10.23.08
Posted in Rebuttal at 2:05 pm by Administrator
An open rebuttal to “But What about Deborah? Why the Example of Deborah Does Not Support the Candidacy of Sarah Palin” written by William Einwechter on October 2, 2008. This message in its entirety can be viewed at the Vision Forum Blog http://www.visionforumministries.org/issues/ballot_box/so_what_about_deborah.xm
Point 1
Quote: “there are a number of us who believe that God has ordained the order of male headship for every sphere of government: family, church, and state. Therefore, as we understand Scripture, it is a violation of God’s law for a woman to seek the office of civil magistrate (doubly so if she is a wife or mother), or for Christians to support her for office or vote for her.”
Response: Is it a violation of “God’s law” for a woman to seek the office of civil magistrate –taking a position of governmental leadership?
God, when He created humankind gave dominion/rule of the earth to both the male Adam and the female Eve. (Gen 1:26, Gen 1:28) In creation we see God’s purpose was for male and female to rule the earth together. We find no “law of God” at the creation of mankind which eliminates women from serving in a governmental office. Eve ruled over the earth just as did Adam.
We also find that God did not cease to place women in positions of leadership after the fall of Adam and Eve in Micah 6:4, where the prophet of God says, “Indeed, I brought you up from the land of Egypt And ransomed you from the house of slavery, And I sent before you Moses, Aaron and Miriam.”
The Hebrew word translated as “before” has the figurative meaning of face – as the part that turns. This noun also designates the top or surface of something. It also connotes the front of something, like an army
Miriam, God says, was sent by Him along with Moses and Aaron to function as the part that turns Israel. Miriam along with Moses and Aaron held the top positions and were in the front – as leaders - of this massive army of Israel.
So far, we see no “law”of God forbidding women from serving as governmental leaders in the examples of Eve and Miriam. Instead, we see God clearly using women to serve as governmental leaders along with men.
It is ludicrous to suppose that we have only the one Biblical example of Deborah to use as our example of women serving in roles of leadership.
God continued to carry out His original purpose of both men and women serving as equal partners in leadership. God continued to carry out His original purpose of women as well men having His authority to rule and have dominion.
Deborah’s position as a judge was not a “one time because it was extraordinary times” occurrence. God continued to carry out His original purpose and chose Deborah to fulfill a position of leadership over Israel as a judge.
Another observation I would like to point out – the nation of Israel who received God’s law and practice the law of God DID NOT find the law to say women could not serve as governmental leaders or civil magistrates. Instead, we find the woman Golda Meir ruling as a governmental ruler over the nation of Israel. This woman is world renown as one of Israel’s most influential Prime Ministers. Isn’t it interesting that those who know God’s law the best do not find that God’s law prohibits women from serving in positions of government and as civil magistrates.
Point 2
Quote: “It is significant to note that the “judges” in the book are not identified with the elders of Israel. This means that the judges were not part of the normal, structured government of Israel, and so, whatever the exact nature of their public leadership was, and it may have varied, they were not civil magistrates; they did not govern in the civil sphere.”
Response: I disagree with your conclusion. Scripture clearly shows that elders did not cease to exist when kings ruled Israel as governmental leaders and civil magistrates. Elders functioned under the kings, just as they functioned under the judges.
The “civil government” of elders did not nullify the judges from serving as governmental leaders, just as their presence did not nullify the kings from serving as governmental leaders.
Point 3
Quote: “Evidence of this fact is seen in the story of Gideon, one of the most illustrious of the judges. After his great victory over the Midianites, he was offered the position of chief ruler of Israel, but he categorically turned down the offer.”
Then the men of Israel said unto Gideon, ‘Rule thou over us, both thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son also: for thou hast delivered us from the hand of Midian.’ And Gideon said unto them, ‘I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the LORD shall rule over you.’ (Judg. 8:22-23)”
Response: Gideon was not refusing to judge Israel as a civil magistrate or governmental leader – he was refusing to be KING, he did so because he understood Israel already had a king – GOD !!
Gideon continued to function as a judge over Israel after refusing to be their king. As a judge he served as a governmental leader but NOT as their supreme ruler. Gideon knew that God alone was the supreme ruler of Israel.
Point 4
Quote: “In fact, none of the men who served as judges are ever pictured in the text of the book of Judges in the role of a civil magistrate (i.e., of ruling as elders, princes, or governors). Or, as Richard Schultz expresses this fact, “There is no clear textual evidence that these individuals ever exercised any judicial authority.”
