Woman and the Church

It is sometimes stated that the apostle Paul, according to his letters, was opposed to women teaching women and men or having ministerial authority within the church and its community. Because Paul was one of the apostolic fathers and his letters part of the New Testament, this has been considered to be ample reason

for disallowing women to teach men or have any leadership role within their community. Yet if one reads the writings of Paul, there is proof of women who worked with him within the church and in the ministry of the gospel. Paul also stated that, in terms of our spiritual being, we are "neither male nor female," thus putting all beleivers under "non-gender" as one church in Christ. Because there have been different interpretations of Paul's letters in his statements toward women, he has appeared to look somewhat contradictory in his letters.

Of the several interpretations given to Paul about women, the most common is that the women Paul mentions in his letters who helped him in the ministry were just that, "helpers," not only for Paul but for all those of the male gender. Yet, this alone disproves the statement made by Paul that all are "neither male nor female"

within the church.

Rather than trying to interpret Paul's passages that are dedicated to women in a way that limits their work within the church and church community, and because of

it the work accomplished for Christ, would it not seem better to understand the female passages in a way that furthers God's work by having more women involved

in the ministry? Of course interpreting God's Word is important, but in interpreting God's Word we want to be careful we do not put words in God's mouth by misinterpreting any information He gave to Paul about women, particularly if it limits souls from finding God's Kingdom.

It is important to study God's Word, not from assumed traditions but with earnest intent of obeying God, so that the ministry work can be furthered and in the process more souls brought to Him.

In understanding the letters on the role of women, we may better understand what Paul meant when he wrote that all are "neither male nor female" but one church united under Christ our Lord.


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	It is sometimes stated that the apostle Paul, according to his letters, was opposed to women teaching women and men or having ministerial authority within the church and its community. Because Paul was one of the apostolic fathers and his letters part of the New Testament, this has been considered to be ample reason for disallowing women to teach men or have any leadership role within their community. Yet if one reads the writings of Paul, there is proof of women who worked with him within the church and in the ministry of the gospel. Paul also stated that, in terms of our spiritual being, we are "neither male nor female," thus putting all beleivers under "non-gender" as one church in Christ. Because there have been different interpretations of Paul's letters in his statements toward women, he has appeared to look somewhat contradictory in his letters. Of the several interpretations given to Paul about women, the most common is that the women Paul mentions in his letters who helped him in the ministry were just that, "helpers," not only for Paul but for all those of the male gender. Yet, this alone disproves the statement made by Paul that all are "neither male nor female" within the church. Rather than trying to interpret Paul's passages that are dedicated to women in a way that limits their work within the church and church community, and because of it the work accomplished for Christ, would it not seem better to understand the female passages in a way that furthers God's work by having more women involved in the ministry? Of course interpreting God's Word is important, but in interpreting God's Word we want to be careful we do not put words in God's mouth by misinterpreting any information He gave to Paul about women, particularly if it limits souls from finding God's Kingdom. It is important to study God's Word, not from assumed traditions but with earnest intent of obeying God, so that the ministry work can be furthered and in the process more souls brought to Him. In understanding the letters on the role of women, we may better understand what Paul meant when he wrote that all are "neither male nor female" but one church united under Christ our Lord.

	Women in Church Women in Ministry Women at Home Conclusion