What
Does God’s
Word Say About This is a question people often ask, especially since women elders, deacons, preachers, and evangelists have become popular. Women Have an Important Role Women are Permitted to Teach Women and Children, but not Men In the church, women are not permitted to be preachers except in the capacity of teaching women and children. They are not permitted to have authority over a man; therefore, they cannot be in leadership roles when men are present: e.g., leading prayer, reading Scripture, speaking publicly before the congregation (1 Cor. 14:34-35). Women are not Qualified to be Elders or Deacons Although a woman is not qualified to serve as an elder or deacon, she is very important in her husband’s qualification and ability to serve in these capacities (1 Tim. 3:2, 4-5, 12; Tit. 1:6). It is important for a man who serves as an elder or deacon to have a helpful wife (Gen. 2:18-24).
Women were permitted to prophesy outside the church, but only with their heads covered (1 Cor. 11:4). Were Philip's daughters preachers? The word preach means "to bring, or declare, good, or glad, tidings" and "to proclaim," "to be a herald" (Vine's). Philip was an evangelist (Acts 21:8), but his daughters were not evangelists. The words preach, preacher, and evangelist are never used of women in the New Testament. Rather, women are commanded to learn in quietness (1 Tim. 2:11). Was Phoebe a preacher? In some translations she is referred to as a deaconess (RSV). The Greek work for servant is the same for deacon. In the qualifications for the office of deacon, God requires deacons to be married men (1 Tim. 3:8-13). Therefore, women are not qualified to hold the office of deacon in the church. If a woman can’t teach, what can she do to help a man
become a Christian? Fortunately, there are many things a woman can do to help a man become a Christian, without having authority over him or becoming his teacher. Most importantly, she can be a godly woman. Peter tells us that women can influence their husbands to become Christians without saying a word, because of the message of a godly life (1 Pet. 3:1-6); their chaste and respectful behavior is an evangelistic message of godliness that leads others to Christ. Women can also be like Priscilla who traveled with her husband (Aquila), helping him teach the gospel to others. In Ephesus they heard Apollos, a mighty teacher of God’s word who incorrectly taught things concerning Jesus. Priscilla and Aquila took him aside, and explained the way of God more accurately (Acts 18:24-26). Although a woman can’t teach a man in a formal sense, she can share her faith (with or without an open Bible). And if there is interest in formal instruction, she can introduce him to a male Bible teacher who can teach him God’s word. A woman’s godly influence upon unbelieving men is very important in the Lord’s kingdom, and is instrumental in leading men to Christ through God’s word. Her “hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit,” that leads others to the Lord, “is precious in the sight of God” (1 Pet. 3:4). Since space is limited in the bulletin, more answers to questions regarding this subject are posted on my web site (BibleStudyGuide.org).
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