True Love Church of Refuge
Women in Ministry
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The second Socratic Seminar's topic we discussed at the Women's Prayer Breakfast was the role of
Women in New Testament Ministry.
This is a very controversial topic because whereas God's Word instructs us to study to show
ourselves approved unto God, unfortunately many are only reading the Word of God and grossly
misinterpreting the Holy Scriptures. The letter of the Word kills, but the Spirit of the Word brings forth
light. This means that the literal translation of the Word of God will cause many to cut their right hands
off and pluck out their eyes, whereas the Spirit of the Word renders a more deeper, intensive
translation of the Word and applies to the conditions of our hearts. In other words, to circumcise the
heart means to peel away the outer layers of our hearts, the hardness of our hearts, to reveal the
hidden man that we may present ourselves to God pure and pliable.
The scriptures we read and discussed were:
John 1:12-13, "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even
to them that believe on his name, Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the
will of man, but of God."
*The word sons is translated in the Greek teknon meaning child, daughter or son. Here we see
salvation extended to both male and female recipients.
Acts 2:17-18, "And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all
flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and
your old men shall dream dreams, And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those
days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:"
*The word prophesy is translated in the Greek propheteuo which means to foretell events, divine
(anointed), speak (preach) under inspiration, exercise the office of the prophet. We find the ability to
preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ is extended to both male and female through the Spirit of God. This
baptism of the Holy Spirit upon all believers and the outpouring of spiritual gifts was prophesied by the
Prophet Joel in his self titled book chapter 2 and verse 28.
Acts 18:24-26, "And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in
the scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in
the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. 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."
* This husband and wife team, Aquila and Priscilla were impressed by the zealous teachings of
Apollos, yet they discerned that he needed to be instructed more perfectly (maturely) in the Word of
God. After hearing his teaching in the synagogue, the husband and wife team took this brother to
themselves and exposed the full Gospel message. Because of their operation in the five fold office of
Teacher, Apollos was able to win many more souls to Christ as he journeyed from Ephesus to Corinth.
Acts 21:8-9, "And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea:
and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with
him. And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy."
*These young women are named among Miriam, Deborah, Huldah, and Anna as female prophets.
Deborah judged (ruled or governed) the entire nation of Israel not only as a spiritual leader but
governmental and military leader as well. I will elaborate on Deborah in a later article. See the definition
for prophet. Prophesying does not include only visions and dreams. Prophets are preachers, teachers,
intercessors, anointed and inspired speakers. As you will discover in the upcoming School of the
Prophets, prophets are the eyes, ears, and voice of God.
Romans 16:1, "I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at
Cenchrea"
* I was told by a self-titled "elder of the faith", that women cannot operate in certain roles. This is the
ignorance that permeates our church society today which holds millions of talented, God fearing and
gifted women in bondage. The word servant is translated from the original Greek diakonos, which
means a Christian teacher, pastor, a deacon, deaconess, and minister. We see from this passage that
Phebe served the church of Corinth as pastor, minister, or deaconess.
Romans 16:3, "Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus"
*Again, we read about this husband and wife team who were co-labourers with Paul in apostolic
ministry. The Greek word for helpers is sunergos, which means companion in labour, fellow helper,
labourer, worker, labourer together with, and work fellow.
Romans 16:7, "Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellow-prisoners, who are of note
among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me."
*When I read this, I was literally knocked off my feet! I have read about female pastors, teachers,
deacons, prophets, but I have never found a female apostle until approximately a year ago! Andronicus
and Junia were a husband and wife apostolic team. They were both apostles and were operating in
their apostolic offices before Paul! They were held in high esteem, and were outstanding among the
apostles, of which there were many more than what was canonized in the Holy Scriptures. The Greek
definition of apostle is apostolos, which means a delegate, an ambassador of the Gospel of Jesus
Christ, a commissioner of Christ who demonstrates miraculous powers, a messenger, or one who is
sent.
