Hope of Glory Ministries

Women In Ministry

The command to have dominion over and subdue the earth was given to both Adam and Eve. They were both to rule and reign over the Lord's creation.

(Genesis 1:28)"And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth".

It wasn’t until Eve was deceived in the garden of Eden that the punishment was handed down in that God had said to Eve that her desire would be to her husband, and he would rule over her.Genesis3: 16 ¶ Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule <mashal> over thee.

Strongs #04910. lvm mashal, maw-shal' a primitive root; to rule:--(have, make to have) dominion, governor, indeed, reign, (bear, cause to, have) rule(-ing, -r), have power.

When Christ came and bore the penalty for our sins he also bore the curse for us. for cursed is he who hangeth upon a tree .Once we are born into the kingdom of God, we become new creatures in Christ no longer under the curse of the law of sin and death.. Positionaly we are no longer subject to the punishment, howbeit relationally we still suffer for it, just as though by the stripes of Jesus we are healed yet we still see sickness in the earth..In Christ we are all the same. God is no respecter of persons. The bible tells us in:

Galatians 3:28 "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."

DOCTRINE:When building doctrine it is imperative that we not take one simple verse and use it to build a doctrine, and that we not string together a couple of verses to build a doctrine around. Let’s look at what happens when we do that.

Lets look at the scripture in Mathew which speaks of Judas and his demise, and then add a couple more with it and see what happens.

Mt 27:5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. De 22:3 In like manner shalt thou do with his ass; and so shalt thou do with his raiment; and with all lost thing of thy brother's, which he hath lost, and thou hast found, shalt thou do likewise: thou mayest not hide thyself.

THIS IS DEFINITELY NOT WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS, These are verses written in the bible taken out of context and strung together.To build a doctrine based on such things would be absolutely ludicrous. Most assuredly this is not what God intended the scriptures to say to us.In building doctrine it is important that three things be done .

1) 1)We must have several references of scripture that speak of the same thing, allowing the word of God to interpret itself along with the Holy Ghost.

2) We must see evidence of Jesus and the disciples practicing this doctrine

3) We must see examples of Jesus teaching this doctrine,

We need to endeavor to understand the scriptures, keeping in view of their original writing and setting.

It is necessary to consider the context in which the scriptures were written. Consider also the times and the setting surrounding the lives of the people involved, and the activities of the people in the area of the time , along with the events surrounding the situation .

For decades many have used the following scriptures to exclude women from positions of the five fold ministry.

1Ti 2:11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.

1Ti 2:12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.(KJV)

These scriptures when taken out of the original context make the writer, the Apostle Paul to appear as though he does not allow women to even so much as utter a sound in the Church saying let them be silent, and also that he thinks it improper to allow a woman to teach anything to a man. When taken out of context the scriptures make Paul appear to be somewhat “male chauvinistic” yet when we look at the scriptures in light of their surroundings considering the people involved and the events of the day, we see some thing altogether different.

If we look in Romans 16, The Entire Chapter we see Paul greet many including many women who are servants or workers of the church.

Romans16 :1 I commend unto you Phoebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: 2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also. 3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: 4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. 5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my well beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ. 6 Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us. 7 Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. 8 Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord. 9 Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. 10 Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus' household. {household: or, friends} 11 Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord. {household: or, friends} 12 Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord. 13 Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. 14 Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them. 15 Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them. 16 Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you. 17 ¶ Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. 19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. {simple: or, harmless} 20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. {bruise: or, tread} 21 ¶ Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you. 22 I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord. 23 Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother. 24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. 25 ¶ Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, 26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: 27 To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. <<Written to the Romans from Corinthus, [and sent by Phebe servant of the church at Cenchrea.(KJV)

We Know Gods word is truth and it does not contradict itself, therefore either Paul was a madman or the biblical record shows that Paul was a strong advocate of women's ministry. Furthermore, if Paul believed that all women should never teach or speak in church, why does he commend many women who did just that?

Biblical Examples of Women in Ministry Old Testament history includes accounts of strong female leadership.

Miriam was a prophet, one of the triumvirate of leaders God sent to Israel during the Exodus period (Exodus 15:20).

Deborah, as prophet and judge, led the army of the Lord into successful combat (Judges 4 to 5). *The position of judge; a leadership position which carried great authority over the entire nation of Israel including men.

Huldah, also a prophet, authenticated the scroll of the Law found in the temple and helped spark the great religious reform in the days of Josiah (2 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 34). : Huldah was a prophetess of Israel who spoke words of judgment to a delegation of men that included Hilkiah the priest (2 Ki. 22:14).

The New Testament also records ministering women in the Church Age.

