Are women allowed to Preach?

[Dino246]

I really don't follow your question, are you trying to say that Priscilla being mentioned before Aquila in a sentence means that she has authority over him? Isn't more sensible to believe the plainly written words "a woman is not to teach or usurp authority over the man" rather than to assume the woman being mentioned first in a sentence makes her the authority? That's cut and dry... it requires no interpretation or guessing.

It's only "cut and dry" (sic) because you still haven't addressed my question, so I'll put it in more direct terms:

You stated that Priscilla was in the wrong for teaching Apollos, because of 1 Tim 2:12. She never repented of this, and Paul never rebuked her specifically and directly for this (at least there is no record of either in Scripture).

Yet Paul repeatedly mentioned her in a positive context, and she is mentioned before her husband several times. If she did such a wrong thing, why is she never rebuked, and mentioned repeatedly and positively?

 

[JosephsDreams]

Why do you feel the need to change what the bible says? I mean do you feel discriminated against because God chose for women not to teach a man, do you feel God made you lesser... I truly don't understand why you and others with the same opinion as yours can't accept the plainly written and easy to understand words of the bible.

It all comes back to the exegesis aspect of the text. You don't want to hear it, but that is a factor. God does make concessions to the culture of man.
God never intended us to meat, see Gen1:29, but he permitted man to eat meat after the fall, because man already was at that point anyway.
God never intended man to marry more then one woman, yet he put David up as king and even blessed him and his ancestors as the lineage of Christ.
There are many, many more examples of this in the bible.

If I were to say that woman should be the only ones to preach and teach, you would think me a lunatic. But I say woman can teach and preach, and in certain circumstances even lead a church for a temporary time, and you say that God said only men. Yet you don't understand the element of the cultural impact, which is crucial here.
God had a donkey talk, but a woman can't?
God used a wicked unsaved and demented Babylonian kings dream to reveal to the whole world future events which are still coming, but a saved virtuous woman can't teach or preach?

Shouldn't the spirit of the thing be more important to you then the letter of it?
It seems to me that is Gods stance on motivation.

 

[melita916]

Now...if women are preaching and wearing pants at the same time ...that is a different story.. in that case.....the earth will definitely open up and swallow them

i'll make sure not to wear pants the next time i preach, or teach my sunday school class, or lead worship.

lol

 

[Grace777x70]

LOL..that is just the spirit of lawlessness.....

i'll make sure not to wear pants the next time i preach, or teach my sunday school class, or lead worship.

lol

 

[melita916]

LOL..that is just the spirit of lawlessness.....

scandalous, i know. lol

 

[Grace777x70]

Thank the Lord for His boundless grace.........so do you think all this "lawlessness" came about when women were looked upon as being humans too...and they were actually allowed to vote?...let's get to the source of this scandalous attitude...

scandalous, i know. lol

 

[KohenMatt]

I haven't read the majority of the posts thus far, but one thing I think gets lost in the discussion is whether the woman is married and if her husband is a godly covering for her and their family. If a husband is a strong covering and leader for his family, then a woman preaching should be acting within that covering. Thus, the woman isn't speaking as her own authority over men, but speaking as a representative of her husband and family.

When a pastor preaches or teaches, he is not speaking on his own authority or power (at least he shouldn't be), but as a representative of God's Kingdom. In a smaller way, I think a woman teaching can fall into that same situation.

In addition, how do we feel about women heading up a specific ministry within the body where men would be under her supervision (i.e. Children's church, housekeeping, hospitality, media)? And should those ministries be seen as less important and influential than preaching and therefore the standard isn't as applicable to the standard of preaching?

This is something I'm currently working through with God.
Thoughts?

 

[JosephsDreams]

I haven't read the majority of the posts thus far, but one thing I think gets lost in the discussion is whether the woman is married and if her husband is a godly covering for her and their family. If a husband is a strong covering and leader for his family, then a woman preaching should be acting within that covering. Thus, the woman isn't speaking as her own authority over men, but speaking as a representative of her husband and family.

When a pastor preaches or teaches, he is not speaking on his own authority or power (at least he shouldn't be), but as a representative of God's Kingdom. In a smaller way, I think a woman teaching can fall into that same situation.

In addition, how do we feel about women heading up a specific ministry within the body where men would be under her supervision (i.e. Children's church, housekeeping, hospitality, media)? And should those ministries be seen as less important and influential than preaching and therefore the standard isn't as applicable to the standard of preaching?

This is something I'm currently working through with God.
Thoughts?

The woman does not need to be married to preach or speak.
A woman can lead a ministry, even a church (for a time). Why would they be seen as less important?

 

[so-jesus-e-deus]

No:

• "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. 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." (1Cor 14.34-35).

 

[Dino246]

No:

• "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. 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." (1Cor 14.34-35).

