then teach about women in ministry, realizing that she must fit into God’s plan as a Christian woman before she can minister the Gospel of Christ.

This is so important to understand and comply with because once a woman begins to minister, she then represents God to the church.  Her life must be in line with God’s Word or her ministry cannot be trusted.  If she is in rebellion and or disobedience then the devil can use her.

The following is one of the scriptures responsible for the doctrine that women cannot teach or operate in the gifts of the Spirit in church.

1 Corinthians 14:33b-36 As in all the churches of the saints, the women should keep silence in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be subordinate, as even the law says. If there is anything they desire to know, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church. What! Did the word of God originate with you, or are you the only ones it has reached?

It helps to understand the setting of a Jewish synagogue back when Paul wrote this instruction to the wives.  Women were not allowed in the synagogue proper. There was a wall separating the women from the men.  This wall was built with large hole so the women could hear the teaching.  It became a common practice for the wives to shout to their husbands during the teaching.  This was not only embarrassing for the husband, but it also became very disruptive to the service. Wives were definitely usurping their husbands authority and not learning in silence.

It is hard to break a habit.  Women were accustomed to being in synagogue.  Now they were Christians going to church which has a different structure where men and women worship together.  Wives are used to speaking out in synagogue, that’s what they knew.  Now it is easier to speak to their husband sitting next to them, which disrupted the service and the preacher.   Paul recognized the need to correct this behavior. 

Verses 33 to 36 cannot be plucked out of this chapter and a doctrine made from them.  Paul is instructing Christians on proper conduct during a church service. As he states in verse 33, the wives talking out adds confusion to the the service.  Paul is not addressing ministry here.  He is addressing church conduct to women in general, telling the husbands to keep their wife in line.

Paul is teaching order in the church service.  Wives were talking to their husbands during the gifts and sermon causing confusion.  If they were talking, then they were not listening.  Paul shows his disproval of their actions by asking them, “What!   Did you write the Word of God that you know so much you don’t have to listen to the gifts and preaching?”

1 Timothy 2:12-14 is another scripture used to form the false doctrine that women are not to teach men.  At first, the impression is given that women are never to teach men anything, anywhere, for any reason.  However ridiculous that statement is, it has been enforced in denominational churches.  Unfortunately, I still run into this attitude in many good, strong, Christian men. 

1 Timothy 2:12-14  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.

The problem with this scripture is in the translation.  Paul did not intend this scripture to be used to prevent women from teaching.  Paul wrote this scripture as an instruction to husbands and wives regarding their conduct in church.

The word "woman" is the Greek word "gune,"  which is from the root word woman but it specifically means wife.  It is the same Greek word found in Ephesians 5:22.

If the rendering was referring to women in general the Greek words gunaikarion, presbutis, theleia would have been used.

The word "man" here is the Greek word "aner" (anayr) again from the root word man, but specifically meaning husband.

If the rendering was referring to men in general the Greek words arren, arsen, and teleios would have been used.

The word for teach is the Greek word "didasko,"  which means to give instruction.

If the rendering here was to teach and train the Greek words paideuo, katecheo, and didaktikos would have been used.

Picture a wife who wears the pants in the family.  She is the one who gives all the orders and things are run her way.  This scripture is saying a wife is not to control or dominate her husband.

Men and women have different roles in life.  In this scripture, Paul was addressing men and women in their role of wives and husbands; not men and women in the role of teachers.  To apply this scripture to the teaching ministry is to take this scripture out of context.

Let’s read this scripture using the word "wife" and see how it flows with the fifth chapter of Ephesians and the rest of the Bible.

“Let the wife learn in silence with all subjection (submission). But I suffer a wife not to teach or give instruction, nor to usurp authority over the husband, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the Wife being deceived was in the transgression.”

Adam named his helpmeet Woman.  After the fall, he renamed her Eve.  Doesn’t that sound more like what we have already learned in Scripture?  Verse14 “deceived” applies to the flesh as well the spirit.  Ladies, God says women are easily deceived.  There can be no argument about this fact: women need a Godly man to protect them.

Now this scripture blends with the rest of the scriptures that teach women to respect, submit, and obey their husbands.  This scripture does not validate the false doctrine that it is wrong for women to teach the Word of God to a mixed group.  If this were true, then there are a lot of disobedient women in scripture whom God feels are note worthy.

