Introduction
In this edition of our newsletter, roles played by women in the New Testament and their relationships with their male counterparts are discussed. Scriptures that seem to be controversial are discussed as scriptures are allowed to interpret themselves.
Do not Suffer Women to Teach
Paul instructed Timothy that he should let the woman learn in silence with all subjection and that he should not allow a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man, but must be made to be in silence (1Tim 2:11-12). This instruction from Paul to Timothy means that women were not silent in the beginning and that prior to this instruction, it could be assumed that women were teaching or preaching. What prompted Paul’s injunction could be attributed to a number of the following possibilities;
- Women had been ministering without taking others into consideration, lacking self-control.
- Because women were not educated, it was probable that they were disrupting services by asking some inappropriate questions.
Some of the women in the church may have been bringing in some elements of pagan worship, disrupting services with their loud voices, for it is said that the only way women were allowed to take part in pagan religions was to wail or make high-pitched cries known as “ululation. It is said that in pagan religions, the men ministered and offered sacrifices but the women gave the necessary sound effects” ( Cunningham and David 2000, 197).
Based on the above views on the church of Corinth, Paul´s command to put the women in silence cannot, therefore, be universal and all time. He only intended to restore orderliness in the church of God. It should also be said that learning in silence in all subjection, is not applicable to only women. All new converts must learn from the leadership of the church or from mature believers with subjection until they become mature to instruct others in Christ (2Pet 2:2, 2Tim 2:2). When one desires the sincere milk of the word of God, he or she then is required to teach others also. People are not expected to remain students or learners forever (Heb 5:12, Heb 6:1).
Distinguished Women in the New Testament
Again, one ought to understand that Priscilla was a mature believer in Christ according to the book of Acts 18:24-28, because, she and her husband (Acts 18:2), Aquila was able to instruct Apollo in a more better way concerning the preaching of the Gospel of Christ. The scripture does not say that only Aquila instructed the man (Apollo), but it reads that they, which refers to both Priscilla and her husband. In Rom 16:1-6, Paul mentions that Priscilla and Aquila are his helpers in Ministry and that they laid down their necks for the life of Paul. Above all Priscilla and Aquila had a church of Christ in their residence. It is, therefore, presupposed that both of them were leading the services of that church. If a woman should not teach men the way of God, then it could be said that Priscilla erred in co-instructing Apollos in the best way to handle to the word of God.
Furthermore, there were some other women such as Phoebe and Mary, whose names were mentioned by Paul as being industrious in the work of the ministry of Christ Jesus (Rom 16:1-6). Some might say that they were honorable in the churches as deaconesses but not as teachers or preachers. If it could be accepted that they were mere deaconesses, then it means that women were not silent in the churches. Even if they were to teach or instruct only other women, the implication is that they were mature in Christ to teach others just like the men. There is also a possibility that some of these women were leading groups that consisted of some men in the church.
According to Paul, some women labored in the gospel with him and commended that the churches must render to them every support they might be in need of (Php 4:3). These women, like the apostles, had received the spirit of God and were so zealous about the great commission or the call to propagate the gospel of Christ Jesus. This scripture suggests that even in the early days of the apostle’s visit, some women at the church of Philippi had been received as co-workers of the apostles for the spread of the gospel of Christ Jesus. Who then accuse the women who have been called of God to teach or preach His word? In our time, some men or males in the church need to be silent and must be instructed not to teach. This is so because Paul expects only qualified persons to handle the word of truth (2Tim 2:2). It was for this reason that Paul instructed Timothy to study to show himself approved unto God so that he could divide the word of God rightly (2Tim 2:15). Therefore, it is not about males or females, but those who would study to distinguish themselves to be able to teach rightly.
Conclusion
It could be said that God had never left women behind in His divine plan. They had always been the co-workers of the men. Those women who distinguished themselves as competent and noble were used of God in His kingdom business.
Prayer: Our Lord God, may you open our understanding to the need to embrace women and work with them as you desire. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen!
Reference
Cunningham Loren and David L. Hamilton 2000. Why not Women? A Fresh Look on Women in Missions, Ministry and Leadership. Seattle, YWAM Publishing.