Question and answers on women in ministry
Q- Does scriptures allow Women lead men in the churches
A- why do you say so,which scriptures suggest otherwise ..
Q-1 Corinthians 14:34-35 KJV
[34] Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.
35] And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.
Seem to say so
A- if u consider well ALL such texts on women and men and submission ,they are all marital instructions not concerning leadership in church
Ephesians 5:22 KJV
[22] Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
Colossians 3:18 KJV
[18] Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.
1 Timothy 2:11-15 KJV
[11] Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.
[12] But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
[13] For Adam was first formed, then Eve.
[14] And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.
15] Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.
1 Peter 3:5 KJV
[5] For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
1 Corinthians 11:3 KJV
[3] But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.
Hope this is Clear
Q- what then could the 1 Corinthians 14:35 imply
A- exactly what I stated earlier ,
Let me add,if this is given a blanket application even at Corinth then we would have a place of deep confusion ..
For example
Women would only be allowed to prophesy to women
1 Corinthians 11:5 KJV
[5] But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.
1 Corinthians 14:31 KJV
[31] For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
It would mean women can't participate in believers meetings too
1 Corinthians 14:26 KJV
[26] How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
Doctrine ,means instruction .
It Will be impossible for women to lead praise in church too,since it involves teaching and admonition
Colossians 3:16 KJV
[16] Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Except if it means,women would only sing to women .
Not even leading prayer is possible .
Women can't even undertake the great commission
Matthew 28:19-20 KJV
[19] Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
[20] Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
This is discipleship except if only to women ,it further implies a woman can't evangelize male unbelievers
Q-but why did Jesus not include women amongst his apostles
A- that's not of much importance here ,he had others who accompanied him in ministry who were women ,more so the woman at the well in john preached Christ
John 4:28-30,39 KJV
[28] The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men,
[29] Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? [30] Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.
39] And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.
It's a fact that all his apostles were also all Jewish even though ministry work wasn't restricted to Jews
Q- Paul also included being a husband of one wife as qualification for church leadership ,which automatically disqualifies women
A- Not so,if you checked those qualifications in 1 Timothy3 ( which I assume is implied here )paul would be disqualified on two counts as well
1 Timothy 3:2,4-5 KJV
[2] A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
[4] One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; [5] (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
Also the Pauline epistles have examples of women in leadership .
For example Priscilla
Romans 16:3-5 KJV
[3] Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:
[4] Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.
5] Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.
1 Corinthians 16:19 KJV
[19] The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
Luke records her as a teacher .
Acts 18:26 KJV
[26] And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them , and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
The pronouns and prepositions show her as very active alongside her husband .
Also arguably she functioned like an apostle ( that's for another day )
Also there was Junia
Romans 16:7 KJV
[7] Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.
This has been debated by many but it's more of being disagreeable .
Q-obviously women didn't feature prominently leadership then..
A- it had nothing to do with God but men
In the events surrounding the birth of Christ etc women featured much
Luke 1:41-45 KJV
[41] And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
[42] And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
43] And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
[44] For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
45] And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.
She prophesied .
Luke 2:36-38 KJV
[36] And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
[37] And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
[38] And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
Another woman prophet .
I had cited the woman in john 4 earlier
Luke 8:2-3 KJV
[2] And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, [3] And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.
Some others featured prominently too in no small way
Very vitally is a crucial detail in His redemptive work
John 20:17-18 KJV
[17] Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
[18] Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.
This was the very first witness of His resurrection who disclosed to us the very vital truth of His ascension to the Father
Furthermore peters first sermon could not have precluded women in the things and ministry of the spirit
Acts 2:17-18 KJV
[17] And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of 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:
[18] And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
Q- So won't the earlier instructions to the married women affect a woman in leadership if her husband is in the church
A- No,if the husband is spiritual ,he should know his domestic authority never extends to the church
I suppose many pastors really need to fully teach the New Testament and who we are in Christ ,this is the only cure for our patriarchal psychology
Q- But the 1 timothy3 still leaves a bit of unclear ends
A- not really,though I left it Like that and I usually do till much later but either way it should make us think
Q- Does scriptures allow Women lead men in the churches
A- why do you say so,which scriptures suggest otherwise ..