I don't know to whom you are responding, but it's a really bad idea to take a single passage out of context and assume that it is an adequate foundation for doctrine. As the saying goes, a text without a context becomes a pretext.

Further, there is a lively debate going on in another thread on this topic. Perhaps you'd like to take up this issue there?

 

[Stunnedbygrace]

He already did that, but then the thread was closed, so he resurrected another thread on it to carry it on in here.

 

[wolfwint]

I would like to question your logic here: does it make sense to restrict ALL women from preaching simply because Adam was formed before Eve? By itself, is that a logical reason? If so, what is the connection? Let's have some thoughtful discussion on this, so please don't just slough it off and reply, "That's what the Bible says."

Similarly, though Eve was deceived, how does that influence every other woman? And if ever having been deceived is a disqualification for preaching, then nobody, male or female, qualifies. Again, by itself, is this a logical reason to restrict all other women? (After all, Adam sinned; would that not disqualify every man as well?)

I suspect your first answer will be, 'it must be logical, because that's what God said'. I'll invite you to press into the question a little harder; God won't get offended.

Don't get me wrong; I'm not arguing what the Bible says. Rather, I'm questioning the logic in your interpretation of these verses. I contest that connecting the verses with an implicit 'because' creates two illogical assertions, and so there may another reason why Paul makes these statements after his restriction.

What has it to do with logic? Is our logic the measure ore God's word?
Would you say a miracle is logic? Ore would you deney a miracle, because its not logic?

 

[JaumeJ]

Women should be seen and not heard, right?

Do not hear such people as Miriam, the sister of Moses, Deborah, the prophetsess, the heroism of Esther, the devotion of Ruth,the love of Mary, and so many more........do not hear what they had to say, your ears may fall off.

If anyone, especially the men, think of more to put in this brief list, please do, I would like a refresher......Oh do not forget the holy women of the New Testament and those who were taught of Paul the Gospel of Jesus christ.

 

[joefizz]

No:

• "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. 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." (1Cor 14.34-35).

I go to work find out a zombie thread that was revived is closed and now find another zombie thread revived and the "grave digger" being officially...
"so-Jesus-e-deus" at around 4 hours ago and now I have....
Absolutely nothing to say.

 

[JaumeJ]

One time, right after I received the Holy Spirit into my heat, I heard a woman, and oh no, she was preaching.. What to do?

As I was hearing her I felt the strong presence of the Holy Spirit, so guess waht!?! I actually learned something from a woman.

Isn't that strange? It should not be.

Does anyone believe that the Holy Spirit becomes a woman when indwelling in a female? Think aabout what Jesus teaches, we will all be like the angels when we are in the Kingdom........we will be spirit, perfect in every way our Father finishes us.

If you do not believe or you are not able to, then please at least think.........

 

[wolfwint]

Women should be seen and not heard, right?

Do not hear such people as Miriam, the sister of Moses, Deborah, the prophetsess, the heroism of Esther, the devotion of Ruth,the love of Mary, and so many more........do not hear what they had to say, your ears may fall off.

If anyone, especially the men, think of more to put in this brief list, please do, I would like a refresher......Oh do not forget the holy women of the New Testament and those who were taught of Paul the Gospel of Jesus christ.

What has this to do with peaching and have authority over man in a new Testament christian church?
It is not that woman should be not to hear!
This is nonsense. I a married! It has nothing to do that woman are not equal as man. It is something what God says in his word. Blame Him, if you think it is wrong.

 

[JaumeJ]

Any time anyone gives glory to God, that person is prophesying. See how the word is used in the Word. Preaching would amount to the same....

What has this to do with peaching and have authority over man in a new Testament christian church?
It is not that woman should be not to hear!
This is nonsense. I a married! It has nothing to do that woman are not equal as man. It is something what God says in his word. Blame Him, if you think it is wrong.

 

[Katy-follower]

I've already shared my thoughts in another thread, so don't want to go over this again.

Wanted to share this though, which is worth a read.

Copy/paste.....

The Word of God proclaims, “A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent” (1 Timothy 2:11–12). In the church, God assigns different roles to men and women. This is a result of the way mankind was created and the way in which sin entered the world (1 Timothy 2:13–14). God, through the apostle Paul, restricts women from serving in roles of teaching and/or having spiritual authority over men. This precludes women from serving as pastors over men, which definitely includes preaching to them, teaching them publicly, and exercising spiritual authority over them.

There are many objections to this view of women in pastoral ministry. A common one is that Paul restricts women from teaching because in the first century, women were typically uneducated. However, 1 Timothy 2:11–14 nowhere mentions educational status. If education were a qualification for ministry, then the majority of Jesus’ disciples would not have been qualified. A second common objection is that Paul only restricted the women of Ephesus from teaching men (1 Timothy was written to Timothy, the pastor of the church in Ephesus). Ephesus was known for its temple to Artemis, and women were the authorities in that branch of paganism—therefore, the theory goes, Paul was only reacting against the female-led customs of the Ephesian idolaters, and the church needed to be different. However, the book of 1 Timothy nowhere mentions Artemis, nor does Paul mention the standard practice of Artemis worshipers as a reason for the restrictions in 1 Timothy 2:11–12.

