Serving:
A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. – 1 Tim 2:11-13
For years, the question, “Are women allowed to be in ministry?” has been asked. The different answers have led to the division of churches, the birth of churches, and even the death of churches. But above all, it has led to the utter silencing of millions of women.
What is the truth on the subject?
Let us take a dive into scriptures and some history.
In the Greek, it is the word ‘diakonia‘ which means ‘service, ministering, especially of those who execute the commands of others;’ ‘of those who by the command of God proclaim and promote religion among men,’ etc. A person who serves or ministers is referred to as a ‘diakonos‘.
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Speaking:
Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. – 1 Cor 14:34
“And afterward, I will pour out My Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on My servants, both men and women, I will pour out My Spirit in those days. – Joel 2:28-29
But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouragement, and consolation. The one who speaks in a tongue builds himself up, but the one who prophesies builds up the church.
I wish you all spoke in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be strengthened. 1 Cor 14:3-5
On the next day we left and came to Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. (He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied.) Act 21:8-9
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The Conclusion of the Matter
It is so easy to believe without a doubt that the first scripture totally bans women from having expression in Church. But when placed beside these other scriptures, they seem contradictory. In a situation like this, many dishonest people will discard the scripture that seems to be in opposition to their personal or even Denominational beliefs. But the Word of God must not be divided deceitfully (2 Timothy 2:15).
It is humility to try to understand what God is saying especially when His word seems contrary to popular beliefs and opinions. Align with scriptures. Don’t try to make scriptures align with you.
Prophecy is not just speaking in tongues, prophecy is also speaking the words of God; to speak on behalf of God. In the scriptures, Miriam, the sister of Moses, was a prophetess (Exodus 15:20); Pricilla together with her husband Aquila, taught the church of the Gentiles in Rome, the church met at their house, and they even taught the great Apollos (Romans 16:3-5, Acts 18:26).
Through the years from the apostles till date, God has anointed and raised men and women who have accomplished much salvation in the earth. Amazing miracles and healings, the humility and grace on male and female lifes just can’t be ignored.
Jesus said that you know someone is a false prophet, by their fruits (Matt 7:16). So you look at the woman, is she preaching the fruits?
What are the fruits of the women in whose hands God committed ministry?
Source of Definition: Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament by Joseph Henry Thayer
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