A woman should learn in quietness and full submission.
I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet.
For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 1 Ti 2:11–13 NIV
1 Tim 2:11 - 15 The subordination of women in this text is not an eternal law. It is Paul’s response to some women in Ephesus who were teaching heresy.
I urge you, as I did when I was on my way to Macedonia, to remain in Ephesus so that you may instruct certain people not to teach any different doctrine,
and not to occupy themselves with myths and endless genealogies that promote speculations rather than the divine training that is known by faith. 1 Ti 1:3–4 NRSV
Certain people were teaching heresy based on myths and legends.
Some people have deviated from these (genuine love, faith and bible truth) and turned to meaningless talk,
desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make assertions. 1 Ti 1:6–7 NRSV
It is clear to understand here that not all the instructions in 1 Timothy are meant for all Christians in Ephesus and are certainly not meant for all Christians or all women in all times.
The heresy that Paul is correcting is a kind of extreme Gnostic feminism, which elevated women above men.
One aspect of Gnostic teaching was the invention of fables about Adam and Eve. Some of these can be found in 2nd century documents, but the ideas were already prevalent in the later New Testament period.
A common feature of these stories is that Eve is idealised and often appears before Adam.
For Adam was formed first, then Eve;
and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. 1 Ti 2:13–14 NRSV
The point of these verses is to refute the false teachings of the early Gnostics.
A woman should learn in quietness and full submission.
I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet.
For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 1 Ti 2:11–13 NIV
The dominant woman (or perhaps some dominant women) who was not supposed to teach but to learn humbly was most likely one of the false teachers who spread Gnostic fables.
By the way, the word PERMISSION is a translation of EPITREPEO, a Greek word that always points to situational instructions, never to the commandments or universal laws of God.
For example.
A large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into the pigs, and he gave them permission. Lk 8:32 NIV
When God’s prophets or apostles declare a universal law or commandment, it never appears only in one bible text. When God declares laws, as in the Ten Commandments, we never find only one bible reference.
Some people refer to Paul’s injunction in 1 Corinthians 14 for women to keep silent in Church, but this too, is addressing a particular situation, in which women were interrupting the service by asking their better educated husbands to explain things.
Clearly, women in Corinth were allowed to speak in appropriate ways.
But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonours her head—it is the same as having her head shaved. 1 Co 11:5 NIV
So women were authorised to prophesy in church, to speak for God as the Holy Spirit inspired them.
Priscilla and her husband were also authorised by Paul to be teachers in Ephesus.
Sunday, September 22, 2024
Women not Forbidden to Teach Men
Friday, September 6, 2024
Should Women be Subordinated?
There are questionable Bible teachings that place women as second-class Christians. These teachings are based on carefully selected Bible texts that are supposed to be eternal laws, although other Bible texts give us a completely different perspective.
Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says. 1 Co 14:34 NKJV
``The law`` obviously refers to the commandments in the OT, but there is no such commandment in the OT.
Some may argue that it could be a reference to Genesis 3:16.
To the woman He said: “I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; In pain you shall bring forth children; Your desire shall be for your husband, And he shall rule over you.” Ge 3:16 NKJV
‘Rule’ is a harsh word that contradicts the tender love of a Christian husband.
From churches where this verse is understood as God's command, we often hear tragic stories of men who imperiously abuse or violently bully their wives.
To teach this verse as God's command is an ugly inconsistency.
But should we lightly explain away a clear statement from God?
Perhaps this verse can be explained as a curse and punishment for sin, but if so, it should no longer apply in the NT.
Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us … Ga 3:13 NKJV
Or one could understand this statement as a prophetic prediction of God, in which God explains how the now corrupted human nature would pervert the ideal partnership between man and woman.
Must all women always remain silent in worship? Do we find this commandment in the law? No.
We find this puzzling statement in 1 Cor 14:34. To understand a quotation correctly, we must carefully examine the context.
But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonours her head, ...1 Co 11:5 NKJV
In chapter 14 the women are to keep silent and in chapter 11 they are allowed to prophesy.