I Corinthians 1:11, "For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the
house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you."
*Chloe is mentioned as the leader of a church house in Corinth where division is stirring among the
saints. There were several other women listed as church leaders; Lydia in Acts 16:14-15, opened her
house for church gatherings, John Mark's mother in Acts 12:12 opened her house for prayer meetings,
Nympha in Colossians 4:15 and her husband led a church house. Something I'd like to mention is the
definition of the word brethren because many think this word pertains to brothers, on the contrary, the
Greek word, adelphotes means the Christian family or brotherhood, this includes women as well as
men.
1 Corinthians 12:4-7, "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences
of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God
which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal."
* The Greek definition for man is hekastos, which means each or everyone. All are included as
recipients in the administrations of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
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."
*This verse alone assigns equal status among men and women in the Body of Christ.
Philippians 4:2-3, "I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the
Lord. And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel,
with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life."
*These two women were active and traveling Evangelists laboring along with Paul. They helped to
spread the Gospel message.
Philemon 1:1-2,"Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly
beloved, and fellowlabourer, And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the
church in thy house:"
* I just completed a teaching article on Philemon, but here we see he and his wife, Apphia, pastor the
church in their house. Archippus is their son.
SCRIPTURES USED AS A TRAP AND SNARE
Here we will see the verses used by many to ensnare and imprison many women who are were called
to do a work in Jesus name. I will list these scriptures and share what they really mean.
I Corinthians 11:3-16, "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, dishonoureth his head. But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head
uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. For if the woman be
not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be
covered. For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of
God: but the woman is the glory of the man. For the man is not of the woman: but the woman of the
man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. For this cause ought the
woman to have power on her head because of the angels. Nevertheless neither is the man without the
woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord. For as the woman is of the man, even so is
the man also by the woman; but all things of God. Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray
unto God uncovered? Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame
unto him? But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering. But
if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God."
*Here Paul is emphasizing the fact that he is now speaking of things handed down as traditions or
ordinances. Men are directly under Christ as their "head" while women are under the headship of man
During this culture, single, unmarried women lived at home and were under the authority of their
fathers, where married women were under their husband's authority. Only prostitutes lived alone and
were under no authority. Early ancient sources indicate that Greek women commonly participated in
religious ceremonies without head coverings. Therefore Paul is urging the Corinthians to observe an
established custom of the Church which he established among his Gentile congregations, following
after Jewish custom. We know that man was created as a symbol of God's dominion in the earth and
the woman was made for the man. The marriage relationship between a husband and his wife
compares with the relationship Christ has with the church. Proverbs 12:4, "A virtuous woman is a
crown to her husband". Every Christian women should recognize the authority God has given her
husband and render submission to him accordingly. Men could not wear caps or turbans during
service because this would violate his submission to Christ. This was in direct opposition to the Jews
who pray with their head covered. Today we see men taking off their hats before entering buildings as
a sign of respect and honoring the house or building they are in.
Whereas in 1 Cor 14:34-35 states that women should learn in silence, here Paul states that women can
pray or prophesy during service. We have also just read insurmountable evidence in scripture that
women were a major force in Paul's ministry. 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 directly contradicts Paul's
ministry and remarks he made in his letters. Unfortunately, many use these scriptures to prove women
are unable to speak in services. It was also customary for Jews, Greeks, and Romans for women to
wear their heads covered. We see these practices in the Middle Eastern countries today. Only
prostitutes shaved their heads and wore blond wigs instead of veils.
The power of a woman's head is the submission to her husband's authority, not a head covering. The
Christian woman's head covering is to be symbolic. The token of her head covering was her
husband's authority, just as the token for circumcision is a covenant with God.
It was also disgraceful for a man to wear long hair, unless he had taken a Nazarite vow. Women grow
long hair naturally therefore they are naturally veiled, just as a women is naturally covered in authority
by her father and then husband. It is shameful to not have a covering. Isaiah also makes mention of the
husband who forsook his wife for a moment. She bore a reproach because she had no covering, no
veil until he reconciled her back to himself.