Quote: “The judges were men who were used of God to defend the cause of an oppressed Israel by executing judgment on the enemies of Israel. Hence, when the text says that they “judged Israel” it does not mean that they governed Israel as civil rulers, but that they carried out God’s judgment on Israel’s oppressors and defended the people from further oppression.”
Response: The word of God says both the men and women who served as judges JUDGED Israel. We can not detract from the function God says each of these judges fulfilled.
The Hebrew word translated as “judged” is a verb which means to “judge, to govern and encompasses all the facets and functions of government: executive, legislative, and judicial.”
2Samuel 7:11 even from the day that I commanded judges to be over My people Israel; …
The Hebrew word translated as “be over” is a preposition “meaning upon, over, against, by, to, for.” Judges served as governmental leaders OVER Israel.
2Ki 23:22 Surely such a Passover had not been celebrated from the days of the judges who judged Israel, nor in all the days of the kings of Israel and of the kings of Judah.
Again, the Word of God says those who served as judges JUDGED Israel. The judges governed Israel in all facets and function of governmental leadership.
Rth 1:1 Now it came about in the days when the judges governed,
The word translated as governed in this text is the same word translated as “judged” and means “to judge, to govern and encompasses all the facets and functions of government: executive, legislative, and judicial.”
The judges of Israel governed in governmental leadership.
I personally find it appalling that your thesis’ point is to strip the judges of their governmental function as civil magistrates simply because a woman is named among them. I truly wonder would you come to the same conclusions if a woman was not named as one who judged Israel – I do not think that you would.
Point 5
Quote: “The biblical text indicates that the judges functioned as national deliverers, i.e., they were men who were raised up by God to fight against the enemies of Israel in view of breaking the yoke of Israel’s foreign oppression.
…the hand of the LORD was against [Israel] for evil, as the LORD had said, and as the LORD had sworn unto them: and they were greatly distressed. Nevertheless the LORD raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them (Judg. 2:15-16).”
Response: Those who served as judges DID NOT only perform just the one function of deliverer. If you would have looked just one verse further to verse 17 you would have found that those who judged Israel not only brought deliverance but they SPOKE – as in giving instruction – to the nation of Israel.
Jdg 2:17 -19 Yet they did not listen to their judges, for they played the harlot after other gods and bowed themselves down to them. They turned aside quickly from the way in which their fathers had walked in obeying the commandments of the LORD; they did not do as their fathers. 18 When the LORD raised up judges for them, the LORD was with the judge and delivered them from the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge; for the LORD was moved to pity by their groaning because of those who oppressed and afflicted them. 19 But it came about when the judge died, that they would turn back and act more corruptly than their fathers, in following other gods to serve them and bow down to them; they did not abandon their practices or their stubborn ways.
Judges in the book of Judges were not only deliverers – they spoke instruction to Israel as a spiritual leader –they instructed Israel to follow the commands of the Lord and to not turn aside to idol worship. Judges were more than deliverers from oppressors. They spoke under the influence of God to Israel as spiritual leaders.Thus Israel followed the instruction of the judge while he lived and returned to their evil ways after the judge’s death.
1Ch 17:6 “In all places where I have walked with all Israel, have I spoken a word with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd My people, saying, ‘Why have you not built for Me a house of cedar?’”‘
The Hebrew word translated as “shepherd” means “to care for, to protect, to graze, to feed flocks and herd, to rule as a shepherd over sheep.”
God COMMANDED those He appointed as judges to shepherd the nation of Israel. These God appointed judges watched over and protected Israel just as shepherds watch over and protect their sheep.
Those who judged Israel DID NOT simply function as deliverers – they functioned as shepherds who watched over, carried for, and protected Israel, just as a shepherd cares for his sheep.
As we read the book of Judges we find these men and one woman did deliver Israel from their oppressors and AFTER delivering Israel from the oppressors they continued to judge Israel as civil magistrates, as spiritual leaders and as shepherds. Thus the word reports, they “judged Israel ** many years.”
Point 6
Quote: “This leaves us with Deborah and Barak. What were their roles? Which one was the judge, or were they both judges?”
Response: The Word of God clearly says it was Deborah who was judging Israel. Barak is not once named as being a judge. Again, I find it appalling that you would try and strip off from Deborah her mantle of judge in order to place this mantle upon the male Barak when the Word of God clearly states no such thing.
