As a Bible preacher, let us delve into the topic of supporting female pastors. In the divine wisdom of God, we find that both men and women are created in His image, and He bestows His gifts upon all to fulfill His purpose in the world.
In the Old Testament, we encounter prophetesses like Deborah, who served as a judge and leader over Israel. God’s spirit was upon her, guiding her in wisdom and counsel. This example shows that God’s call to leadership extends to both genders.
In the New Testament, we read about prominent female figures in the early church. Phoebe was a deaconess commended by the apostle Paul for her service and faithfulness. Priscilla, along with her husband Aquila, played a significant role in teaching and mentoring Apollos, a great preacher of the faith.
The apostle Paul, in his letters, acknowledged and praised the contributions of various women in ministry. He commended women like Euodia and Syntyche, who worked alongside him in spreading the Gospel. He also recognized Junia as “outstanding among the apostles.”
So the question is why did Paul tell women to be silent in 1 Corinthians 14:34-35? That is the way most Christian denominations point out.
the apostle Paul addresses a specific cultural and contextual issue within the Corinthian church. It is essential to interpret this passage with an understanding of its historical and cultural background.
During that time, women in the Corinthian society were often uneducated, and it was common for them to ask questions during public gatherings. This practice led to disruptions in the church meetings and created disorderly conduct during the worship services.
Paul’s instruction to let women “keep silence” in the churches was a practical solution to address the disruptions caused by the uneducated questioning of some women. It was not a statement about the general role or value of women in the church.
However, it’s essential to remember that Paul also recognized the importance and value of women in ministry. In other parts of his writings, he acknowledged female leaders and workers in the church, as mentioned in my previous response.
As we study the Bible, we must approach it holistically, understanding that various passages address specific contexts and situations. The overall message of the Bible affirms the value and equality of men and women in the eyes of God, both as recipients of His grace and as vessels for His service.
In our present time, where education and understanding are more widespread, women have been actively serving in ministry roles, including as pastors, teachers, and leaders, with their gifts and calling recognized and affirmed by many denominations.
As followers of Christ, we are called to embrace the diverse gifts bestowed by the Holy Spirit upon both men and women. There is no gender distinction in the Kingdom of God when it comes to fulfilling His calling. We are all one in Christ Jesus, and He empowers us according to His divine purpose, not limited by earthly roles or expectations.
To support female pastors is to acknowledge and celebrate the calling God has placed upon them. As they faithfully serve and lead under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the body of Christ becomes stronger and more complete, reflecting the beauty and diversity of God’s creation.
Let us stand united in love and support for all God’s servants, male and female, as they lead His people and carry out His divine plan for the redemption of the world. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us all. Amen.
Here are a collection of verses that speak to the principles of equality, leadership, and the importance of spiritual gifts in the body of Christ:
Genesis 1:27
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them”
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”
Romans 16:1
“I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea”
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”
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”
Acts 21:9
“And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy”
Acts 1:14
“These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren”
Joel 2:28-29
“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit”
Romans 16:3-4
“Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: 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”
1 Corinthians 11:11
“Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord”
1 Corinthians 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”
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new”
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”
1 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”
1 Timothy 3:11
“Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things”
Titus 2:3-5
“The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed”
1 Peter 4:10-11
“As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen”
