that the church may be built up.

You may ask “What about Paul’s command for women to keep silent in the churches?”

1 Corinthians 14:34-36 HCSB (34) the women should be silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak, but should be submissive, as the law also says. (35) And if they want to learn something, they should ask their own husbands at home, for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church meeting. (36) Did the word of God originate from you, or did it come to you only?

Note:

1. In 1 Cor. 11:5 Paul states women can pray and prophesy in public worship.

A. Why would he contradict himself in 14:35 by saying that women cannot speak in church?

B. Thus, his purpose was not to define the role of women but to establish a fitting (vv. 34-35) and orderly (vv. 27-31) way of worship (v.40).

2. In Greek there is no punctuation.

A. Some versions (New Century, New International Version, and Contemporary English Version) put “as in all the churches” at the beginning of verse 34, implying that the following would be a common practice.

B. Therefore, the way this section is punctuated is open to interpretation.

3. In 1 Cor. 7:1, Paul refers to a letter written to Paul by the leaders of the church in Corinth when he mentions “the things about which you wrote”. Many scholars of the New Testament who are familiar with the technicalities of the Greek language insist that part of this chapter is actually a quote taken from that source. Most of the specific issues Paul addresses in 1 Corinthians, in fact are topics that were included in that letter.

4. The Greek symbol h (with a grave accent) is used at the beginning of verse 36 to signal to the reader that the preceding statement is quoted. Because Greek does not have what we know as quotation marks, this device is used instead. (Walter C. Kaiser, Jr., "Shared Leadership," Christianity Today, October 3, 1986, 124; Joseph H. Thayer, Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, 17.)

5. “just as the Law also says” (v.34) What law is this referring to? There is no law in the Old Testament that says women cannot speak. There is no reference to a Scripture given here. That’s because it is not referring to an Old Testament law, but to a Jewish Rabbinical tradition that the Corinthian church had adopted. You can read the actual quote above in this article.

6. “In 1 Corinthians 14 we are caught in an intricate interplay between quotations from a missing letter from the Corinthians and Paul’s solutions to problems the letter had raised. The verse is clearly not repeating a law of Scripture and cannot be taken as a universal command for women to be silent in church. That interpretation would flatly contradict what the apostle had just said three chapters earlier.” Kenneth S. Kantzer, “Proceed With Care,” Christianity Today, October 3, 1986

7. This interpretation makes sense of the first section of the passage in which he speaks of spiritual gifts and their practice in the church. These gifts are not assumed to be male only (see v. 6 “Brothers and sisters” also v. 20). We know that there are female “prophetesses” and vv. 23-29 deal with the orderly use of prophecy in the church. Then all of a sudden he changes tack and tells women to be quiet? Then what does v. 36 mean? Why does he then go back to dealing with prophecy in vv. 37-40? It only makes sense if vv. 34-35 are a quote and v.36 is a rebuke.

8. The very harshness of the language in v. 35 gives another clue that this “Law” is actually a man-made rule invented by the same type of legalistic Judaizers that Paul publicly opposed in the churches of Galatia and Colossae. Paul is quoting those who held to a degrading view of women – and who actually described women in Jewish writings as vile and disgraceful.

We see sexual equality in the New Testament, with everyone (male and female) behaving with an attitude of humility.

Galatians 3:28-29 HCSB There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (29) And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, heirs according to the promise.
Ephesians 5:21-25 HCSB submitting to one another in the fear of Christ. (22) Wives, submit to your own husbands as to the Lord, (23) for the husband is head of the wife as also Christ is head of the church. He is the Savior of the body. (24) Now as the church submits to Christ, so wives should submit to their husbands in everything. (25) Husbands, love your wives, just as also Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her,

Note: The submission is mutual. She shows him respect for the leadership position he has assumed in their relationship and he sacrificially loves her, voluntarily submitting his life and will to the pursuit of her good.

Apparently Paul considered women as fellow workers.

Romans 16:3 HCSB Give my greetings to Prisca and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus,
Romans 16:7 HCSB Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow countrymen and fellow prisoners. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were also in Christ before me.
Philippians 4:2-3 HCSB I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to agree in the Lord. (3) Yes, I also ask you, true partner, to help these women who have contended for the gospel at my side, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers whose names are in the book of life.