However, when it is all said and done, the man and his wife are to submit one to another for woman
was first formed from his side to walk beside him, and since then man has been brought forth from the
womb of a woman which all are created by God.
1 Corinthians 14:34-35, "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. 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."
* This is a very interesting set of verses we hear quoted to silence women ministry. As I stated earlier,
this is a direct contradiction of Paul's ministry. In order for us to understand what he is saying, we
must take a short history course. Ancient Corinth was influenced by Greek and Roman culture. They
were sexually immoral and practiced idol worship. The women of Corinth were poor and uneducated.
They were inhumanely treated and were brutally punished for minor infractions. Corinthian prostitutes
debased themselves to make a living because women were not allowed to receive inheritances or own
property. Husbands could kill their wives and engage in illicit extra marital affairs unscathed. Once
their husbands heard the teachings of Apostle Paul and many other fellow workers, they began
attending worship services. Their wives would also accompany them and because they were
uneducated, lacked basic communication skills, and all forms of etiquette, they would make loud
outbursts during services because they did not understand what was being said or what was going
on. They were disruptive and quite unruly. The church leaders would write to Paul to inquire of him
what to do. This section of his letter appeals to their question. We have read time and time again how
heavily women were involved in the ministry and sharing the Gospel. There is no evidence whatsoever
that Paul intended for all women to keep silent in the churches. If so, that would mean no singing, no
praying, no prophesying, no preaching, no announcements, no dinners, no offerings, no amens, no
greetings, nothing, not a peep. The only reason Paul inserts his admonition here is to answer the
complaint from Corinthian church leaders. The women were chatty, demonstrated emotional
outbursts, and talked during services about insignificant matters. Ironically in verse 39,he states,
"Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. " The word brethren
again refers to both male and female, whom he encourages to seek after spiritual gifts.
I Timothy 2:11-12, "Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to
teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence."
*This is another verse of scripture which if interpreted for universal usage, would contradict the
ministry of Paul. After all, it was Priscilla and her husband which taught Apollos, another great apostle.
Also, it was Timothy's mother and grandmother which taught him the holy scriptures and held worship
services in their home. Let's take another crash history course and shed light on what or to whom Paul
was speaking. Contrary to Corinthians, Ephesians were a wealthy class of people. This is why Paul
instructs the women to dress modestly. The women of Ephesus wore very expensive apparel,
stunning jewelry and fancy hair styles. In doing so, they developed attitudes of pride and arrogance.
They looked down on the poorer class and felt they too, could speak and do as the others in the
church. They wanted to run the church, much in the same way the big tithers feel today. They wanted
special privileges. Read 6:17-19. These women opened themselves for spirits of deception to enter in
and they began to teach the doctrine of apostasy in the church. This is why Paul gives the reference to
Eve being in the transgression. In 2 Timothy, you will see these women began teaching heresy that
Jesus' resurrection of the saints had already passed. They taught that since the resurrection had
already passed, women no longer had to have sex with their husbands, they were taught to be
celibate. Paul had to address these issues to the church at Ephesus. He encouraged them to learn, but
to be quiet learners and thus prohibited them from teaching men (false doctrine) in the church. He
reminded the women of the curse placed on Eve if she did not submit to her husband's authority.
1 Timothy 3:2, 1 Timothy 3:8, Titus 1:6 and Titus 2:4 are all examples of the heretic teaching of the
women at Ephesus, therefore to protect the delicate, newly formed ministry in Crete, he dictated to
Titus that he preferred the women remain at home.
I have shared with you an exhaustive list of scriptures and inspired meanings to bring clarity to our
understanding of the Word of God. My last point is in reference to the commission of our Lord, Jesus
Christ. In none of teachings do we find him limiting female ministry or children ministry, as a matter of
fact, he commanded that we all GO in His name. There is so much to be said on this topic, perhaps we
will discuss more later.