A third objection is that Paul is only referring to husbands and wives, not men and women in general. The Greek words for “woman” and “man” in 1 Timothy 2 could refer to husbands and wives; however, the basic meaning of the words is broader than that. Further, the same Greek words are used in verses 8–10. Are only husbands to lift up holy hands in prayer without anger and disputing (verse 8)? Are only wives to dress modestly, have good deeds, and worship God (verses 9–10)? Of course not. Verses 8–10 clearly refer to all men and women, not just husbands and wives. There is nothing in the context that would indicate a narrowing to husbands and wives in verses 11–14.

Yet another objection to this interpretation of women in pastoral ministry is in relation to women who held positions of leadership in the Bible, specifically Miriam, Deborah, and Huldah in the Old Testament. It is true that these women were chosen by God for special service to Him and that they stand as models of faith, courage, and, yes, leadership. However, the authority of women in the Old Testament is not relevant to the issue of pastors in the church. The New Testament Epistles present a new paradigm for God’s people—the church, the body of Christ—and that paradigm involves an authority structure unique to the church, not for the nation of Israel or any other Old Testament entity.

Similar arguments are made using Priscilla and Phoebe in the New Testament. In Acts 18, Priscilla and Aquila are presented as faithful ministers for Christ. Priscilla’s name is mentioned first, perhaps indicating that she was more prominent in ministry than her husband. Did Priscilla and her husband teach the gospel of Jesus Christ to Apollos? Yes, in their home they “explained to him the way of God more adequately” (Acts 18:26). Does the Bible ever say that Priscilla pastored a church or taught publicly or became the spiritual leader of a congregation of saints? No. As far as we know, Priscilla was not involved in ministry activity in contradiction to 1 Timothy 2:11–14.

In Romans 16:1, Phoebe is called a “deacon” (or “servant”) in the church and is highly commended by Paul. But, as with Priscilla, there is nothing in Scripture to indicate that Phoebe was a pastor or a teacher of men in the church. “Able to teach” is given as a qualification for elders, but not for deacons (1 Timothy 3:1–13; Titus 1:6–9).

The structure of 1 Timothy 2:11–14 makes the reason why women cannot be pastors perfectly clear. Verse 13 begins with “for,” giving the “cause” of Paul’s statement in verses 11–12. Why should women not teach or have authority over men? Because “Adam was created first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived” (verses 13–14). God created Adam first and then created Eve to be a “helper” for Adam. The order of creation has universal application in the family (Ephesians 5:22–33) and in the church.

The fact that Eve was deceived is also given in 1 Timothy 2:14 as a reason for women not serving as pastors or having spiritual authority over men. This does not mean that women are gullible or that they are all more easily deceived than men. If all women are more easily deceived, why would they be allowed to teach children (who are easily deceived) and other women (who are supposedly more easily deceived)? The text simply says that women are not to teach men or have spiritual authority over men because Eve was deceived. God has chosen to give men the primary teaching authority in the church.

Many women excel in gifts of hospitality, mercy, teaching, evangelism, and helping/serving. Much of the ministry of the local church depends on women. Women in the church are not restricted from public praying or prophesying (1 Corinthians 11:5), only from having spiritual teaching authority over men. The Bible nowhere restricts women from exercising the gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12). Women, just as much as men, are called to minister to others, to demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23), and to proclaim the gospel to the lost (Matthew 28:18–20; Acts 1:8; 1 Peter 3:15).

God has ordained that only men are to serve in positions of spiritual teaching authority in the church. This is not because men are necessarily better teachers or because women are inferior or less intelligent (which is not the case). It is simply the way God designed the church to function. Men are to set the example in spiritual leadership—in their lives and through their words. Women are to take a less authoritative role. Women are encouraged to teach other women (Titus 2:3–5). The Bible also does not restrict women from teaching children. The only activity women are restricted from is teaching or having spiritual authority over men. This precludes women from serving as pastors to men. This does not make women less important, by any means, but rather gives them a ministry focus more in agreement with God’s plan and His gifting of them.​

 

[Lucy-Pevensie]

 

[wolfwint]

Any time anyone gives glory to God, that person is prophesying. See how the word is used in the Word. Preaching would amount to the same....

What has this to do with preaching in the Church? The One Sho preaches in the Church has Authority over the Listener and he teaches the Word of God.
And if you Read Matth. 7, 21-23 then you Can find that not everybody who does cast put Demons, ore is doing Miracles ore is Prophecy pleases our Lord.
And if you See the OT, Why you think it was not allowed for Woman to do service in the Temple? Any Logic reason for that?
Why it should then different in the Church?