But then some inventive Bible teachers want to propose an ingenious explanation. The women are allowed to prophesy or pray aloud, but only when the men are absent. But I find no reference in Corinthians to meetings that are only for women. You can also search the whole NT and find no services for women.
But at the very beginning of Acts we find a very authoritative story of how God founded the church. There we see the first Christian service.
The meeting began in the upper room, in the room or hall where Jesus celebrated the Lord's Supper.
Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city.
When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. …...
They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. Ac 1:12–14 NIV
Then the Holy Spirit came upon this assembly of men and women with heavenly power.
When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, ….
Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Ac 2:1–4 NKJV
Were the women still with them?
Peter answers this question with clear words.
‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, …. Ac 2:17 NKJV
Tuesday, July 30, 2024
Women in Ministry
Why I do not agree with John MacArthur’s view that women may not teach or lead in church:
(Article by Bob Edwards. Copied with permission)
This is how the Greek New Testament describes the ministry of women:
Phoebe: διάκονον (deacon) and προστάτις (leader), Romans 16:1-2
Priscilla: one of the συνεργούς (co-workers) of Paul, Romans 16:3; ἐξέθεντο (expounded, interpreted) “the way of God more accurately,” to a man Acts 18:26.
Junia: ἐπίσημοι ἐν τοῖς ἀποστόλοις (outstanding among the apostles), Romans 16:7
My understanding of why 1 Timothy 2:12 and 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 do not prohibit women from teaching, leading, or speaking in church:
1st Timothy 2:12 is not a prohibition against “all” women teaching or leading in the church of Ephesus. Priscilla taught a man the way of God more accurately, in Ephesus.
The context of the verse is in a letter against “false doctrines” (1 Timothy 1:3), “godless myths” (1 Timothy 4:7), “opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge” (1 Timothy 6:20). A woman *engaged in false teaching* should learn before teaching.
I do not believe 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 was a command from Paul telling women they must be silent in church; nor do I believe Paul was saying it is “shameful” for women to be heard in church. The rabbinical oral law of the day said those things:
“A woman’s voice is prohibited because it is sexually provocative” (Talmud, Berachot 24a).
“It is a shame for a woman to let her voice be heard among men” (Talmud, Tractate Kiddushin).
I believe Paul’s response to the oral law appears in 1 Corinthians 14:36-39:
“What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? … Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.”
In other words, oral tradition should not be used to prevent women from expressing their spiritual gifts in church, everyone must simply express their gifts in an orderly manner (see verse 40).
Ministry roles are not given according to gender. They are given according to spiritual gifting:
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” (Romans 12:6-8)
The Greek word used to describe the gift of leading is προϊστάμενος; it is the verb cognate of προστάτις, the word used to describe the leadership role of Phoebe in Romans 16:2.
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).
Paul really believed this. When Peter related to Gentile Christians differently than Jewish Christians (by refusing to eat with them) in Galatians 2:11-14, Paul rebuked him. As in 1 Corinthians 14, Paul explained that it is wrong to “force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs” (Gal 2:14).
When John MacArthur tells women that they may not teach or lead in the church, I believe he is acting like Peter in Galatians chapter 2, he is nullifying the word of God by holding on to human tradition (see Jesus’ remarks to the religious leaders of his day in Mark 7:13
Tuesday, May 14, 2024
Ministry is what you Do.
As I read Acts and the NT letters, I see a lot about what believers did, and what they were called to do.
On the other hand, when I read about prominent ministers or missionaries, I very often see no mention of what a particular person’s ministry title was or what rank or position that person held.
When I look at the churches of today, I see an enormous emphasis placed on titles, offices, positions, and degrees of authority.
One church says the pastor is the supreme authority and final decision maker. The pastor also appoints the elders.
Another church is governed by elders and the elders hire or fire the pastor.
Both churches claim to have a government based on the NT. Who is right?
The NT is so imprecise about ministry offices and systems of church government. Some of the most prominent ministers in the NT are identified by name but neither Luke nor Paul tells us what their ministry titles or offices were.
Paul often refers to both men and women by name and tells us they were co-workers in the work of the Gospel, but that does not tell us what ministry title they had, if any.
Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus.
They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. Ro 16:3–4 NIV
Clearly they were both very prominent ministers of the Gospel with a very fruitful ministry to many churches in different places. They are both mentioned 6 times by name. No other couple in the NT is named repeatedly.
Meanwhile, a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures.
He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervour and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John.
He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately. Ac 18:24–26 NIV
What ministry titles or offices did this man and woman hold? Neither Luke, nor Paul nor the Holy Spirit considered it important to tell us.
When Paul wrote his letters to the church in Corinth, he addressed his letters to the believers, not to the pastors, not to the elders.
We have got it all wrong. We focus on titles, offices, church government structures, hierarchies …
Are we biblically correct? Absolutely not. We need organisational structures, but good theology is not just determined by a list of doctrinal statements, but by our priorities and what we emphasise.
In the Jewish religion at the time of Jesus, only the testimony of men had legal standing, but God chose Mary Magdalene to be the first official witness to the resurrection of Jesus.
What ministry rank or title did Mary Magdalene have, if any? God did not consider it important to tell us.
If you are a believer, whether male or female, you are called to do something, not be a somebody.
Don't misunderstand me. You are a somebody because you are a son or daughter of God, but your ministry title must not be the main thing in your life.
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Priesthood of All Believers, also Women.
In the Old Testament, priests were mediators between the Hebrew believers and God. This means they were intercessors. Jews also brought sacrificial animals to the priests, who then offered the animals to God on behalf of the people.
As Christians, we are all called, men and women, to pray for each other. God hears our prayers because of the blood sacrifice of His Son Jesus on the cross.
Priests were also spiritual teachers. They studied the scriptures and taught the people how to please God. Since Christian men and also women are appointed as priests in the New Testament, Christian men and women are appointed to study and teach the Bible.
However, some will object that Paul instructed women to learn quietly and submissively.
This does not mean that women cannot be teachers. It means that women must learn before they are qualified to teach. Of course, men must also not start teaching before they have been trained as disciples.
A woman should learn in quietness and full submission.
I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet. 1 Ti 2:11–12 NIV
Here Paul was addressing a situation in Ephesus, where people, including certain women, were teaching false doctrine. They were new converts who had previously worshipped the pagan Goddess Artemis, a virgin Goddess who was supposedly a source of wisdom and magic power.
There were many unmarried virgin women who served in the temple of Artemis and were respected as spiritual teachers. When they became Christians, apparently some of them continued to dispense spiritual teaching, but their doctrine was mixed with the pagan ideas they had believed before their conversion. Paul wrote to Timothy, telling him to correct this situation.
As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith.
The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk.
They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm. 1 Ti 1:3–7 NIV
What were some of the false teachings that Paul wanted to correct?
Pagans in Ephesus believed that Artemis came down from heaven, and that women were created first. So Paul summarises the Genesis creation story, in which Adam was created before Eve.
For Adam was formed first, then Eve.
And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. 1 Ti 2:13–14 NIV
So does this mean that all women are more easily deceived than men? That is reading a lot into a few words, and the bible repeatedly tells us about both men and women who are deceived.
But didn’t Paul also specifically say that mature women should teach younger women?
Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.
Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, Tt 2:3–4 NIV
If women should teach women, this does not mean that they must only teach women.
Since women, as well as men are called to be priests, then women must also study to equip themselves to teach the Bible.
Paul sent Phoebe to deliver his famous letter to the church in Rome. Part of this assignment was to read the letter to the church and answer questions. This was a priestly teaching ministry.
Paul tells the Roman church that Phoebe is a deacon, not a deaconess. This indicates that Phoebe was a minister of the Gospel. The Greek word DIAKONOS is masculine. In the Gospels, it can refer to household servants, but in Paul’s writings it always refers to a minister of the Gospel.
Friday, March 17, 2023
Complete Gender Equality before God
For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, “Abba! Father!” Ro 8:15 NRSV
If as an adult man or woman you are obliged to always fulfil the expectations of your parents, your spouse or your pastor, you are enslaved, because you are not free to follow the direct guidance of the Holy Spirit.