Tabitha (Dorcas) is called a disciple and had a ministry of helps (Acts 9:36). ¶ Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

New Testament prophetesses include Anna (Luke 2:36) and the daughters of Philip the evangelist.

Philip’s Daughters , Phillip had four virgin daughters who prophesied (Act s 21:8,9).

Euodia and Syntyche were Paul's coworkers who shared in his struggle to spread the gospel ( Philippians 4:2,3 ). Greek2136. Euodia Euodia, yoo-od-ee'-ah from the same as 2137; fine travelling; Euodia, a Christian woman:--Euodias and 4941. suntuch Suntuche, soon-too'-khay from 4940; an accident; Syntyche, a Christian female:--Syntyche

Priscilla was another of Paul's exemplary "fellow workers in Christ Jesus" (Romans 16:3,4, NIV).

In Romans 16, Paul greets a multitude of ministering persons, a large number of them women.

Ac 18:18 ¶ And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.

Ac 18:26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.

We see here in Acts 18:26 that Priscilla was also included in the teaching of Paul

Ro 16:3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:

The word ( helpers ) in Romans 16:3 in the original Greek text is

sunergov sunergos, soon-er-gos'

rom a presumed compound of 4862 and the base of 2041; a co-laborer, i.e. coadjutor:--companion in labour, (fellow-)helper(-labourer, -worker), labourer together with, workfellow.

Also :The word helpers is plural meaning more than one , therefore it is apparent from scripture that Paul spake of both Priscilla and her husband Aquilla as being co-laborers in Christ.

1Co 16:19 ¶ The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.(KJV)

Phoebe, a leader in the church at Cenchrea, was highly commended to the church at Rome by Paul (Romans 16:1,2). Unfortunately, biases of modern English translators have sometimes obscured Phoebe's position of leadership, calling her a "servant" or "helper", etc. Yet Phoebe was diakonos of the church at Cenchrea.

Paul often used this term for a minister or leader of a congregation and applied it specifically to Jesus Christ, Tychicus, Epaphras, Timothy, and to his own ministry. Depending on the context, diakonos is usually translated "deacon" or "minister." Though some translators have chosen the word deaconess (because Phoebe was a woman), such a distinction is not in the original Greek. It seems likely that diakonos was the designation for an official leadership position in the Early Church.

Junia was identified by Paul as an apostle (Romans 16:7) Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.

(KJV). But many translators and scholars, unwilling to admit there could have been a female apostle, have since the 13th century masculinized her name to Junias.

ACTS 1:14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. (NIV)

Note that men and women are side by side. They are not separate but joined in unity of prayer. We know that both men and women received the baptism of the Holy Spirit simultaneously.

ACTS 8:3 But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison. (NIV)

(Acts 9:1-2 NIV)(1) Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples. He went to the high priest (2) and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.

ACTS 22:4 I persecuted the followers of this Way to their death, arresting both men and women and throwing them into prison, (NIV)

These verses show us that women shared equally in the suffering of persecution for the sake of the gospel.

(Acts 16:13-15 NIV)

(13) On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. (14) One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message. (15) When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. "If you consider me a believer in the Lord," she said, "come and stay at my house." And she persuaded us.

COLOSSIANS 4:15 Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. (NIV)

The NIV is the only translation that clearly speaks of Nympha as a woman. The ASV says their house and the KJV says his house.

PHILIPPIANS 4:3 Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. (NIV)

The instances of women filling leadership roles in the Bible should be taken as a divinely approved pattern, not as exceptions to divine decrees. Even a limited number of women with scripturally commended leadership roles should affirm and stand to confirm that God does indeed call women to spiritual leadership.

Hebrews 13:8-9 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. 9 Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.

God Is The Same Yesterday , Today and Forever

Throughout History

Throughout history women have been instrumental in ministry and in church reformation. If God is the same yesterday, today and forever and in times past we see women in leadership positions having authority even over men then nothing has changed. Deborah in the book of Judges was a prophetess and yet a judge over the nation of Israel. God allowed it then, even purposed it and called it into being then.

Yet we see these scriptures:

1Ti 2:11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.

1Ti 2:12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.(KJV)

Now let’s look at this scripture again and put into practice the things I have spoken of regarding the context and the setting and circumstances of the time.

First of all we see Paul ; Who is he?He is an Apostle called of God and being used of God to establish the churches and to lay the foundation as the Lord Jesus Christ designed.We see Paul laying the foundations for the church at Ephesus having sent Timothy to Ephesus he councels Timothy regarding many things pertaining to behaviour in the Church.

