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Originally Posted by waitingtables  I disagree. What you're saying rings true of the Old Testament God. But not for Jesus. He and his followers did not segregate women in their "church". Women led getherings in their homes and it is quite possible that it was Mary Magdalene who was the "beloved" apostle because she was the one who understood the teachings of Jesus the best. Let me make it clear, that the example that Jesus shows is in contradiction to all norms of his times and those times before him. It doesn't take much to see it, only an open mind. |
I suppose that is why "GOD" restricted the role of priests to males from the tribe of Levi in the OLD LAW? Women cannot teach men---1 Tim 2:11-12. They can "help" in the instruction of men (Acts 18:26), but this verse is clear they can not be "the teacher", or the one presenting the message. Women are to teach other women--Titus 2:3-5. It is true that the early church did have "prophetesses" (Acts 2:17), it does not conclude "who" they taught, by looking at other passages, we must conclude that they taught other women, if not there would be contradictory passages---all written by the same spirit? As Philip's daughter spoke God's word (Acts 21:9), it does not say that she taught any man. Thus, those looking for an excuse for allowing women preachers must "conclude" by words "omitted" from the scriptures and must also make other clear passages of scripture written by the same Holy Spirit of God (2 Tim 3:16) contradict each other...I think not. Thus the only way for any Lady to lead any formal church service is to make part of God's word a lie. And if one part of it is no good, why should we believe any of it?
There is no record of "ANY WOMEN" teaching or preaching God's word to men in the New Testament. We have women helping in the church. Dorcas aided the poor by making coats for them---Acts 9:36-39. Phoebe--Romans 16:1-2, is called a "servant" of the church, but this does not state that she taught men or preached in formal church gatherings were men were present. The saints were told to "assist" her, but this does prove that held authority over any man. The same Greek word which is translated (assist), again is translated in 2 Tim 4:17 indicating that "Jesus Christ" was "assisting" Paul, does this conclude that Paul held authority over Jesus or that Paul taught Him anything?
Euodia and Syntycha---Phil 4:2-3, these women had struggled in the cause of the Gospel and are called Paul's fellow workers. Again, nothing indicates teaching or preaching. Being a fellow worker does not imply authority. If so, why do we not have the same authority as God, as we are called fellow workers of God? ---1 Cor 3:9
In the offices of the church both elders and deacons are described as duties for the male--- 1 Tim 3:2, 8. Women in the role of leadership in the formal church would violate God's order that He as set for the world--- 1 Cor 11:3-4, "But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoreth his head."
Sometimes people do go overboard and claim that Women are to remain entirely silent in the church--( 1 Cor 14:35-36). This was not the intent, as clearly demonstrated by the command for the whole church to sing together---Eph 5:19, Col 3:16. There is biblical precedent as the women sang in the choirs in the Old Testament, even though they were not allowed to lead worship--Ezra 2:65. Society indeed has tried to change the "bounds" that God has set, but we must stand with the truth or fall with the lie. Ralph