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NASB | 1 Timothy 2:12 But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Timothy 2:12 I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet [in the congregation]. |
Bible Question:
Rom 16:1 "I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea;" This was the only passage I could find concerning Phoebe. I don't see a mention of her being a deacon in this passage. It mentions in Romans 16:2 that she was "a helper to many". This I believe is a biblical role for a woman. I think the issue is in the authority of a woman. By today's definition a deacon may not necessarily have authority. It seams that was not the case in the early church however as the verses point out in the qualifications listed, it seems that being male is a requirment. What I'm concerned and alarmed with is the trend of 'reading into' scripture' what we want to see. (having our ears tickled) rather than in humility submiting to God's perogative in the roles of men and women. If culture dictates our belief. what kind of faith is that? Faulty. God's word is the basis for our faith, everything else is subjective to fad and popular whim. I did find some other passages that put limits on who could be a deacon, though. Phil 1:1 Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons:" 1 Tim 3:8 "Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain," 1 Tim 3:10 "These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach." 1 Tim 3:12 "Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households" 1 Tim 3:13"For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus." I am concerned that we use scripture, not popular opinion, to defend our faith. Do you have any scripture to defend a woman having authority over a man? |
Bible Answer: You asked: "Do you have any scripture to defend a woman having authority over a man?", but in the context you were talking specifically about women in the office of deacon. You then quoted four verses from 1Tim. ch.3 (8, 10, 12, and 13). But you neglected to quote v.11. 1 Tim 3:11 Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. This verse is surrounded on both sides by Paul's discussion of the character qualifications for the office of deacon. You are correct in pointing out that Paul uses the maculine repeatedly in this discussion, which would be quite normal for him to do even when speaking of both genders. The maculine was used to include both men and women. The thing that I find most interesting here (and which you left out!) is that Paul very specifically included women in his discussion of deacons. (By the way, Paul did not, to the best of my knowledge, do this in any of his discussions of elders!) |