Women in New Testament Ministry.
This is a very controversial topic because whereas God's Word instructs us to study to show
ourselves approved unto God, unfortunately many are only reading the Word of God and grossly
misinterpreting the Holy Scriptures. The letter of the Word kills, but the Spirit of the Word brings forth
light. This means that the literal translation of the Word of God will cause many to cut their right hands
off and pluck out their eyes, whereas the Spirit of the Word renders a more deeper, intensive
translation of the Word and applies to the conditions of our hearts. In other words, to circumcise the
heart means to peel away the outer layers of our hearts, the hardness of our hearts, to reveal the
hidden man that we may present ourselves to God pure and pliable.
The scriptures we read and discussed were:
John 1:12-13, "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even
to them that believe on his name, Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the
will of man, but of God."
*The word sons is translated in the Greek teknon meaning child, daughter or son. Here we see
salvation extended to both male and female recipients.
Acts 2:17-18, "And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all
flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and
your old men shall dream dreams, And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those
days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:"
*The word prophesy is translated in the Greek propheteuo which means to foretell events, divine
(anointed), speak (preach) under inspiration, exercise the office of the prophet. We find the ability to
preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ is extended to both male and female through the Spirit of God. This
baptism of the Holy Spirit upon all believers and the outpouring of spiritual gifts was prophesied by the
Prophet Joel in his self titled book chapter 2 and verse 28.
Acts 18:24-26, "And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in
the scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in
the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. 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."
* This husband and wife team, Aquila and Priscilla were impressed by the zealous teachings of
Apollos, yet they discerned that he needed to be instructed more perfectly (maturely) in the Word of
God. After hearing his teaching in the synagogue, the husband and wife team took this brother to
themselves and exposed the full Gospel message. Because of their operation in the five fold office of
Teacher, Apollos was able to win many more souls to Christ as he journeyed from Ephesus to Corinth.
Acts 21:8-9, "And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea:
and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with
him. And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy."
*These young women are named among Miriam, Deborah, Huldah, and Anna as female prophets.
Deborah judged (ruled or governed) the entire nation of Israel not only as a spiritual leader but
governmental and military leader as well. I will elaborate on Deborah in a later article. See the definition
for prophet. Prophesying does not include only visions and dreams. Prophets are preachers, teachers,
intercessors, anointed and inspired speakers. As you will discover in the upcoming School of the
Prophets, prophets are the eyes, ears, and voice of God.
Romans 16:1, "I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at
Cenchrea"
* I was told by a self-titled "elder of the faith", that women cannot operate in certain roles. This is the
ignorance that permeates our church society today which holds millions of talented, God fearing and
gifted women in bondage. The word servant is translated from the original Greek diakonos, which
means a Christian teacher, pastor, a deacon, deaconess, and minister. We see from this passage that
Phebe served the church of Corinth as pastor, minister, or deaconess.
Romans 16:3, "Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus"
*Again, we read about this husband and wife team who were co-labourers with Paul in apostolic
ministry. The Greek word for helpers is sunergos, which means companion in labour, fellow helper,
labourer, worker, labourer together with, and work fellow.
Romans 16:7, "Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellow-prisoners, who are of note
among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me."
*When I read this, I was literally knocked off my feet! I have read about female pastors, teachers,
deacons, prophets, but I have never found a female apostle until approximately a year ago! Andronicus
and Junia were a husband and wife apostolic team. They were both apostles and were operating in
their apostolic offices before Paul! They were held in high esteem, and were outstanding among the
apostles, of which there were many more than what was canonized in the Holy Scriptures. The Greek
definition of apostle is apostolos, which means a delegate, an ambassador of the Gospel of Jesus
Christ, a commissioner of Christ who demonstrates miraculous powers, a messenger, or one who is
sent.
I Corinthians 1:11, "For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the
house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you."
