Conclusion

According to Scripture, we study God's Word so we can have a better understanding of His Truth.

2 Timothy 3 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

("Man" from Greek anthropos: human being) (Strong 444).

This Scripture also holds true for the role of women, particularly because women have been and can be very beneficial to the growth and sustenance of the body of the church. It is in understanding this, beyond their right to becoming Christian alone, that puts greater importance in the need to understand Scripture on the role of women in the church.

On the first page, my intention was to do just that.

If the writings of Paul teach that women are not to minister the Word of God through His gifts and are to be absolutely "keep silent," then one would have to assume that Paul's letters would seem to be a little contradictory considering that they show there were women involved in the ministry at his advice and that he approved of their work, as well as gifts of work they were given.

We should ask if traditional belief in controversial Scripture about women should be kept. At the least, Scripture should be studied to find its proper meaning. In the process, controversial passages that once seemed controversial will learn to edify each other.

The first followers of Christ are a witness to us of the behavior we should display. They were not so concerned with whether it was a man or woman who was ministering but that everyone who could minister did. Every day they lived knowing that they could possibly give their lives so that others, including we who would later believe in Christ, could have this chance to receive the gospel.

Many women, as well as men, risked their lives, were beaten, tortured, and died in the name of Christianity. How could women not work to minister the gospel, yet they could die for it?

This event, which took place before the conversion of the apostle Paul (Saul), tells of women who risked their lives for the ministry:

Acts 81 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.3 As for Saul,he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

Verses 3-4: women of the church were being persecuted for the same reason as men, they were witnessing the Faith. According to verse 4, they continued to do so.

Ministering the gospel gives others a chance to find God's salvation.

John 3 tells us of God's gift of Salvation.

John 3 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Notice it says "that whosoever believeth in him should not perish" (v. 16). It does not say, whosoever believeth in him should not perish -- unless they were taught by a woman.

If a woman does not help "gathereth" souls for the gospel then it is possible that she may also "scattereth" by losing souls, because the souls she could have witnessed to but did not may not get another chance to hear the gospel, which could risk their ever having a chance for salvation.

Matthew 12 30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.

It is my opinion that Paul's letters on the role of women and the church have been misunderstood. But for those who do not believe this, should we wager the opportunity for salvation for any soul by limiting the ministry of the Word, inside or outside a church setting, whether it be spoken by a man, woman, or child?

2 Peter 3 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Some may say that a woman can minister the gospel for salvation, but she cannot teach men. If a woman truly is a minister of the gospel for salvation, whenever the chance may be to do so, then she may at times need to teach men.

All Christians can learn from each other in the Faith.

To act by way of worldly authority is to walk in arrogance. To walk by way of God is to serve our Lord with the gifts that He has given. In understanding this, we also understand that we do not reject the opportunity to minister salvation to those in need. What is most important is not who is ministering, but that the Word of a God who loves us is being ministered...John3:16...because everyone has the right to hear the gospel and have the opportunity to understand His Word and find salvation through Him.

There is but One Teacher who calls us to do His will.

John 4 25 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.

All humanity, male and female, are called to do so.

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Strong, James. Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. Hendrickson Publishers, Incorporated, 2009.


		Home Woman and the Church

Conclusion

	According to Scripture, we study God's Word so we can have a better understanding of His Truth. 2 Timothy 3 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. *("Man" from Greek anthropos: human being) (Strong 444). This Scripture also holds true for the role of women, particularly because women have been and can be very beneficial to the growth and sustenance of the body of the church. It is in understanding this, beyond their right to becoming Christian alone, that puts greater importance in the need to understand Scripture on the role of women in the church. On the first page, my intention was to do just that.* If the writings of Paul teach that women are not to minister the Word of God through His gifts and are to be absolutely "keep silent," then one would have to assume that Paul's letters would seem to be a little contradictory considering that they show there were women involved in the ministry at his advice and that he approved of their work, as well as gifts of work they were given. We should ask if traditional belief in controversial Scripture about women should be kept. At the least, Scripture should be studied to find its proper meaning. In the process, controversial passages that once seemed controversial will learn to edify each other. The first followers of Christ are a witness to us of the behavior we should display. They were not so concerned with whether it was a man or woman who was ministering but that everyone who could minister did. Every day they lived knowing that they could possibly give their lives so that others, including we who would later believe in Christ, could have this chance to receive the gospel. Many women, as well as men, risked their lives, were beaten, tortured, and died in the name of Christianity. How could women not work to minister the gospel, yet they could die for it? This event, which took place before the conversion of the apostle Paul (Saul), tells of women who risked their lives for the ministry: Acts 81 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.3 As for Saul,he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. Verses 3-4: women of the church were being persecuted for the same reason as men, they were witnessing the Faith. According to verse 4, they continued to do so. Ministering the gospel gives others a chance to find God's salvation. John 3 tells us of God's gift of Salvation. John 3 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. Notice it says *"that whosoever believeth in him should not perish"* (v. 16). It does not say, whosoever believeth in him should not perish -- unless they were taught by a woman. If a woman does not help "gathereth" souls for the gospel then it is possible that she may also "scattereth" by losing souls, because the souls she could have witnessed to but did not may not get another chance to hear the gospel, which could risk their ever having a chance for salvation. Matthew 12 30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. It is my opinion that Paul's letters on the role of women and the church have been misunderstood. But for those who do not believe this, should we wager the opportunity for salvation for any soul by limiting the ministry of the Word, inside or outside a church setting, whether it be spoken by a man, woman, or child? 2 Peter 3 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Some may say that a woman can minister the gospel for salvation, but she cannot teach men. If a woman truly is a minister of the gospel for salvation, whenever the chance may be to do so, then she may at times need to teach men. All Christians can learn from each other in the Faith. To act by way of worldly authority is to walk in arrogance. To walk by way of God is to serve our Lord with the gifts that He has given. In understanding this, we also understand that we do not reject the opportunity to minister salvation to those in need. What is most important is not who is ministering, but that the Word of a God who loves us is being ministered...John3:16...because everyone has the right to hear the gospel and have the opportunity to understand His Word and find salvation through Him. There is but One Teacher who calls us to do His will. John 4 25 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. All humanity, male and female, are called to do so. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Works Cited Strong, James. Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. Hendrickson Publishers, Incorporated, 2009.