The Call to Preach the Gospel applies to all mankind.  Throughout Paul’s New Testament writings, he encourages women to teach.  Paul was not against women teaching the gospel.  When it comes to the calling to preach the gospel to all men, no gender is implied.  The command is given to all men and women.

Galatians 3:26-29 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 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. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Mark 16:17-18 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you , even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Acts 18:26 And Apollos he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.

Philippians 4:2-3 I beseech Euodias (a woman), and beseech Syntyche (a woman), that they be of the same mind in the Lord. And I entreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow laborers, whose names are in the book of life.

1 Corinthians 11:4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head.

This word covered in the Greek is "kata" which means; down in place in varied relations with which one is joined; down; opposition.  Lets read the scripture using the complete meaning of "covered."

1 Corinthians 11:4 Every husband praying or prophesying, having his head covered (wife opposing him, because she is not in submission to him), dishonors his head (Christ).

This  never changes, not in one’s personal life or in ministry.  God’s plan is that women always have a covering.  Whether it be husband, father, brother, or pastor she must have a Godly man covering her for her own protection.

Wives, be in submission to your husbands.  If your husbands let you have control, and you take the position, then you not only dishonor your husbands, your husbands dishonor Christ!  These  verses are simple to comprehend once the understanding is clear for vs 4.

Wives are to be in submission to their husbands, in order to pray or prophesy, or they dishonor their husbands and they disgrace themselves as if their heads were shaved.

1 Corinthians 11:5-6 But every woman that  prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head: For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.

Traditions of men make void the Word of God.  Women teaching men is not going against God’s Word, but man’s tradition.  It was against man's tradition for women to attend the main service in synagogue. Man's tradition required them to sit in the back with a opened wall dividing them from the main room.  It was man's tradition that stopped women in the past to teach men.

Mark 7:13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

Matthew 15:6 Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.

Matthew 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men

Even though the early fathers of our church translated the word "gune" properly in Ephesians 5, they certainly fell short in 1 Timothy 2:12-14.  I believe it was done intentionally, to support the "doctrine of men" disallowing women to teach men.

I have had men come to me and call me demon possessed because I taught to a mixed congregation.  I have had men tell me they did not listen to a thing I taught because they did not have to.  My response to them was that I was preaching the Word of God and they should listen to that!  Or other times, when I was in a mood, I would tell them it was too bad they had such a close-minded attitude toward God’s messenger.  Oh well, they lost the blessing!   In spite of those close-minded men, God has continued to use me to teach His Word, setting captives free. 

Notice that in every scripture introduces the woman, states her calling and then states her covering. 

Exodus 15:20 And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.

Judges 4:4-5 And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of , she judged Israel at that time. And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in mount Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment.

2 Kings 22:14 So Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asahiah, went unto Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college;) and they communed with her.

2 Chronicles 34:22 And , and they that the king had appointed, went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvath, the son of Hasrah, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college:) and they spoke to her to that effect.

Luke 2:36-38 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; And she 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. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spoke of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

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.

Through the years, since Paul has walked the earth, many false doctrines have been presented and enforced in the church regarding women teaching men.  Paul’s very own words were interpreted incorrectly in order to validate these doctrines.  How sad the church, out of pride and ignorance, has denied anointed women the pulpit. Paul was not against women preaching the gospel.  God used Paul to instruct his church regarding women in ministry.  Paul  was laying down the ground rules so women would know how to minister within the boundaries set by God.

I have found the only way to kill traditions of men, is to dig into the Word and find out what the Word shows us.  This takes time and the usage of study books like a concordance, such as the Strong’s; a history book like Josephus; biblical encyclopedias, et cetera.

Paul instructed women to work in harmony in the Lord and commanded the church to help them!

Romans 16:1-2 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: That ye receive her in the Lord, as becomes saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.

Greek word for servant is Diakonos = deacon.

Diakonos is in the masculine gender is the same word used by Paul to speak of himself and Apollos (1 Corinthians 3:5), Tychicus (Ephesians 6:21; Colossians 4:7) and Timothy (1 Timothy 4:6).

The original Greek translation meant “table waiter.”  Paul makes it clear he is referring to those who preach the gospel, ministers of the Word of God.