Point 7
Quote: “How does the biblical text describe Deborah and her role in Israel? The text says that she “judged Israel at that time.” It is important to understand that the function of Judges 4:5 is to explain how she judged Israel: The people of Israel came up to the place where she dwelt seeking “judgment” from her. What, then, does it mean that she “judged” Israel? There are a number of things to consider in answering this question. Note, first of all, that her judgment was tied to her gift of prophecy. Her judgment was a charismatic function related to her prophetic role. There is no indication in the text that her judging was based on a position (an office) she held in the civil government of Israel; she is never identified as an “elder,” “governor,” or princess. Next, consider the fact that the place of her judgment was under a palm tree and not in the gates of the city, the place where the elders (the civil rulers and civil judges) normally governed (Deut. 16:18; Ruth 4:1-2; Prov. 31:23). Finally, note that her judging was not related to defending the cause of Israel against foreign oppressors by fighting against them, but it appears to have involved settling disputes and questions of law for the children of Israel. If we take the words of the Scripture as our guide, we see that the judging ministry of Deborah was not that of an appointed civil magistrate or a military leader, but of a divinely inspired woman giving God’s Word to those in Israel who sought her out.
Response: If we let the Hebrew word translated as “judged” speak for itself we find your conclusion concerning Deborah to be pure assumption and conjecture on your part. The Word clearly says Deborah judged and ALL Israel came up to her for judgment.
The text itself gives all the evidence that is needed to declare Deborah a civil magistrate when it says Deborah JUDGED. Again, this Hebrew word means, ““judge, to govern and encompasses all the facets and functions of government: executive, legislative, and judicial.”
The word of God DOES NOT say her role as a judge was tied to her gift of prophecy. The Word says she was a prophetess and a judge –she fulfilled two distinct roles in Israel. It is an assumption and pure conjecture on your part to combine these separate functions. Deborah acted in much the same way as Samuel in the nation of Israel in that they both spoke the word of the Lord as prophets and judged the nation of Israel as God appointed judges.
If Deborah was simply speaking as prophetess and prophesying to those who came to her the writer of the book of Judges would have used the word “prophesying” and said “at this time Deborah was prophesying “and NOT used the word “judging”.
The writer of the book of Judges does in fact use the word “prophesied” of one who did indeed prophesy but did not operate as a judge in Israel in chap. 6 verse 8. If Deborah had operated as such – prophesying - the writer of the book of Judges would have recorded the function of Deborah as prophesy, just as he recorded the function of this prophet of God.
The word of God does not say Deborah was prophesying at this time or that Israel come up to her for a word of prophesy. The Word of God clearly says Deborah was JUDGING Israel at this time and Israel came up to her for JUDGEMENT.
You can not strip Deborah of her functions as both a prophetess and a judge in Israel. Deborah judged Israel exactly as all the others who were appointed by God to judge Israel. Deborah was appointed by God to “be over” Israel exactly as all those who judged Israel before her and after her.
Point 8
Quote: “In Judges 5:7, Deborah refers to herself as “a mother in Israel.” There is debate over what this actually means. It could indicate that she was married (or she may have been a widow at the time of Judges 4-5) and was a mother of children. But it could also be figurative, indicating that Deborah saw herself as one who had a maternal concern for Israel. Regardless, the phrase does point to Deborah’s consciousness that her role was consistent with her female gender. What she did for the house of Israel was consistent with what a godly mother would do for her own household in times of distress. It also suggests that Deborah did not presume to take headship in Israel or usurp authority over the men.”
Response: According to John Gill, Deborah’s words in which she referred to herself as “a mother in Israel” were “qualifying her to be a mother to Israel, to teach and instruct them in the mind and will of God, to administer judgment and justice to them, to protect and defend them, and in all which she discovered a maternal affection for them; and as a good judge and ruler of a people may be called the father of them, so she, being a woman, is with propriety called a mother in Israel, having an affectionate concern for them as her children.”
Deborah as a good judge and ruler referred to herself as “a mother in Israel.” I also do not agree with your conclusion that Deborah’s reference to herself as a mother in Israel “suggests that Deborah did not presume to take headship in Israel or usurp authority over the men.” Deborah as a judge exercised authority over men.
