READING TIME: 2-4 MINUTES
March 19, 2020
The Role of Women in the Church, Part 2
Some might ask, “What about Deborah in the OT”? Deborah was in authority, but that was in the OT. Just because Deborah was in authority, doesn’t mean that it’s OK (biblically) for women to be an elder/overseer/pastor in a church.
Paul’s command in 1 Tim 2:11-12 is not inconsistent with other places in the NT. While women in the NT served faithfully, it never says anywhere in the NT that they functioned as elders. Therefore, Paul’s words here in 1 Tim 2 does not contradict what we see in other passages.
Regarding Romans 16:1 and Phoebe, it’s unclear in the Greek whether she was a “deaconess” or a “servant.” Some would argue that since Phoebe is associated with a particular church, Cenchrea, she would, therefore, be a deacon of that church. I don’t think this is a very solid argument. Epaphras is associated with the church in Colossians and is called a διάκονος in Col 1:7, but no contemporary translation considers him a deacon. Timothy is related to the church in Ephesus, but it’s clear he wasn’t a deacon. The NET Bible notes make a good point, “in addition, the lexical evidence leans away from this view: Within the NT, the διακον- word group rarely functions with a technical nuance” (NET Bible footnote #1 for Romans 16:1). I would lean in the direction that Phoebe wasn’t a “deaconess,” but certainly wouldn’t be at all dogmatic about it since the evidence is inconclusive.
In the early church, women servants cared for sick believers, the poor, strangers, and those in prison and they instructed women and children (Titus 2:3-5). Phoebe may not have had the official designation of “deacon” but Paul thought enough of her to entrust her with the tremendous responsibility of delivering the epistle to the Romans to the church in Rome (Romans 16:1-2). He saw her not as inferior or less capable, but as a trusted and valued member of the body of Christ. I have no problem with women deacons. Even if Phoebe was a deaconess, this doesn’t mean that Paul is allowing women to be elders (there’s a major difference between the two).
Also, in Rom 16:1-2 Paul commends Phoebe because as mentioned above she was more than likely the one who carried Paul’s letter to the Romans. Paul never told the congregation to do as Phoebe commands them. Many people who support having female elders read into the text and draw false conclusions from this improper understanding. Paul simply instructs them to welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and provide her with whatever help she may need from them, for she had been a great help to many, including Paul.
Also, many people draw incorrect assumptions about what Acts 18:19 teaches. This verse simply says when they reached Ephesus, Paul left Priscilla and Aquila behind there, but he went into the synagogue and addressed the Jews. From Acts 18:26, we learn that they remained in Ephesus and undoubtedly continued the Christian witness in the city after Paul’s departure. We know from 1 Cor 16:9 the Corinthian church met in their home. We don’t see in the NT that Priscilla instructed other males apart from Apollos. To respond to those who believe in female elders, just because the congregation met in their home doesn’t mean Priscilla was functioning as an elder. What probably happened is when Paul started ministering in Ephesus (he met them in 18:2), he immediately preached in the synagogue. This wonderful married couple met Paul (and even risked their lives for him – Rom 16:3-4), settled in Ephesus, secured a home, started a business, and began ministering the gospel of Jesus Christ to the people in the synagogue. They had a solid and fruitful ministry in the intervening months until Paul returns. As I mentioned above, they began hosting a church in their home and as a team, they ministered to the congregation.
We know from Acts 18:24-26 that Priscilla and her husband took Apollos aside and explained spiritual things to him (Acts 18:24-26). Both Aquila and Priscilla possessed an in-depth understanding of doctrine learned from Paul, and this husband and wife team was able to pass it on to another Christian and build him up in the faith and complete Apollos’s deficiency in knowledge. What this wonderful couple did here doesn’t contradict Paul’s command in 1 Tim 2:11-12. Together they invited him home, and together they taught him the Word of God.
Sources Used
Arnold, Clinton E, general editor. Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary. Volume 3: 458.
Constable, Dr. Thomas L. “Notes on 1 Timothy.” < https://www.planobiblechapel.org/tcon/notes/html/nt/1timothy/1timothy.htm>.
ESV Study Bible.
Got Questions. “Can Women Serve as Deacons in the Church?” < http://www.gotquestions.org/women-deacons.html#ixzz3Q2tmSRjx>.
________. “Who Were Priscilla and Aquila?”
Köstenberger, Andreas J.; Schreiner, Thomas R. Women in the Church (Third Edition): An Interpretation and Application of 1 Timothy 2:9-15. Crossway; 59-60, 88-89.
NET Bible Notes.
Wiersbe, Warren W. Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the New Testament.