But wouldn’t this view contradict Paul’s injunction for women to not teach or exercise authority over men?

1 Timothy 2:11-14 HCSB A woman should learn in silence with full submission. (12) I do not allow a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; instead, she is to be silent. (13) For Adam was created first, then Eve. (14) And Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and transgressed.

Note:

1. We cannot base our practice on one or two verses that, at first glance, contradict the whole of Scripture. We should not start checking out our genealogical roots based on one reference that mentions “baptism for the dead.” We need to interpret this passage by the preponderance of clear Scriptural teaching and case history.

2. LOIS AND EUNICE Cp. Acts 16:1 Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. And a disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. 2 Tim. 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. 2 Tim. 3:15 and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

3. According to Acts 16:1, Timothy’s mother was a Jewish Christian. Here we learn that his grandmother too was a Christian. Timothy’s father, however, was a Greek and apparently an unbeliever (Acts 16:1). It was probably because of him that Timothy had not been circumcised as a child. Since Paul addressed Timothy as a young man some 15 years later (1 Tim. 4:12), he must have been in his teens at this time. Statements concerning his mother’s faith and silence concerning any faith on his father’s part suggest that the father was neither a convert to Judaism nor a believer in Christ. A Jewish boy formally began to study the OT when he was five years old. His mother and grandmother taught Timothy at home even before he reached this age. Apparently his mother’s teaching continued well into his teens, even when he would have already been considered a man.

4. So Paul is here instructing a man who was saved and a disciple and now a pastor of a church because his mother and grandmother taught him from birth, until at least well into his teens, to keep the women quiet. That they are not to teach or exercise authority over a man. But he commends them in 1 Tim. 1:5. How ironic that people twist Paul’s words in 1 Tim. 2:12 in order to make a blanket prohibition against women teaching men, when in 2 Tim. 1:5 he commends Lois and Eunice for teaching Timothy the faith!

5. PRISCILLA Cp. Acts 18:2 And he found a Jew named Aquilla, a native of Pontus, having recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. He came to them. Acts 18:24-28 Now a Jew named Apollos, and Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the Scriptures. 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; 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. 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, for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, demonstrating by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.

6. Priscilla is the diminutive form of Prisca. Since no mention is made of a conversion and since a partnership is established in work (see v.3), it is likely that they were already Christians. They many have been converted in Rome by those returning from Pentecost or by others at a later time. Apollos was not baptizing in the name of Jesus (see 19:2-4). Apollos knew something about Jesus, but basically he, like John, was still looking forward to the coming of the Messiah. His baptism was based on repentance rather than on faith in the finished work of Christ.

7. Rom. 16:3 Greet Prisca and Aquilla, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus. 1 Cor. 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. They helped Paul found the church at Corinth (Acts 18:1-4). They had left Corinth with Paul and had gone to Ephesus (Acts 18:18-19). Evidently they were still there, and a church was meeting at their house; it now sends greetings. House churches were common in this early period (cf. Rom. 16:3-5; Philem. 2). 2 Tim. 4:19 Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. Since Paul fully expected to die soon (v.6) these people are the ones he most wanted to greet before he met his death. So:

Priscilla was already a Christian before Paul met her.
She was worthy of being called a “fellow worker in Jesus Christ.”
She took a man who was an Apostle aside and educated him further in his walk with Christ and met no rebuke.
She had a church in her house.
She was so important to Paul and his work that as he faced death, he made sure he said goodbye to her. This in a society where women were chattels, not to speak, not to be educated.

8. The Greek word for “to have authority over” is authentein, and it is the only time in the New Testament this word is used. Normally, the Greek word exousia is used for “authority”. Bible scholars have noted that authentein has a forceful and extremely negative connotation. It can be translated “to dominate,” “to usurp” or “to take control”. It could be translated “to declare oneself to be the author of.” Because some Gnostic priestesses believed woman was actually created before man, it is possible that they were teaching the church at Ephesus that woman was the originator of man. Often when this word was used in ancient Greek literature, it was associated with violence or even murder.

