Pastor Dustin Farmer’s 
First response to the question
Of women in Ministry

January 23, 2012

The trouble:

1 Timothy 2:11-12 (NLT) 

11 Women should learn quietly and submissively.

12 I do not let women teach men or have authority over them. Let them listen quietly.

The context:

The inability of women to gain education in many societies combined with the new freedoms and respect found in Jesus Christ came to a point of conflict.

Their desire to know God combined with their lack of ability to access knowledge about him dew to their lack of education lead to unruly church services being interrupted by women asking questions that broke the speakers train of thought.

This is particularly a problem for Timothy a young man thrust into leadership in a church with strong minded women.

Thus Paul gives instruction to Timothy that

“women should learn quietly and submissively. I do not let women teach men or have authority over them. Let them listen quietly.”

These women were uneducated socially, and spiritually.

Thus Paul’s proclamation.

Questions: 

1. Is it Paul’s statement that women should never preach in church?

2. Is this proclamation Paul’s final word for all churches or was it specific to a particular church or set of churches?

3. Is it proper exegesis of the passages to apply Paul’s statement universally?

4. If it is assumed that Paul’s statement is universally applicable to all churches for all time, as many purport, is there further Biblical evidence to corroborate this assumption?

5. If it assumed that this is not a universally applicable statement from Paul, is there further Biblical scripture for corroboration?

I believe that these questions need to be properly answered in order to accurately understand Paul’s originally intended meaning to his originally intended audience.

So let’s deal with it systematically.

Question 1

Is it Paul’s statement that women should never preach in church?

Also is Paul saying that women should never be in leadership?

The literal answer is No!

In Both The 1Timothy 2 and the 1 Corinthians 14:26:40 passages the clear words from Paul must be taken with the entirety of the local context.

In 1 Timothy 2 Paul says

1 Timothy 2:11-12 (NLT)

11 Women should learn quietly and submissively.

12 I do not let women teach men or have authority over them. Let them listen quietly.

This is a statement of personal practice not a mandate of Church law. The passiveness of the statement, at least, leaves room for Paul protégé Timothy to accept the example of His mentor but also allows for Timothy to make his own decision.

This is not an absolute mandate in this passage though it is often wrongly applied as such.

In 1 Corinthians 14:26-40 Paul lays out the proper conduct within the church service setting.

Paul begins his statements in vs. 26 with

Well, my brothers and sisters, (addressing both sexes equally)

let’s summarize. When you meet together, one (non gender specific) will sing, another (non gender specific) will teach, another (non gender specific) will tell some special revelation God has given, one (non gender specific) will speak in tongues, and another(non gender specific) will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must strengthen all of you. (Addressing both men and women again)

Then in 34,35 Paul gives his strongest statement.

Women should be silent during the church meetings. It is not proper for them to speak. They should be submissive, just as the law says. If they have any questions, they should ask their husbands at home, for it is improper for women to speak in church meetings.

Questions from this passage:

  • What is the duration of the church meeting? Is their not speaking applicable to any time Christians gather? Is there a specific time during the gathering of believers that it was acceptable. Their church service was not the same as ours now. We must not project our assumptions of time and practice backward on to theirs.
  • Is “It is not proper for them to speak” a function of position due to their sex or their educational relegation due to their sex?
    • The answer is found in the following sentence.

“If they have any questions, thy should ask their husbands at home”

  • It is clear from the passage that the problem was one of lack of understanding specific to the topics being discussed. Once again education was limited to the males but now, in the early church the females were allowed to be part of the educational process but were having to play catch up.
  • Rightfully so the instruction from Paul, again for the purpose of orderly worship, was that the teaching necessary to bring the women up to speed needed to happen at home without disrupting the current teaching.
  • In other, more culturally diverse cities where the education level of the women was greater, we find no such instruction from Paul.

Paul closes this passage in 39 and 40 with this admonition…

So, my dear brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and don’t forbid speaking in tongues.

40 But be sure that everything is done properly and in order.

So is Paul contradicting himself or has he been often misinterpreted.