Paul instructs them to assist Phebe in her work, not push her aside and take over. He endorses her ministry by telling everyone she has ministered to him and he received it.  During his recommendation, Paul never tries to isolate her ministry to only women and children.  He is instructing the men of the church to listen and receive her ministry.  He assures them she has fruit from her ministry, he is seen it and experienced  it himself.

Romans 16:3-5 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. Likewise greet the church that is in their house.

Priscilla helped her husband pastor a church in their home.  Paul commended them and encouraged Christians to attend their church.  Again he clearly states she, along with her husband ministered to him.  Paul never refers to Priscilla as “the Pastor’s Wife.” 

Romans 16:6  Greet Mary who has worked hard among you.

Again Paul uses the same verb here to designate Mary has ministered hard in the gospel.  “Worked” is the same word used in 1 Corinthians 15:10 for apostolic duties.  Together with 1 Thesalonians we see that those who “labor among you and are over you in the Lord.”  Mary is definitely in a position of leadership here and Paul is endorsing her ministry.

Romans 16:12 Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labor in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which labored much in the Lord. Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.

Tryphena, Tryphosa, Persis, are all women.  Paul commends them and Rufus’s mother for working so hard in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 1:10-11  I appeal to you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no dissensions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is quarreling among you, my brethren.

It is important to note that Paul takes the word of a woman and responds with an act of discipline to a whole church.  Paul respects Chloe’s judgment concerning a problem in the church of Corinth.  Paul does not consider Chloe a gossip, but, rather, an elder with the authority to make such a judgment.  Although it is never stated, it is possible that Chloe is the pastor of her people.

Jesus also verifies a woman’s ministry in scripture.  It is difficult to fit the following scriptures into the “women cannot teach men” doctrine.   Jesus knew that prominent Jewish men came to Mary in the night to learn the gospel.  What a cover up.  No one would be suspicious of men going to Mary’s home at night considering she had been a prostitute before following Jesus.  But Jesus knew these men were now going to Mary’s home to hear the gospel.

John 11:45 Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.

Mary knew it was important to learn from the master, to refresh and expand her knowledge in order to continue to teach.

Luke 10:38-42 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

The statement “sat at Jesus’ feet” means she sat there as a student.  Jesus tells Martha that Mary has chosen the correctly, to learn the Word of God from the Master teacher.

It has only been in recent years that women have been allowed to teach and minister from the pulpit to a mixed congregation.  In the past, women have been restricted to teaching other  women and children, which scripture does instruct them to do.

1. Are you lording your spirituality over your husband?

2. Are you trying to minister God’s gifts without your husband’s knowledge or approval?

If you answered “yes” to either of the two questions above, then you must stop. Put your ministry on the shelf, and pray that your home life becomes united. Ministry begins at home, if your home life is not styled after the Word of God, then it will be impossible for God to work around your mistakes and bless your ministry.

God’s calling to the ministry will always concur with a person's partner and family because the call  is always accompanied with God’s grace and anointing.  If the husband is called to travel, and circumstances direct the wife to remain home, then God will grant his mercy, grace, and anointing on the family. The same applies if the wife is called to travel and the husband remains home.  Scripture shows Peter left his wife and family to preach the gospel.

Just like the marriage, God’s calling will be a one flesh project.  If possible, the wife should travel with her husband, praying for him and supporting him. There is nothing more fulfilling than to minister the Word of God with your husband or wife by your side, but this is not always God’s plan.

It is possible for a wife to recognize her calling and begin to minister in God’s gifts before her husband is even born again.  As long as the husband understands and approves of her ministry, the wife has her head covered as described in scripture.

1 Corinthians 11:5 But every woman that prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.

This scripture has a literal meaning.  In those days it was the custom for women to wear a veil over their heads and their faces to show they were married.  Today, in our society, the husband and wife wear  wedding rings on their left hands to indicate their marriage covenant.

It is important to understand these scriptures are written to born-again couples. There are other scriptures and guidelines to follow for a born again wife who has an unsaved husband.  God does not expect or demand that a Christian woman compromise her stand on the Word of God.  She still has to submit to her husband, but if he is telling her to do something that is contrary to God’s Word, then she must refuse to obey.

When women are in line with God’s Word in their marriage, they are totally free to minister the gospel.

I am an exhorter and I love to make scripture come alive to people by giving them life experiences that prove out the Word of God. The Word of God is clear that we defeat the enemy by…

Revelation 12:11 “…the blood of the Lamb, and the word of our testimony.”