9. “Certain cultic worship practices involving female priestesses of the Greek fertility goddess, Diana, had invaded the church of that day. These women priests promoted blasphemous ideas about sex and spirituality, and they sometimes actually performed rituals in which they pronounced curses on men in an attempt to spiritually emasculate them or to declare female superiority. This teaching most certainly bred unhealthy attitudes among some women in the Ephesian church. These women were completely unlearned, but they were spreading false doctrines, and in some cases they were claiming to be teachers of the law and demanding an audience. They were most likely mixing Christian and Jewish teachings with strange heresies and warped versions of Bible stories. Some of the women were actually disrupting worship services so they could teach their strange gospels. Rather than listening to church leaders who had been trained by Paul and the other apostles, these women were pridefully claiming that they deserved the pulpit themselves. In some instances they may have wrested control of the meetings and tried to teach or even perform their rituals.” Richard and Catherine Kroeger, I Suffer Not a Woman, Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1992, 87-98

10. Paul uses equally strong language when he warns Timothy about the men who were spreading false doctrine in Ephesus.

1 Tim. 1:20 “delivered to Satan”
Titus 1:10-11 HCSB For there are also many rebellious people, idle talkers and deceivers, especially those from Judaism. (11) It is necessary to silence them; they overthrow whole households by teaching for dishonest gain what they should not.

The list of credentials for the selection of a bishop cannot be used as an excuse to not allow women ministers in light of all these other scriptures because the office of deacon is listed as having the same requirements and yet we see deaconesses, female apostles, and prophetesses in the New Testament.

1 Timothy 3:1-7 HCSB This saying is trustworthy: "If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble work." (2) An overseer, therefore, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible, respectable, hospitable, an able teacher, (3) not addicted to wine, not a bully but gentle, not quarrelsome, not greedy-- (4) one who manages his own household competently, having his children under control with all dignity. (5) (If anyone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of God's church?) (6) He must not be a new convert, or he might become conceited and fall into the condemnation of the Devil. (7) Furthermore, he must have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he does not fall into disgrace and the Devil's trap.
1 Timothy 3:8-13 HCSB Deacons, likewise, should be worthy of respect, not hypocritical, not drinking a lot of wine, not greedy for money, (9) holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. (10) And they must also be tested first; if they prove blameless, then they can serve as deacons. (11) Wives, too, must be worthy of respect, not slanderers, self-controlled, faithful in everything. (12) Deacons must be husbands of one wife, managing their children and their own households competently. (13) For those who have served well as deacons acquire a good standing for themselves, and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

There might be some evidence that the status of “widow” was considered a quasi office in the early church. (cp. Deborah in Judges 5:6-7 “mother of Israel”)

1 Timothy 5:3-12 HCSB Support widows who are genuinely widows. (4) But if any widow has children or grandchildren, they should learn to practice their religion toward their own family first and to repay their parents, for this pleases God. (5) The real widow, left all alone, has put her hope in God and continues night and day in her petitions and prayers; (6) however, she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives. (7) Command this, so that they won't be blamed. (8) Now if anyone does not provide for his own relatives, and especially for his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. (9) No widow should be placed on the official support list unless she is at least 60 years old, has been the wife of one husband, (10) and is well known for good works--that is, if she has brought up children, shown hospitality, washed the saints' feet, helped the afflicted, and devoted herself to every good work. (11) But refuse to enroll younger widows; for when they are drawn away from Christ by desire, they want to marry, (12) and will therefore receive condemnation because they have renounced their original pledge.

Note: “Genuinely widows”? “Real widow”? Either her husband died or he didn’t! Obviously that was not the sole criteria. Paul here was providing a ministry job description that entailed church support (v. 9).

We would all agree that we are all living stones, both men and women. But that would mean that we are all equally an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and God’s special possession.

1 Peter 2:4-12 HCSB Coming to Him, a living stone--rejected by men but chosen and valuable to God-- (5) you yourselves, as living stones, are being built into a spiritual house for a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (6) For it stands in Scripture: Look! I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and valuable cornerstone, and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame! (7) So the honor is for you who believe; but for the unbelieving, The stone that the builders rejected--this One has become the cornerstone, and (8) A stone that causes men to stumble, and a rock that trips them up. They stumble by disobeying the message; they were destined for this. (9) But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the One who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. (10) Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. (11) Dear friends, I urge you as aliens and temporary residents to abstain from fleshly desires that war against you. (12) Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles, so that in a case where they speak against you as those who do evil, they may, by observing your good works, glorify God in a day of visitation.