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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] |
Bible Question: Why do most male Ministers and Pastors pass over this scripture whenever you mention that God has called a woman into the ministry? |
Bible Answer: I'm not sure in what sense "most male" Ministers and Pastors "pass over" this Scripture, so it's hard to answer your quesion. I believe I'm in agreement with you in that I believe God can and does call women into pastoral ministry, but I'm confident that many of those who believe otherwise do so because of other fairly direct statements in Scripture. Your question seems more a generalized judgment (simply worded as a question) than a request for genuine dialogue. Either side has to deal with the passages that appear to have a surface reading that is contrary to their understanding of the Scriptures in general. However, in dialogue, either side (of most debatable issues, particularly those with passionate adherence) also tends to focus attention on the passages upon which they have based their views, NOT on the passages that are difficult to reconcile completely to their current understanding without deeper interpretation based on other passages. The passage you mentioned, as well as the passages dealing with Deborah in the book of Judges (and other passages indicating women prophesying, teaching and correcting the teaching of public leaders) require much deeper explanation from those who advocate that God does not allow for women in pastoral (or other) leadership; this does not indicate they seek to reject or ignore those Scriptures. As another example, I noticed you didn't mention 1 Timothy 2:10-17 or 1 Corinthians 14:34-36. That doesn't mean that you tried to skirt them, but that the point you were making is based upon Galatians 3:28, whereas the 1 Tim and 1 Cor passages would require more careful (and potentially controversial) explanations that might be challenged or argued against more confidently by those who would dissent. It's one thing to RESPOND to a question about passages that seem to draw certain doctrines into question; it's another to deliberately throw out weaponry to those who you believe may be looking for excuses to undermine your position before seriously considering it. It takes time to develop the trust that leads to honest dialogue. This is particularly difficult in email, where a reaction can be posted and reacted to (and the cycle repeated several times) before either party has a chance to detach and consider the meat of what is being said. |