If we accept that Paul staunchly commands that women not speak in church then he must contradict himself in vs. 39 when he instructs both “Brothers and Sisters” to be eager to prophesy.

If however we accept that Paul’s instruction was specific to those who might interrupt the service with questions and not applicable to those women who either had the gift of prophecy or of teaching or of tongues, then Paul’s statements are not contradictory but sound in their logic and practice.

Question2.

Is this proclamation Paul’s final word for all churches or was it specific to a particular church or set of churches?

For the answer to this question we must consider the full body of Paul’s words recorded by Luke in order to understand patterns that present themselves and lend us understanding to Paul’s way of thinking and communication.

In Acts ch. 17:2 we see that Paul had a general practice upon entering any city.

“As was Paul’s custom, he went to the synagogue service, and for three Sabbaths in a row he used the Scriptures to reason with the people.”

  • This was clearly to Jews that he went first
  • Then in 18:6 Paul says – Acts 18:6 (NLT)
  • 6 But when they opposed and insulted him, Paul shook the dust from his clothes and said, “Your blood is upon your own heads—I am innocent. From now on I will go preach to the Gentiles.”
  • If we take this to mean his statement was once for all then again we run into trouble because just 13 verses later in vs. 19 is says….. Acts 18:18-19 (NLT)
  • 18 Paul stayed in Corinth for some time after that, then said good-bye to the brothers and sisters and went to nearby Cenchrea. There he shaved his head according to Jewish custom, marking the end of a vow. Then he set sail for Syria, taking Priscilla and Aquila with him.
  • 19 They stopped first at the port of Ephesus, where Paul left the others behind. While he was there, he went to the synagogue to reason with the Jews.
  • I point this out to indicate that on many occasions a very strong statement made by Paul in one town was specifically applicable in that town or synagogue only because in the next town he goes back to an earlier practice.

3. Is it proper exegesis of the passages to apply Paul’s statement universally?

  • I believe I have already given evidence in the answer to question to regarding the ability to universally apply specific statements made by Paul for specific places or churches that even Paul himself did not apply universally. However this does not mean that Paul did not make universally applicable statements. These universal statements, however, are bound primarily to the truth of Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Many of the church polity discussions are specific to individual bodies of believers for example the 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 when Paul speaks to the abuse of the fellowship meal leading up to the Lords supper.
  • Some have interpreted this to mean that Paul commanded them not to eat in the church. This has then applied universally and caused much strife and division in modern churches because of the misinterpretation and misapplication of the text.
  • Paul did not condemn believers for eating together in the church. He condemned them for the division that had crept into a time that was intended to bring unity which was to lead to the celebration of the Lord’s Supper.
  • Errant Universal application of scripture that was never originally intended for a broader audience that the initial recipients has lead to much division and legalism in the church today. If Paul were here today I beleive he would give condemnation for it.

4. If it is assumed that Paul’s statement is universally applicable to all churches for all time, as many purport, is there further Biblical evidence to corroborate this assumption?

1 Corinthians 11:3-6 (NLT)

3 But there is one thing I want you to know: The head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.

4 A man dishonors his head if he covers his head while praying or prophesying.

5 But a woman dishonors her head if she prays or prophesies without a covering on her head, for this is the same as shaving her head.

6 Yes, if she refuses to wear a head covering, she should cut off all her hair! But since it is shameful for a woman to have her hair cut or her head shaved, she should wear a covering.

  • This is an interesting passage speaking of the covering that each in tern is provided by the one in authority over him or her. I do personally believe that everyone should be “under” authority. I find it to be Biblically sound and functionally practical. When there is the covering of authority there is accountability but also freedom to work within the defined boundaries of that which is proper.
  • I am under the authority of my Board, the District Board of Administration of the Pacific Southwest District of the Wesleyan Church, The Wesleyan Church at large and Ultimately under the Authority of Jesus Christ who saved me, called me and sanctified me for His own Glory.
  • Authority is huge in scripture as well as within the church today
    • Romans 13:1-2 (NLT)
    • 1 Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.
    • 2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished.
    • Hebrews 13:17 (NIV)
    • 17 Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.
  • The multitude of passages on authority speak regularly about submitting there to.
  • WE ARE ALL UNDER AUTHORITY, NOT JUST WOMEN

5. If it assumed that this is not a universally applicable statement from Paul, is there further Biblical scripture for corroboration?

