Bible Question:
Do you have some scriptural or other support that specifies your reason for Paul's statement? In that scripture, Paul actually says: "The women are to keep silent in the churches (plural); for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says." Also, aren't there significant differences between judging, being a Queen (one with practically no ruling power), and sponsoring missionaries (please specify); versus teaching the Christian congregation during meetings? Wouldn't even women writing books about their faith and reaching out to ones who are not believers be different than acting as teachers WITHIN the Christian congregation? Paul might seem to think so as he also recommends female ministers (as opposed to pastors) such as Phoebe at Romans 16:1. |
Bible Answer: Greetings MAC702, There are a number of specific "hot topic" verses when discussing women in ministry, including 1 Cor. 14:34 (keep silent), 1 Peter 3:7 (weaker), and, in my opinion, 1 Cor. 12:11 (Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts to each one individually as He wills). As for 1 Cor. 14:34, if you believe that this verse exposits a biblical prohibition against women in ministry, then the most stolid line of thinking for this interpretation is rooted in the biblical definition of family, marriage and the order of creation after Adam and Eve. On the other hand, if you believe that this verse would best be interpreted in a 1st century cultural sense that is not applicable universally and for all time, then your line of thinking almost certainly would stem from Galatians 3:28 and possibly 1 Cor. 12:11. As for 1 Peter 3:7, the "weaker" element spoken of in relation to women would almost certainly be speaking of 'weaker physically' since such verses as Gal. 3:28 indicate that women are definitely equal in a spiritual capacity to men. So, that leaves us with 1 Cor. 12:11 and how the Holy Spirit apportions spiritual gifts to each and every believer. If preaching/teaching is a spiritual gift (Ephesians 4:11), then does the Holy Spirit check gender before He "apportions to each one individually as he wills"? I would not presume that the Holy Spirit would necessarily limit the gift of preaching/teaching to men alone. Blessings to you, Makarios |