Point 9
Quote: “Deborah was not a “judge” in the sense that the book of Judges defines that role; that specific role belonged to Barak. She did not fulfill the role of a warrior or lead Israel into battle. When it was time for Israel to rise up and throw off the yoke of Jabin, king of Canaan, and judge the enemies of God’s people, the Lord did not call or appoint Deborah to fight Jabin or command the armies of Israel. Instead, God used her, as His prophetess, to call and appoint Barak to that position.”
Response: Yet, the book of Judges clearly names Deborah as one who judged Israel and not Barak. Would you strip King David from the title of king simply because there were times he did not “go out to war”with his armies? Would you strip from King David his title as king simply because in the recounting of many battles we do not read of his part or portion in said battle?? Would you strip King David of his title as king simply because he also had a commander of the army who went out to war with him?? I think not!!
Just as it would be ludicrous to strip King’s David title as king from him based on your reasoning, so it is also with Deborah.
The Word of God does not give any report concerning Deborah’s involvement in the actual battle one way or the other. I could assert that she was actively fighting alongside of Barak BUT that would be simple conjecture and assumption on my part. The Word of God simply does not reveal if Deborah took an active part in the battle or not. It simply reveals she was present when the battle took place.
Also, if I follow your reasoning and logic I would NOT name Barak as judge; instead, I would name Jael as judge and deliverer of Israel for it is she who took the life of Sisera and liberated Israel from the hand of Jabin.
Point 10
Quote: “conclude that it is God’s will that men are given headship in the civil sphere.”
Response: Hmmm, isn’t it interesting that the very God you state “gave man headship in the civil sphere” at creation gave Eve equal dominion and authority to rule with Adam, placed Miriam in front of Israel as a leader with Moses and Aaron, and appointed Deborah to be over Israel as a judge.
My conclusion is entirely the opposite of yours. I conclude it is God’s will for men and women to have headship in the civil sphere.
Point 11
Quote: “The Bible also establishes the doctrine of male headship based on the creation order.”
Response: I see no such doctrine of “creation order” established by God in the creation of human kind.
Genesis 1: 26-27 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27. And God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him: male and female He created them.
Genesis 5: 1-2 This the book of the generations of Adam. In the day when God created man, He made him in the likeness of God. 2. He created them male and female, and He blessed them and named them Adam in the day when they were created.
The word man in Hebrew is “adam” and means: “mankind or a human being.”
Man was NOT created before woman. Woman existed IN Adam on the day they were created.
Genesis 2:18 Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.”
Of all that was created by God only ‘man’ (in whom both the male and female nature dwelled) was spoken of as not being good by God. To remedy what was not good - “man’ as one being - God would separate Adam into two separate beings. One would hold the male nature and one would hold the female nature. What was once one being would be two separate individual beings.
Genesis 2:23 The man said, “This is now bone of my bones, And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man.”
God did not create Eve out of dust because she already existed IN Adam. Eve was taken OUT of Adam. The ONE flesh of the original creation ‘Adam’ was now two separate beings – Adam and Eve. God did not take Eve from Adam’s side as a being who was inferior to the male. Eve was equal with Adam while she dwelled in Adam. Eve was still an equal being with Adam when she was taken out from his side.
Genesis 2:24 For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.
For what reason do husband and wife become one flesh — for the reason that ‘man’first existed as one being and in marriage the two beings are rejoined together again as one. Man and woman began as one – were separated into two individual beings –and are rejoined as one in marriage.
Point 12
Quote: “If the example of Deborah is used to justify female rulers in the state, then it can also be used to justify female teachers and rulers in the church.”
Response: Your statement here clearly states the “rub” – why you seek to strip Deborah’s mantle and position as a judge over Israel. To receive Deborah as judge does open the door for women to teach and have positions of authority and leadership in the church. As we search the Scriptures we do not find Deborah to be the lone example which opens the doors to women to teach and have positions of authority and leadership in the church. Deborah is but one example I’ve submitted in this rebuttal this day.
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10.04.08
Posted in Women in Ministry at 11:21 pm by Administrator
* Priscilla and Aquila
Act 18:2 And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, having recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla,
Act 18:18-19 Paul, having remained many days longer, took leave of the brethren and put out to sea for Syria, and with him were Priscilla and Aquila. In Cenchrea he had his hair cut, for he was keeping a vow. 19 They came to Ephesus, and he left them there. Now he himself entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews.
