Women Can Hold High Office. Deborah Was a Judge, But Not a Priest.
As
the only female judge mentioned in the Bible, Deborah is known for
being a compassionate leader (of which there weren't many in Biblical
times). She worked to purge the nation of those who kept Israel
spiritually complacent and under slavery to the Canaanites, returning to
worship of the one true God.
Women in the Bible
played crucial roles in biblical narratives: Women were not just side
characters; they were central to many of the Bible's most pivotal
moments.
That being said, here are a few core reasons why we should study and reflect on women depicted in the Bible.
Women of the Bible have:
- Contributed to the fulfillment of God's plan: From Sarah to Mary, women played integral roles in God's overarching plan for humanity.
- Left a lasting legacy and impact: Their stories continue to inspire and guide believers today.
- Inspired and empowered others: Through their faith and actions, biblical women have motivated countless generations.
- Served as examples of righteousness and virtue: Their lives can provide lessons in how to live righteously.
- Encountered transformative encounters with God: Stories of women like Hannah and Mary Magdalene show profound moments of divine interaction.
- Nurtured and cared for their families: From the very beginning, women like Eve played essential roles in the family unit.
- Embraced their unique callings and giftings: Each woman, from Deborah to Ruth, had a unique role and purpose in the biblical narrative.
Ultimately,
learning about women of the Bible can help us understand and apply
powerful lessons about the value of resilience, trust, and faith that we
see in women of the Bible.
Who Are Some of the Great Women in the Bible?
These prominent women include the Matriarchs Sarah,
Rebecca, Rachel and Leah, Miriam the prophetess, Deborah the Judge,
Huldah the prophetess, Abigail (who married David), Rahab, and Esther. A common phenomenon in the Bible is the pivotal role that women take in subverting man-made power structures.
Does The Bible Allow Women To Be Pastors, Bishops or Deacons?
Reading
through Scripture, a few passages stand out that directly speak to the
role of women in the church:
1 Corinthians 11:3-12, 14:34-35, 1 Timothy
2:11-15 and Titus 1, 2. These passages are the foundation for the
conclusion that women cannot serve as pastors in churches. God created women to be a helpmate to a man.
According to 1 Timothy 2:12, it is not considered lawful for
a woman to "rule over" a man, as it states that a woman should not
teach or exercise authority over a man. However, none of
these scriptures forbid women from teaching their children or speaking
in church giving their unique God-given insights.
What Does the Bible Say About Lois and Eunice?
“I
am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your
grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now
lives in you also” (2 Timothy 1:5). As we see, Lois and Eunice were
sincere in their faith and they were able to pass this down to Timothy.
Without godly women there would be no church.
Can Women Be Pastors, Bishops, or Deacons? What Does the Bible Say?
A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach.
~ 1 Timothy 3:2
Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. ~
1 Timothy 3:12
Unless you twist the scriptures, it is plain that bishops and deacons are husbands (men) and the wife is a woman. There is no biblical authority for women to be pastors, bishops, or deacons. However, wives can be of great help to her husband when he serves in the Church.
To learn more about what the Bible teaches on various topics,
You Are Cordially Invited to Renew Your Strength Bible Study Group