Let me share a story about an event that happened to Richard, me and another girl in our church in Oakhurst, California. It is 2 Timothy 3:1-7 come alive!

One Sunday a man named Charles showed up in our church.  He seemed to be very turned on to the Lord, and willing to minister the Word of God through both preaching and music.  But I noticed whenever he would approach me, I felt uncomfortable. 

I never gave this a second thought nor did I take what he said to me as “prophecy” like he intended it to be.  About one month later, on a Sunday morning, Richard sat straight up out of a deep sleep and said, “There is something wrong with that man.”  I thought the whole thing rather strange and wanted to know, “What man?” “Charles, he only approaches women and only when they are standing alone.” This, I had never observed, but I noted what my husband had said.

Later that day, after the worship service, Charles came directly up to me, took my arm and told me to come with him he had something important to tell me, “from the Lord.”  Because of what had happened that morning with my husband, inside I thanked the Lord, and said to Charles, “If you have anything important from the Lord for me, then you will feel free to deliver this message with my husband present.”

You would have thought I suggested going before the devil himself. He grabbed my arm, his face changed into one of immediate anger, he scowled at me stating, “the message I have is personal to you, not to Richard.” I removed myself from his grasp, told him to keep his message to himself and went and stood by Richard.

Unfortunately, the story does not end there. Charles continued his games unchecked by the men of the church. He quickly gained the confidence of most of the women in our church, so much so, they would not listen to my warnings. They all thought Charles was very spiritual.

Eventually, Charles accomplished exactly what he had set out to do. (vs 6)   He found a lonely, attractive, single mother who was believing God for a strong, spiritual husband.  As far as she could see, Charles fit-the-bill.  The pastor had showed he approved and accepted Charles, by giving him his pulpit at a Sunday night service and allowed him to minister in song many times during Sunday services.  In spite of our friendship, and her respect for my ministry, she would not listen to my warnings.

A few weeks later, the men of the church noticed Charles had set up residence in this woman’s home.  At this point, he quit attending church and secluded himself from the men of the congregation who tried to contact him.  She also closed herself off from all her friends, her pastor, and the elders of the church.  We risked our friendship many times calling her, begging and pleading with her to listen to us, but Charles had already gained her trust and her love.  She would not hear or believe what we would tell her.  We even found out he had a wife and child who lived in Fresno, California!  When we told her she became angry and refused to believe us. 

Although he was not ordained under anyone nor would he submit himself to any pastor,  Charles told her since he was a minister,  I use the term lightly, he could marry them and God would recognize the marriage.  They had a mock marriage ceremony in her home, just the two of them and went to bed.  He told her they were married in God’s eyes.  She, being a silly woman, laden with sins, led astray by her lusts, decided it was okay even though what she was doing did not fit into God’s guidelines for a Christian marriage.  She would not listen to her pastor nor to Richard.  She felt everyone was crazy and jealous of her and her new found love.

Finally, as a church, we came together and began to pray warfare over the situation.  We commanded the devil to remove the blinders and release her to the truth of the situation.

A few days later, Charles called Richard to tell him to back off.  Charles did not realize that the woman ( we will call her Laura) had picked up the other phone and was listening to their conversation.  Richard asked Charles some very important questions and when she heard his answers she was shocked and amazed.

During their conversation, Charles told Richard he (Charles) believed when he was preaching the Word of God he (Charles) could never be wrong in what he was teaching. He also informed Richard that God was 1/3 evil. This piece of information raised the hair on the back of her neck and it broke the bondage allowing her to see very clearly what was really going on.

Later, I began to show her in the Word of God where she could have avoided all this pain if she had been submitted to her pastor,  God’s provision for the single women in his church. Single women have their pastor for a covering until they find a husband.

Charles was literally run out of town.  As far as we know, he went back to his wife and child. Charles is a perfect example of  “talking the talk, but not walking the walk.” His heart was self serving, and he was a master at taking advantage of young single women to fulfill his lusts and desires. 

       

You are visitor number

Send mail to charla@drfry.com with questions or comments about this web site.

Copyright © 1999 Charlotte Fry
Published by Promise of Life Ministries
All rights reserved.
God's Plan for Woman and Man - ISBN # 1-892771-08x