I have only recently converted, and I’m unsure on what my role as a woman is. I really want to be a good Christian, and as I am now 18, I think I want to take a more active part in my faith. As a woman, am I allowed to teach and spread the faith? It appears that in 1 Timothy 2:12 this is condemned - “I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet”. If I am not permitted to teach, what should I do to ensure I am an obedient believer of God? Is marriage and having a family the best option? Any replies would be greatly appreciated- I’m new to this
Yes. Spreading the faith is part of the Great Commission. Christian men and women are instructed to "Go out to the highways and hedges and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full." Luke 14:23
Is marriage and having a family the best option?
I would suggest that you pray about marriage and family. Ask God what he wants you to do personally.
As far as the role of women goes, I want to draw your attention to some examples of how God affirmed women, blessed women, used women for his glory and to edify the church.
- God blessed the midwives and gave them children of their own because they feared God and refused to obey the king's evil command to kill the newborn Hebrew boys. They were pro-lifers. Exodus 1:15-20
- Jochebed hid Moses for three months when he was born. She refused to drown her son in the river like the king ordered. Jochebed and her husband are listed in the Hebrew hall of faith. Exodus 2:1-10, Hebrews 11:23
- Zipporah saved her husband's life when the Lord was about to kill him. Exodus 4:24
- Rahab was a prostitute. She hid the Israeli spies and refused to hand them over to her government's officials. She made a bargain with the Israeli spies that would preserve her life and the lives of her family members. She gave the Israeli spies instructions about where and how to escape. She is part of Jesus' family tree. Her name is listed in the Hebrew hall of faith. Joshua 2:1, 3, 6:17-25, Matthew.1:5, Hebrews 11:31 James 2:25
- God used a woman to save the Jews from annihilation. God could have just used men, but God allowed a woman to play a very important role in the protection of the jewish nation. To this day, Jews still gather to commemorate Purim, which celebrates the bravery of Esther.
- In the Bible, prophets were spokesmen for God. They spoke in God’s name and by God’s authority. God gave some women the authority to speak in his name: Huldah was a prophet. King Josiah sought her help via royal messengers because he wanted her to tell him what God had to say about the discovery of a very important book. 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 34:22
- Deborah is unique. She was a judge and prophet in Israel. She worked in a position (judge) that had been held by men. The Israelis came to her court, so she could decide their disputes. God used Deborah as a prophet and judge. Judges chapters 4&5
- The Wise Woman of Abel was a skilled negotiator. She took initiative and negotiated a deal with the commander-in-chief of the Israeli army that saved her city from destruction. She was a woman of influence. The people in her community followed her advice concerning the negotiation. 2 Samuel 20:16-22
- The Queen of Sheba traveled from a distant land to hear the wisdom of Solomon. The pursuit of wisdom was very important to her. Jesus publicly acknowledged the Queen of Sheba's pursuit and appreciation for wisdom. During her lifetime, she sought the wisest person she knew - Solomon. However, when Jesus came to earth, he was greater than Solomon, but many of the people who encountered him failed to appreciate Christ as the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1 Kings 10:1-13, 2 Chronicles 9:1-12, Matthew 12:42
- Jehosheba stole Joash away from the rest of the king's children, who were about to be killed. She hid him from the murderous Athaliah for 6 years. Jehosheba risked her life in order to help preserve “The Seed Royal,” for had Joash also perished the line of Judah would have been extinct. 2 Kings 11:2, 2 Chronicles 22:11
- Sheerah built the cities of Lower and Upper Beth Horon as well as Uzzen Sheerah. 1 Chronicles 7:24
- God blessed the barren Hannah with a son. Her son, Samuel, grew up to be a great prophet of God. 1 Samuel 1; 2:1, 21
- Mary the Mother of Jesus - Matthew 1; 2; 12:46; Luke 1; 2John 2:1-11; 19:25; Acts 1:14
- Jesus commended the Canaanite mother for her great faith, and healed her demon-possessed daughter. Matthew 15:21-28.
- Women also traveled with Jesus and the 12 disciples as they toured the cities and villages of Galilee. Some of those women provided financial support for Jesus and his disciples. Luke 8:1-3
- Anna was a prophet. She had been a widow for many years. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. She was one of the 1st witnesses for Christ. Luke 2:36-38
- Lydia is the first person in the Bible to have been saved in Europe. The 1st convert on Biblical record saved in Europe was a woman. That’s powerful. God could have reserved that record for a man, but he didn’t. Lydia also helped Paul and Silas plant the 1st church in Europe. Acts 16;12-15, 40 Phil 1:1-10
- Dorcas was brought back to life after being dead, so she could continue doing good works. Acts 9:36
- The apostle Paul trusted Phoebe and commended her for helping many people. She was a deacon in the church of Cenchrea. Romans 16:1-2
- Priscilla was a tent maker. She co-labored with her husband. She and her husband took Bible teacher Apollos aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. She and her husband allowed others to meet in their home for church service. Acts 18:2,18, 26 Romans 16:3, 1 Corinthians 16:19
- Rufus' mother had been a mother to the Apostle Paul, too. She wasn't his biological mother, but she evidently showed him motherly kindness. Romans 16:13
- Timothy's grandma Lois and mom Eunice were Christians, and they (the women) trained Timothy to have faith in God. Acts 16:1, 2 Timothy 1:5
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