2 Kings 22:13-20 (NLT)

13 “Go to the Temple and speak to the LORD for me and for the people and for all Judah. Inquire about the words written in this scroll that has been found. For the LORD’s great anger is burning against us because our ancestors have not obeyed the words in this scroll. We have not been doing everything it says we must do.”

14 So Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Acbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah went to the New Quarter of Jerusalem to consult with the prophet Huldah. She was the wife of Shallum son of Tikvah, son of Harhas, the keeper of the Temple wardrobe.

15 She said to them, “The LORD, the God of Israel, has spoken! Go back and tell the man who sent you,

16 ‘This is what the LORD says: I am going to bring disaster on this city and its people. All the words written in the scroll that the king of Judah has read will come true.

17 For my people have abandoned me and offered sacrifices to pagan gods, and I am very angry with them for everything they have done. My anger will burn against this place, and it will not be quenched.’

18 “But go to the king of Judah who sent you to seek the LORD and tell him: ‘This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says concerning the message you have just heard:

19 You were sorry and humbled yourself before the LORD when you heard what I said against this city and its people—that this land would be cursed and become desolate. You tore your clothing in despair and wept before me in repentance. And I have indeed heard you, says the LORD.

20 So I will not send the promised disaster until after you have died and been buried in peace. You will not see the disaster I am going to bring on this city.’” So they took her message back to the king.

  • It was accepted in the Old Testament that the gift of prophecy was often found in women and thus a precedent can be found for the authoritative word of God being delivered through a female vessel. This authority was here accepted by the King of Judah, Josiah, one of the few righteous Kings to ever lead God’s people. He is credited as leading like his ancestor David. Josiah as well as Hilkiah the Priest accept the authoritative words of Huldah the prophetess.

Luke 11:27-28 (NLT)

27 As he was speaking, a woman in the crowd called out, “God bless your mother—the womb from which you came, and the breasts that nursed you!”

28 Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.”

  • Jesus is here interrupted by a woman and instead of rebuking her and commanding the woman to not speak in a gathering of believers he affirms and adds to her statement.

John 4:28-30 (NLT)

28 The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone,

29 “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?”

30 So the people came streaming from the village to see him.

  • Here, possibly the earliest recipient of Christ declaration of his identity as the messiah, is a woman of ill repute. She leaves the presence of Jesus and goes and shares her testimony with an entire town leading to the belief and subsequent salvation of many.
  • But Jesus honors her with his self declaration as the Messiah. Again Christ hold women in high regard and allows her to speak of who he is.

Acts 18:24-26 (NLT)

24 Meanwhile, a Jew named Apollos, an eloquent speaker who knew the Scriptures well, had arrived in Ephesus from Alexandria in Egypt.

25 He had been taught the way of the Lord, and he taught others about Jesus with an enthusiastic spirit and with accuracy. However, he knew only about John’s baptism.

26 When Priscilla and Aquila heard him preaching boldly in the synagogue, they took him aside and explained the way of God even more accurately.

  • Paul himself commends Priscilla and her husband Aquila for their teaching and correction to Apollos a gifted preacher. Here we clearly see Paul not only accepting Priscilla as teaching and correcting a man but a man of great reputation in his knowledge of the scripture and a man who, in part because of her teaching, went on to become a powerful evangelist. This again points to a non universal application of Paul’s instructions in other passages concerning women in ministerial roles.

Acts 21:7-9 (NLT)

7 The next stop after leaving Tyre was Ptolemais, where we greeted the brothers and sisters and stayed for one day.

8 The next day we went on to Caesarea and stayed at the home of Philip the Evangelist, one of the seven men who had been chosen to distribute food.