In the Roman Empire, sons and daughters were by no means equal. The son was the heir of the father. The wife always had to obey her father or husband.
In Romans 8, Paul says all believers are adopted as children and heirs of God. In Roman law, an adopted son became the heir of the adopting father, equal in status with a natural born son.
Only sons were heirs, not daughters
In Romans and Galatians, Paul taught that as Christians we are all have the status of adopted sons and heirs, not only men but also women. It means that she is equal with the brothers in the faith.
This is not only an indication of the value of her soul, but also a clear teaching that she is equal in everything, because in Roman law, sonship was primarily a legal status.
and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ—if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him. Ro 8:17 NRSV
Being an heir does not only mean being loved and valued, but also having the legal standing of an heir, which means complete gender equality in every sense of the word.
But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law,
so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.
Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”
Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God. Ga 4:4–7 NASB95
Doctrines of gender based Christian hierarchy are mainly based on dubiously interpreted proof texts, verses taken out of context.
Sunday, March 27, 2016
Are All God's Instructions for Ever?
In the New Testament, Paul said slave traders would not be accepted in heaven.
5 Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of the LORD of hosts:
6 Days are coming when all that is in your house, and that which your ancestors have stored up until this day, shall be carried to Babylon; nothing shall be left, says the LORD.
7 Some of your own sons who are born to you shall be taken away; they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.”
When God says castrated males may not attend worship, he is giving a temporary injunction to prevent abuse.
When God says: “Slaves obey your masters,” he was not permanently endorsing slavery.
“And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence.”
1 Timothy 2:12 (NKJV)
God’s agenda of restoring men and women it still a work in progress.
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Should Women be Teachers or Lead Churches?
'In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh,
and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. Acts 2:17 (NRSV)
On the other hand, there are many who will not go so far as to allow women to become pastors, elders or to have a teaching office. Why is this?Of course tradition is a big factor but there is also confusion over a very strong instruction by Paul in his first letter to Timothy.
Let a woman learn in silence with full submission. I permit no woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she is to keep silent. 1 Timothy 2:11-12 (NRSV)
Most women were not educated and if they were Gentiles, they had little or no knowledge of Scripture, so they must learn in silence and submission before they could be qualified to participate in the use of spiritual gifts.The key point to note here is that this is the only verse in the New Testament which forbids women from teaching or leading.
When a directive occurs only once in the whole Bible, we must ask why it was considered relevant in that particular situation. Any universal commandment of God is always repeated in different contexts.
Many times in the Bible God gave a command to someone only once but few of us would think that this command would apply to everyone for all time.- Jesus told a rich young ruler to give away all his possessions. Many other people have done this and many have been blessed for it but it is not a universal law.
- When God told a prophet to marry a prostitute, should we think this would apply to others? Of course not.
- When Moses told the Hebrews to give him their gold and jewellery to build the tabernacle, many Christians think this is a universal law against women wearing gold or diamonds. What nonsense!
- God told Moses to strike a rock to get water but no one today hits rocks to get water.
Why did Paul tell Timothy to restrict the teaching activities of at least some women?
Timothy was the Apostolic overseer in the important city of Ephesus. Ephesus was an unusual city dominated by a matriarchal cult centred around the worship a fertility goddess, known in Greek as Artemis and in Latin as Diana.I permit no woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she is to keep silent. 1 Timothy 2:11-12 (NRSV)
The Greek expression translated here is AUTHENTEIN ANDROS.
The English translation is “have authority over a man”.
However, the translation “have authority” is doubtful. The same word is used in many Greek texts to mean “usurp authority”.
The goddess of Ephesus dominated the culture and no doubt encouraged a spirit of domineering matriarchy.
Before his conversion Paul had been a domineering control freak. It is not hard to find texts in Paul’s writings indicating his abhorrence of bossy control and bullying by anyone in the church.
The culture in most of the Roman Empire at that time and in later centuries was the opposite of matriarchal domination. Males were assumed to be superior and were expected to rule over women.
The church fathers in the second and following centuries wrongly interpreted this verse in the light of their own cultural bias and this bias persists in church tradition to this day.