Topic(s): Bible Authority, Worship

Bob Prichard

Women have always figured significantly in God’s work. The Old Testament tells of women such as the prophetess Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron (Exodus 15:21); Huldah, a prophetess (2 Chronicles 34:22-28); and Deborah, a prophetess who judged Israel (Judges 4:5). A prophetess was a woman inspired by God. The preacher is one who publicly proclaims a message, usually a message revealed by the inspired writers of scripture. Study of the Old Testament suggests that the prophetesses prophesied only privately, or to other women. Luke mentions Anna, a prophetess, who “was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day” (Luke 2:36-37). Other prominent New Testament women such as Phoebe and Priscilla served God faithfully. There is no mention in the New Testament, however, of these or any other women preaching publicly.

What should be the basis of deciding whether or not a woman should preach? Does our “age of equality,” “equal pay for equal work,” “gender neutral” culture demand that women be preachers just like the men? It seems that the thinking of many modern church leaders is along these lines, as various denominations ordain more and more women each year. How can we settle this question, without falling prey to emotionalism, prejudice, or simply bending to the predominant culture? The only answer is to turn to the New Testament, God’s standard for the church today.

The predominant inspired penman of the New Testament is the apostle Paul. He wrote more than any other writer. Giving instructions to the evangelist Timothy, he said, “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. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression” (1 Timothy 2:11-14). “I suffer not” means “I do not permit” (NIV), or I do not allow a woman “teach or usurp authority over the man.” Thus Paul settles the question of whether or not a woman can preach. If and when it involves a woman in the position where she will “teach or usurp authority over the man,” she is not permitted. Since the public proclamation of the gospel is the heart of the work of a preacher, then Paul excludes women. He gives two reasons: (1) Adam was first formed, and (2) Eve led in the transgression, being deceived in Eden.

Some say Paul was prejudiced toward women, and his views must be set aside in our “more enlightened” age. If we set aside his teachings on this issue, however, what do we do with the rest of his writings. If he was wrong on this issue, then what about faith and salvation? We are not free to pick and choose among the various scriptures and keep what we like and abandon what does not fit with our own prejudices and desires. We must obey what it says. Although God has restricted the work of women in the area of preaching, there are still tremendous possibilities for service for faithful Christian women.