*Chloe is mentioned as the leader of a church house in Corinth where division is stirring among the
saints. There were several other women listed as church leaders; Lydia in Acts 16:14-15, opened her
house for church gatherings, John Mark's mother in Acts 12:12 opened her house for prayer meetings,
Nympha in Colossians 4:15 and her husband led a church house. Something I'd like to mention is the
definition of the word brethren because many think this word pertains to brothers, on the contrary, the
Greek word, adelphotes means the Christian family or brotherhood, this includes women as well as
men.
1 Corinthians 12:4-7, "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences
of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God
which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal."
* The Greek definition for man is hekastos, which means each or everyone. All are included as
recipients in the administrations of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
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."
*This verse alone assigns equal status among men and women in the Body of Christ.
Philippians 4:2-3, "I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the
Lord. And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel,
with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life."
*These two women were active and traveling Evangelists laboring along with Paul. They helped to
spread the Gospel message.
Philemon 1:1-2,"Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly
beloved, and fellowlabourer, And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the
church in thy house:"
* I just completed a teaching article on Philemon, but here we see he and his wife, Apphia, pastor the
church in their house. Archippus is their son.
SCRIPTURES USED AS A TRAP AND SNARE
Here we will see the verses used by many to ensnare and imprison many women who are were called
to do a work in Jesus name. I will list these scriptures and share what they really mean.
I Corinthians 11:3-16, "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, dishonoureth his head. But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head
uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. For if the woman be
not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be
covered. For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of
God: but the woman is the glory of the man. For the man is not of the woman: but the woman of the
man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. For this cause ought the
woman to have power on her head because of the angels. Nevertheless neither is the man without the
woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord. For as the woman is of the man, even so is
the man also by the woman; but all things of God. Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray
unto God uncovered? Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame
unto him? But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering. But
if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God."
*Here Paul is emphasizing the fact that he is now speaking of things handed down as traditions or
ordinances. Men are directly under Christ as their "head" while women are under the headship of man
During this culture, single, unmarried women lived at home and were under the authority of their
fathers, where married women were under their husband's authority. Only prostitutes lived alone and
were under no authority. Early ancient sources indicate that Greek women commonly participated in
religious ceremonies without head coverings. Therefore Paul is urging the Corinthians to observe an
established custom of the Church which he established among his Gentile congregations, following
after Jewish custom. We know that man was created as a symbol of God's dominion in the earth and
the woman was made for the man. The marriage relationship between a husband and his wife
compares with the relationship Christ has with the church. Proverbs 12:4, "A virtuous woman is a
crown to her husband". Every Christian women should recognize the authority God has given her
husband and render submission to him accordingly. Men could not wear caps or turbans during
service because this would violate his submission to Christ. This was in direct opposition to the Jews
who pray with their head covered. Today we see men taking off their hats before entering buildings as
a sign of respect and honoring the house or building they are in.
Whereas in 1 Cor 14:34-35 states that women should learn in silence, here Paul states that women can
pray or prophesy during service. We have also just read insurmountable evidence in scripture that
women were a major force in Paul's ministry. 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 directly contradicts Paul's
ministry and remarks he made in his letters. Unfortunately, many use these scriptures to prove women
are unable to speak in services. It was also customary for Jews, Greeks, and Romans for women to
wear their heads covered. We see these practices in the Middle Eastern countries today. Only
prostitutes shaved their heads and wore blond wigs instead of veils.
The power of a woman's head is the submission to her husband's authority, not a head covering. The
Christian woman's head covering is to be symbolic. The token of her head covering was her
husband's authority, just as the token for circumcision is a covenant with God.
It was also disgraceful for a man to wear long hair, unless he had taken a Nazarite vow. Women grow
long hair naturally therefore they are naturally veiled, just as a women is naturally covered in authority
by her father and then husband. It is shameful to not have a covering. Isaiah also makes mention of the
husband who forsook his wife for a moment. She bore a reproach because she had no covering, no
veil until he reconciled her back to himself.