We See Ephesus:

Ephesus was known for its temple prostitutes and for its worship of the so called goddess Diana of the Ephesians. The two principal deities of ancient Babylon were Baal and Ishtar( Diana) . Baal was the god of war and the elements and Ishtar the goddess of fertility - both human and agricultural. These two supposed deities have roots going back before Babylon to Nimrod at Babel and to Assyria. Through the ages they were imported into other nations and under different names but always retaining the same basic characteristics. Baal was also called Bel, Baalat, Molech, Merodach, Mars and Jupiter, and was frequently represented as a bull. Ishtar was also called Aphrodite, Astarte, Ashtoreth, Cybele or Sybil, Diana, Europa, Isis, Semiramis and Venus. The two main elements in the worship of Baal were fire and human sacrifice, usually children.

Ishtar also known as Diana of the Ephesians was worshipped via offerings of produce and money as well as through fornication with temple prostitutes. Fornication and lewd behaviour was rampant at Ephesus. The people of this time had absurd ways of conducting themselves. Some were turned away from the idolatry and worship of such supposed gods and were converted to the Christian faith.

Along with those converted from idolatry many Jews received the gospel message of the Lord Jesus Christ as truth.

This made for quite an unusual and unlearned group. This presented itself as quite a challenge to the early church ministers whose job it was to teach them and to the Apostles who’s job it was to establish clear doctrine and lay the foundations for the early church era.

In Judaism young boys from the age of five years were made to sit at the feet of the Rabbis to learn the Torah It was not considered a necessity for women to be instructed in the ways of Torah by the Rabbis. Nobody had copies of the Torah available to them to study.

The Torah consisted of: the five books of Moses constituting the Pentateuch . It was considered to be: the body of wisdom and law contained in Jewish Scripture and other sacred literature and oral tradition. It was written on a leather or parchment scroll and kept in a cabinet in the synagogue for liturgical purposes, and could only be handled by the Rabbis.

During the time period in which the scriptures were written, in the Jewish synagogue women and men were always kept separated. Men were given the chief seats in which to sit.

I have done a bit of study regarding the tabernacle and the 3 temples , Solomons, Zerubbabels and Herods and I cannot see any where in scripture where God gave a command that women were to be separated.

In fact what I did find was that it was Herod who built the temple which contained the separate court for the women and would not allow the women to proceed further than that court. It wasn’t until Herod built this temple that the women were separated. Herod in his latter years was found to be mentally unstable.

In the tabernacle there was no separate court.

In the original temple ( Solomon’s ) there was no separate court for the women. I could not find evidence of there being such a separation in any of the temple plans other than in Herod’s . Because of this one would have to surmise that the separation of men and women did not begin with Gods plan but was introduced by Herod.

During the early church period as the foundations of the church were being laid, there was much disruption in the services, because women who were not instructed in proper Church behavior would call out across the church during the service and ask questions. It was because of this that Paul said in 1Timothy 2: 8-12 let them be silent etc. Here again we see Paul speaking to the Church regarding behavior not only in the church but for those who are in the body of Christ. Paul endeavors to lay the foundation and encourages Timothy to bring correction to those in the church whose behavior was disruptive.

1Timothy 2: 8-12 8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. 9 ¶ In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; {broided: or, plaited} 10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. 11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.

We see the same thing in this scripture:1Co 14:34 ¶ Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. 35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. 36 ¶ What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? 37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. 38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. 39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order.(KJV)

Considering the usurping of authority in the Church

The authority in the Church belongs to whomever God sets into that place of authority. If God chooses to set a man into a place of authority , he then has authority over those whom he shepherds within the ranks as laid out by the Lord Jesus Christ.

Eph 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

(KJV)

Likewise if God chooses to set a woman into a place of authority, she has the authority over those whom God has given her charge, whether they be male or female.

We can easily see in the scriptures that God has used many women in places of authority, such as Deborah the prophetess and judge as well as Huldah and many others.

A woman who has been called of God to the ministry is in no way usurping the authority of a man , when that authority has been given to her.Women are not commanded to be subservient to ALL men, but to be in obedience to their husbands. If she refuses to obey him and seeks to have rule over him then she has usurped his authority.

Ephesians 5:17 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; 21 ¶ Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. 22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: 30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband. (KJV)

Paul expresses in verse 32 that the true emphasis is on our relationship to the Lord as the body and bride of Christ. The point being that we as the body of Christ ( the bride consisting of both male and female ) need to be in subjection to the Lord Jesus Christ and to reverence him and serve him in all submission and obedience. Keeping foremost in our minds that He being the faithful husband has laid down his life for us.