Women

07
Dec
2024

Was the Apostle Paul Anti-Women?

Anti-Women

When it comes to discussions about women in the Bible, the Apostle Paul is a controversial figure in some circles. His letters contain both encouragement for women and passages that, at first glance, seem restrictive. Some readers accuse Paul of being misogynistic, or anti-women. They interpret his letters in ways which make him far more restrictive than he really was. However, a closer look at Paul’s writings, along with the historical and cultural context, paints a more complex picture. Paul was far from anti-women; in fact, his ministry included and elevated women in ways that were radical for his time.

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Posted by Eddie Lawrence in Church Leadership, Women
12
Sep
2022

Does The Bible Allow Women Deacons?

Women Deacons

Can women serve as deacons? Does the Bible have anything to say about women deacons? As a matter of fact, the New Testament does mention a woman who was a deacon:

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. (Rom. 16:1 NIV)

At first glance, one might conclude from this verse that the Bible authorizes women deacons. However, we’d be irresponsible Bible students if we were to jump to that conclusion just from reading this verse.

Most English translations do not use the word deacon in Romans 16:1. Instead, they use servant which is what the word deacon actually means. If English Bibles were consistent in translation, we’d never see the word deacon in the Bible; we’d only see servant. So, was Phoebe a servant in the same sense that all Christians are servants of God? Or, was Phoebe specifically appointed to be a designated servant in the church (like in Acts 6)?

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Posted by Eddie Lawrence in 1 Timothy, Church Leadership, Women
01
Aug
2022

What Does The Bible Say About Women Pastors?

women pastors

Is the practice of appointing women pastors biblical? Paul said, “Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task” (1 Tim. 3:1 NIV). There are many who desire the job, but desiring the task is not the only requirement. Paul gives a list of traits in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9 that those who desire the job must possess.

The Bible authorizes women to do much more in the church than church leaders have allowed them to do. Women have traditionally been prevented from teaching men because of a misunderstanding of 1 Cor 14:34-35 and 1 Tim 2:11-14. However, these passages do not mean what some think they mean. In fact, the Bible does not prohibit women from teaching men. 

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Posted by Eddie Lawrence in 1 Timothy, Church Leadership, Preaching, Women
04
Jul
2022

“Women Are To Keep Silent In The Churches”

Keep Silent

If 1 Timothy 2:11-15 isn’t a prohibition against women teaching or having leadership roles in the church, then surely 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 is a prohibition since it tells women to keep silent, right?

34 the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. 35 If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church. (1 Cor. 14:34–35 ESV)

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Posted by Eddie Lawrence in Women
27
Jun
2022

Does The Bible Really Say A Woman Is Not Permitted To Teach A Man?, Part 2

Not Permitted To Teach

In the previous post we noted six things that are vital to a proper understanding of Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 2:11-14. It would be best if you read part 1 before reading this post. Does the Bible really say a woman is not permitted to teach a man? Let’s put the pieces together and see where they lead.

11 A woman must learn in quietness and full submissiveness. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; she is to remain quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first, and then Eve. 14 And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman who was deceived and fell into transgression. (1 Tim. 2:11-14 BEREAN)

This passage is not about women teaching men, but our English translations certainly make it appear this way. This passage is not about women teaching men in the church. Neither is it about women serving in positions of authority in the church. In fact, the church assembly isn’t found in the context of 1 Timothy at all.

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Posted by Eddie Lawrence in 1 Timothy, Women