Q-1 Corinthians 14:34-35 KJV
[34] Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.
35] And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.
Seem to say so
A- if u consider well ALL such texts on women and men and submission ,they are all marital instructions not concerning leadership in church
Ephesians 5:22 KJV
[22] Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
Colossians 3:18 KJV
[18] Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.
1 Timothy 2:11-15 KJV
[11] Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.
[12] But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
[13] For Adam was first formed, then Eve.
[14] And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.
15] Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.
1 Peter 3:5 KJV
[5] For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
1 Corinthians 11:3 KJV
[3] But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.
Hope this is Clear
Q- what then could the 1 Corinthians 14:35 imply
A- exactly what I stated earlier ,
Let me add,if this is given a blanket application even at Corinth then we would have a place of deep confusion ..
For example
Women would only be allowed to prophesy to women
1 Corinthians 11:5 KJV
[5] But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.
1 Corinthians 14:31 KJV
[31] For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
It would mean women can't participate in believers meetings too
1 Corinthians 14:26 KJV
[26] How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
Doctrine ,means instruction .
It Will be impossible for women to lead praise in church too,since it involves teaching and admonition
Colossians 3:16 KJV
[16] Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Except if it means,women would only sing to women .
Not even leading prayer is possible .
Women can't even undertake the great commission
Matthew 28:19-20 KJV
[19] Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
[20] Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
This is discipleship except if only to women ,it further implies a woman can't evangelize male unbelievers
Q-but why did Jesus not include women amongst his apostles
A- that's not of much importance here ,he had others who accompanied him in ministry who were women ,more so the woman at the well in john preached Christ
John 4:28-30,39 KJV
[28] The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men,
[29] Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? [30] Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.
39] And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.
It's a fact that all his apostles were also all Jewish even though ministry work wasn't restricted to Jews
Q- Paul also included being a husband of one wife as qualification for church leadership ,which automatically disqualifies women
A- Not so,if you checked those qualifications in 1 Timothy3 ( which I assume is implied here )paul would be disqualified on two counts as well
1 Timothy 3:2,4-5 KJV
[2] A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
[4] One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; [5] (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
Also the Pauline epistles have examples of women in leadership .
For example Priscilla
Romans 16:3-5 KJV
[3] Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:
[4] Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.
5] Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.
1 Corinthians 16:19 KJV
[19] The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
Luke records her as a teacher .
Acts 18:26 KJV
[26] And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them , and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
The pronouns and prepositions show her as very active alongside her husband .
Also arguably she functioned like an apostle ( that's for another day )
Also there was Junia
Romans 16:7 KJV
[7] Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.
This has been debated by many but it's more of being disagreeable .
Q-obviously women didn't feature prominently leadership then..
A- it had nothing to do with God but men
In the events surrounding the birth of Christ etc women featured much
Luke 1:41-45 KJV
[41] And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
[42] And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
43] And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
[44] For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
45] And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.
She prophesied .
Luke 2:36-38 KJV
[36] And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
[37] And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
[38] And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
Another woman prophet .
I had cited the woman in john 4 earlier
Luke 8:2-3 KJV
[2] And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, [3] And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.
Some others featured prominently too in no small way
Very vitally is a crucial detail in His redemptive work
John 20:17-18 KJV
[17] Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
[18] Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.
This was the very first witness of His resurrection who disclosed to us the very vital truth of His ascension to the Father
Furthermore peters first sermon could not have precluded women in the things and ministry of the spirit
Acts 2:17-18 KJV
[17] And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of 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:
[18] And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
Q- So won't the earlier instructions to the married women affect a woman in leadership if her husband is in the church
A- No,if the husband is spiritual ,he should know his domestic authority never extends to the church
I suppose many pastors really need to fully teach the New Testament and who we are in Christ ,this is the only cure for our patriarchal psychology
Q- But the 1 timothy3 still leaves a bit of unclear ends
A- not really,though I left it Like that and I usually do till much later but either way it should make us think
Pastor Onayinka Olusegun
https://www.facebook.com/onayinka.olusegun
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