However, when it is all said and done, the man and his wife are to submit one to another for woman
was first formed from his side to walk beside him, and since then man has been brought forth from the
womb of a woman which all are created by God.
1 Corinthians 14:34-35, "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. 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."
* This is a very interesting set of verses we hear quoted to silence women ministry. As I stated earlier,
this is a direct contradiction of Paul's ministry. In order for us to understand what he is saying, we
must take a short history course. Ancient Corinth was influenced by Greek and Roman culture. They
were sexually immoral and practiced idol worship. The women of Corinth were poor and uneducated.
They were inhumanely treated and were brutally punished for minor infractions. Corinthian prostitutes
debased themselves to make a living because women were not allowed to receive inheritances or own
property. Husbands could kill their wives and engage in illicit extra marital affairs unscathed. Once
their husbands heard the teachings of Apostle Paul and many other fellow workers, they began
attending worship services. Their wives would also accompany them and because they were
uneducated, lacked basic communication skills, and all forms of etiquette, they would make loud
outbursts during services because they did not understand what was being said or what was going
on. They were disruptive and quite unruly. The church leaders would write to Paul to inquire of him
what to do. This section of his letter appeals to their question. We have read time and time again how
heavily women were involved in the ministry and sharing the Gospel. There is no evidence whatsoever
that Paul intended for all women to keep silent in the churches. If so, that would mean no singing, no
praying, no prophesying, no preaching, no announcements, no dinners, no offerings, no amens, no
greetings, nothing, not a peep. The only reason Paul inserts his admonition here is to answer the
complaint from Corinthian church leaders. The women were chatty, demonstrated emotional
outbursts, and talked during services about insignificant matters. Ironically in verse 39,he states,
"Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. " The word brethren
again refers to both male and female, whom he encourages to seek after spiritual gifts.
I Timothy 2:11-12, "Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to
teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence."
*This is another verse of scripture which if interpreted for universal usage, would contradict the
ministry of Paul. After all, it was Priscilla and her husband which taught Apollos, another great apostle.
Also, it was Timothy's mother and grandmother which taught him the holy scriptures and held worship
services in their home. Let's take another crash history course and shed light on what or to whom Paul
was speaking. Contrary to Corinthians, Ephesians were a wealthy class of people. This is why Paul
instructs the women to dress modestly. The women of Ephesus wore very expensive apparel,
stunning jewelry and fancy hair styles. In doing so, they developed attitudes of pride and arrogance.
They looked down on the poorer class and felt they too, could speak and do as the others in the
church. They wanted to run the church, much in the same way the big tithers feel today. They wanted
special privileges. Read 6:17-19. These women opened themselves for spirits of deception to enter in
and they began to teach the doctrine of apostasy in the church. This is why Paul gives the reference to
Eve being in the transgression. In 2 Timothy, you will see these women began teaching heresy that
Jesus' resurrection of the saints had already passed. They taught that since the resurrection had
already passed, women no longer had to have sex with their husbands, they were taught to be
celibate. Paul had to address these issues to the church at Ephesus. He encouraged them to learn, but
to be quiet learners and thus prohibited them from teaching men (false doctrine) in the church. He
reminded the women of the curse placed on Eve if she did not submit to her husband's authority.
1 Timothy 3:2, 1 Timothy 3:8, Titus 1:6 and Titus 2:4 are all examples of the heretic teaching of the
women at Ephesus, therefore to protect the delicate, newly formed ministry in Crete, he dictated to
Titus that he preferred the women remain at home.
I have shared with you an exhaustive list of scriptures and inspired meanings to bring clarity to our
understanding of the Word of God. My last point is in reference to the commission of our Lord, Jesus
Christ. In none of teachings do we find him limiting female ministry or children ministry, as a matter of
fact, he commanded that we all GO in His name. There is so much to be said on this topic, perhaps we
will discuss more later.
© 2009 True Love Church of Refuge. All Rights Reserved.
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