9 He had four unmarried daughters who had the gift of prophecy.

  • We see Paul again giving his blessing and affirmation of the gift of prophecy in females who must speak in church for their gift to be used to edify the body of believers. Paul gives specific instruction that we are to use our gifts in accordance with the Holy Spirit who gave them.
  • This means that not only do they have this gift but that it came from God himself and thus it must be acceptable to God for women to speak in church and minister their gifts to the body. It also comes with the warning that if the gifts are not used then the whole body suffers.
  • If women are gifted by God but the church, through misuse or misinterpretation of the scripture, refuses to allow them to exercise their gifts then the church will not be as strong or effective as God has designed it to be.

1 Corinthians 11:5 (NLT)

5 But a woman dishonors her head if she prays or prophesies without a covering on her head, for this is the same as shaving her head.

  • Again we see Paul’s statement assuming that a woman will pray in the gathering of believers as well as prophesy, but it must be done in a proper fashion. He does not say it must not be done.

1 Corinthians 14:26-40 (NLT)

26 Well, my brothers and sisters, let’s summarize. When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in tongues, and another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must strengthen all of you.

27 No more than two or three should speak in tongues. They must speak one at a time, and someone must interpret what they say.

28 But if no one is present who can interpret, they must be silent in your church meeting and speak in tongues to God privately.

29 Let two or three people prophesy, and let the others evaluate what is said.

30 But if someone is prophesying and another person receives a revelation from the Lord, the one who is speaking must stop.

31 In this way, all who prophesy will have a turn to speak, one after the other, so that everyone will learn and be encouraged.

32 Remember that people who prophesy are in control of their spirit and can take turns.

33 For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the meetings of God’s holy people.

34 Women should be silent during the church meetings. It is not proper for them to speak. They should be submissive, just as the law says.

35 If they have any questions, they should ask their husbands at home, for it is improper for women to speak in church meetings.

36 Or do you think God’s word originated with you Corinthians? Are you the only ones to whom it was given?

37 If you claim to be a prophet or think you are spiritual, you should recognize that what I am saying is a command from the Lord himself.

38 But if you do not recognize this, you yourself will not be recognized.

39 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and don’t forbid speaking in tongues.

40 But be sure that everything is done properly and in order.

  • Please refer above.
  • It does not say that one with a gift or a call should not prophesy or speak, but that if there is a question, the question should remain until after so as to facilitate order in the service.

And finally:

Ephesians 5:22-30 (NLT)

22 For wives, this means submit your husbands as to the Lord.

23 For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of his body, the church.

24 As the church submits to Christ, so you wives should submit to your husbands in everything.

25 For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her

26 to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word.

27 He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault.

28 In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself.

29 No one hates his own body but feeds and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church.

30 And we are members of his body.

  • This is one of the most powerful passages in scripture regarding both the role of submission and the role and responsibility of leadership. Christ has elevated, honored and perfected the church. Men are told to do the same with their wives.

With the whole of scripture in mind all points of disagreement must be properly balanced and understood so as to negate the possibility of misinterpretation and misunderstanding that can lead to misguided preaching and teaching.

For generations both the church as well as society at large have been male dominated and that domination has been self propagating.

While I do believe that everyone must be properly submissive to the authority over them for generations this has wrongly lead to subjugation.

Nothing has ever surprised God! It should not then surprise us that in every society and nation to which Christianity has been introduce the treatment and rights of women have grown to better reflect God’s attitude and plans for women. Today we live in a time where more women are actively pursuing Masters level education that men. The long term effects of God’s value of women is being seen to elevate women from the generations of subjugation they have experienced.

With this rise in education and social standing, the church must be properly equipped to reach and affect women today.

It is my belief that God is calling women in to ministry and that these women will be, in some ways, better equipped to speak God’s truth and hope into the lives of the women around them. The church will not be edified completely without this and we must not limit the move of God because of our own expectations and assumptions of how he has moved in the past or misunderstandings of how he has worked in scripture.

Ultimately I believe it comes to this. Scripture tells us that you can tell a prophet by the truth of the prophecy given. Is God using women in ministry today to draw people to Himself? The answer I have seen time and time again is……..Yes.