POPULAR OBJECTIONS TO APOSTOLIC PROHIBITION FOR WOMEN TEACHERS AND PASTORS IN THE CHURCH REFUTED. Prophetess Ann has been cited as an example of the women who taught and preached to men in the Temple. (Luke 2:36-38). But, there is nothing in the text that suggests that they which looked for redemption in Jerusalem whom she spoke to were all gathered at the Temple at the instant she came in to give thanks. It is most likely that after it had been revealed to her that the small child was the Christ she must have spoken to them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem prophetically outside the Temple just in the same manner the Samaritan woman went to testify of Christ to the Samaritan men after her discovery. It is also instructive to note that the evangelistic, teaching and Pastoral offices are distinct from that of prophecy.(Ephesians 4:11).The apostle Paul is very categorical that women should not teach or pastor men in the house of God when men are assembled there. Priscilla likewise has been cited as having taught Appolos. ‘’And began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded to him the way of God.’’ (Acts 18:26).Similarly, there is nothing in the text that conclusively suggest that both of them alternatively taught him. Yes, both of them took him to their house and taught him just in the same manner it was reported that Jesus also baptized many disciples though he personally didn’t baptize but his disciples. (John 4:1-2). When the eleven disciples asked Jesus whether he would at that time restore again the Kingdom to Israel, did they all simultaneously or alternatively ask the question or one represented them in asking the question? ‘’When they therefore were come together, THEY ASKED HIM…..’’(Acts 1:6).But, it would be nonsensical to imagine that all of them asked him either simultaneously or alternatively the same question. Similarly, the report that Aquila and Priscilla took Appolos and expounded to him the word in a more excellent way does not prove that Priscilla also spoke to him the word. Concerning Phoebe, Paul wrote that she had been a succourer of many, including himself. (Romans 16:2). But, I doubt if the apostle meant that she ministered to him the word of God, for he was the fountain of God’s revealed word. (11Timothy 2:2). The Samaritan woman’s encounter with the LORD Jesus and her subsequent witness to men of the City has been also cited as proof that women can be teachers of men in the Churches. The talk Jesus had with the Samaritan woman did not allow her to preach or teach before men. However, every Christian has the duty to testify and witness for Christ. The Samaritan woman simply informed them of what Christ had revealed to her. She did not go to the synagogue to preach or to teach but instead went into the village to report of a messiah. This was perfectly in order and does not contradict Paul’s instructions to the Church of Christ that women must be silent in the Church. Similarly, Mary Magdalene reported to the disciples of Christ’s resurrection and about the stone, which had been taken away from the tomb. This did not qualify her to the position of a deaconess or a pastor in the Church. Women can participate actively outside the Church , at home or in gathering of women. Furthermore, some have also quoted Paul in Galatians 3:28 as teaching that women and men are equal in roles. ‘’There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female; for they are one in Christ Jesus. But, this verse does not teach individual roles in the Church. Justification is the subject of discussion in this verse. Verse 26 introduces the subject , viz, all being the children of God by faith in Jesus Christ. There is absolutely nothing in these verses that suggest the bestowing of individual roles in the Church. Salvation by faith is a universal experience by all children of God, but gifts or roles are given as God wills. Are all apostles? or are all teachers? was asked by Paul to clarify this fact. Another popular view is that when Christ died on the cross, he brought freedom for women preachers or teachers. But Paul, who started his mission many years after the death of Christ, is the same apostle who instructed women not to teach or to have authority over men. Does it mean the glorified Christ who promised to reveal to Paul what he had to write lied to him?(Acts 26:16).That is unthinkable.
Posted on: Thu, 14 Aug 2014 09:34:22 +0000
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