Bible Question (short): Pt.1 Female Overseer |
Question (full): Part 1 Around the 4th of June, a question was posted, "Should a woman teach a man??" Or something like that. So I put my two cents in on that one. I received a reply to that question in the affirmative. I'd like to address it. It started with this question, "Is there a scripture that specifically says that a woman can not be a Pastor??" I would have to say that according to the principles in I Timothy, chp.3, verses 1-7, YES!! Take the opportunity to do a Word Study on the title 'Bishop' in v.2. What you'll discover is that Bishop can also be translated as Elder; Shepherd; Overseer; and even Pastor. The Pastor is the Overseer of the congregation; He's the Shepherd of that particular flock. Now the qualifications for this position is listed within these verses. Now v.1 starts out by saying, "If a MAN desires the position of a Bishop, HE desires a good work." Notice the word MAN, not woman. There are places in the scriptures where the word Man is used as a universal term meaning both men and women. This IS NOT one of those occasions, you can tell by the context. V.2, A Bishop then must be...the husband of one wife. My first question to you is, "How can a woman be the husband of one wife and still remain in God's Perfect Will??" V.4, One who rules HIS house well. According to the culture of that day, it was the MAN who ruled the household; not the woman. Unfortunately, the qualifications of an Overseer do not fit a woman. Also, take a look at I Tim. 2:12, "I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man..." Now this verse has really been taken outta context by many men, but IN context, Paul is referring to a church gathering. This verse can also be used in the affirmative to answer your question. However, my question to you is this, "How can a Female Overseer be an Overseer and not teach nor have authority over her male congregation??" You can't see how these verse tend to come together on this issue?? And how about I Corinthians 14:34-35, "Let your women keep silent in the church, 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 anything, let them ask their husbands at home; for it is a shame for a women to speak in the church." The obvious question would be, "How can a Female Overseer be silent within her own congregation??" Better still, "How can a Female Overseer BE a Female Overseer and still remain obedient to God??" You stated that you wanted to adhere to the correct interpretation of scripture, but in order to do this you must study scripture. Do Word Studies; Get an understanding how the Greeks used certain words; Get an understanding of their culture; and above everything else, PRAY for Understanding. The Holy Spirit isn't going to tell you one thing about scripture, and tell someone else the complete opposite. He doesn't work that way. My next couple of questions involves our Lord and Savior... |