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NASB | Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Galatians 3:28 There is [now no distinction in regard to salvation] neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you [who believe] are all one in Christ Jesus [no one can claim a spiritual superiority]. [Rom 3:22; 1 Cor 12:13] |
Subject: Gender distinction in the Kindom of God? |
Bible Note: Dear OldTimer, Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus! I have visited your homepage, and was impressed with the layout. I know that you have put much effort and study into it! Question: "Does 'husband of one wife' disqualify women from being elders, deacons or bishops?" Answer: No. Women cannot be husbands. :-) More seriously, this is not the 'sticking point' for barring women from pastoral ministry. It is indeed 1 Timothy 2:12, which reads, "But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet." (NASB) (I believe you were using 1 Timothy 3:2, "An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife..." (NASB) for your question, right?) Allow me to state my church's policy concerning the role of women in ministry. We believe that the ministries of authority not recognizing women are apostolic and pastoral. This would include elders of the church. Equally spiritual, but not authoritative over men, are the prophetic ministries (encouragement, 1 Corinthians 14:3), evangelical (sharing Good News), the ministry of deaconess (helps), and teaching (i.e. Sunday School, Bible Studies, education of our children.) All these ministries are invaluable to the church, and spiritually effective and fulfilling. By the way, we do not belive that women are to be silent in the church, as in the church building or for a specific time slot! It is a spiritual command linked to 'usurping authority,' IMHO. I have seen that this kind of physical limitation only leads to 'church parking lot' ministries! :-) Peace and joy in Christ Jesus, charis |