Bible Question: Again ,are women allowed ,Biblically to be pastors?If so ,then who is Paul adressing in Corinthians and Timothy? |
Bible Answer: Some interpret this passage to mean that women should never teach in the assembled church. However, other commentators say that Paul's words "I suffer not" ("I never let") can be more literally translaged "I am not allowing" Paul did not forbid women from ever teaching men. Paul's commended co-worker, Priscilla, taught Apollos, the great preacher (Acts 18:24-26. In adddition Paul frequently mentioned other women who held positions of responsibility in the church. Phebe worked in the church (Romans 16:1) Mary, Tryphena, and Tryphosa were the Lord's workers (Romans 16:6, 12), as were Euodias and Syntyche (Philippians 4:2). Paul was here prohibiting the Ephesian women, but not all women from teaching. As to women being silent in church meetings, the word "silence" here is often translated "be in quietness", expressing an attitude of composure. (A different Greek word is usually used to mean"complete silence.") In addition, Paul himself acknowledges that womaen publicly prayed and prophesied(1 Corinthians 11:5). Apparently, however, the women in the Ephesian church were abusing their newly acquired Christian Freedom. Because these women were new converts and uneducated, they did not yet have the necessary experience, knowledge, or maturity to teach those who already had extensive biblical education. Taken from Life Application Bible |