Priscilla and Aquila – a husband and wife ministry team – were fellow laborers in the ministry of Jesus Christ with Paul. In Romans 16:3 Paul refers to them as “my fellow workers in Christ Jesus.”
Paul left these fellow workers in Christ Jesus in the city of Ephesus.
Was Paul’s act of “leaving them there” just their separation – a going in different ways – or was it Paul leaving them in the city of Ephesus as ministers under his apostolic oversight.
Paul says of Titus in Titus 1:5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you,
When coupled with Paul’s words to Titus we find that it is possible that Paul “left” Priscilla and Aquila in the city of Ephesus as ministers under his apostolic oversight.
In this capacity – as laborers in the ministry of Christ Jesus – they took Apollos aside in order to instruct him more correctly in the Word of God.
Act 18:26 and he began to speak out boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.
As a husband and wife ministry team they oversaw and cared for a church which met in their home.
Romans 16:3-5 Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who for my life risked their own necks, to whom not only do I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles; 5 also greet the church that is in their house.
1Corinthians 16:19 The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Prisca greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
* Apostles, Jesus’ brothers (James and Jude), and Peter traveling in ministry with their wives:
1Corinthians 9:5 Do we not have a right to take along a believing wife, even as the rest of the apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas?
The apostle’s wives, the wives of James and Jude, and Peter’s wife traveled with them as they went forth ministering the gospel.
Were these wives simply the ‘traveling companion’ of their husbands?
We know from Acts 2 the Holy Spirit fell upon both male and female and it was Peter who quoted from the Prophet Joel saying “this is what was spoken of through the prophet Joel: ~ AND IT SHALL BE IN THE LAST DAYS,’ God says, ‘THAT I WILL POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT ON ALL MANKIND; AND YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY, ~ EVEN ON MY BONDSLAVES, BOTH MEN AND WOMEN, I WILL IN THOSE DAYS POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT And they shall prophesy.
I have a hard time believing that the Peter who saw the Holy Spirit fall on both male and female and who spoke the fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel simply had his wife come along as his traveling companion.
Peter, who understood this prophecy was fulfilled that day through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, would not have limited his wife to being a simple travel companion or restricted her from ministering in prophesy.
The Greek word translated as “prophesy” means “speak forth by divine inspiration,to teach, refute, reprove, admonish, comfort others”
Peter, as well as the rest of the apostles and the brothers of Jesus, would not have restricted their believing wives from ministering beside them as they traveled together.
* Possibly: Andronicus and Junias
Romans 16:7 Greet Andronicus and Junias, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners, who are outstanding among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.
Junias = Junia in the Greek and is the name of a female.
Many Bible commentaries sight the possibility of these two outstanding apostles as being a husband and wife ministry team just as Priscilla and Aquila were.
Ministering as a Husband and Wife team:
+ Know and trust each others strengths and spiritual gifts:
Each member of the husband and wife ministry team has their own ministry strengths and manifestation of spiritual gifts.
As we walk as a team in ministry we not only must know each other strengths and spiritual gifts, we must trust them as they are in operation and are being manifested in ministry though our partner.
If we do not have this trust we can “interrupt” the move of the Holy Spirit through our partner.
Ministry as husband and wife often takes the appearance of a “tag team”. One ministers and then steps back and the other steps in to minister. Each one delivers the portion of ministry given to them by the Holy Spirit.
My husband’s strengths are speaking a prophetic word and the word of wisdom, while my strengths are discerning of spirits and the word of knowledge.
My strengths are teaching, while my husband’s are building up the body through a word of exhortation and encouragement.
+ What about when we have a conflict in a time of ministry?
We make an active choice to trust the Holy Spirit and His ministry through our partner.
We NEVER correct or question one another publicly – we discuss and debate the issue when we are alone.
Most of the disagreements we’ve had have been due to lack of communication or assuming the other meant something they did not.
+ Ministring as a team requires getting over all petty jealousies, all competition with one another, and dying to self
Each one of these takes place in the husband and wife ministry team through the process of ministering together.
As jealousies and competition issues arise we must choose to die to our flesh and its self seeking desires.
It is a process – it does take time. Operating in love is vital in both members as these issues arise. The one struggling must choose to walk in love and die to the flesh. The other member must respond to the one struggling with love – not with hurt or offence.
Love and communication are vital in an effective husband and wife ministry team.
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Posted in Women in Ministry at 11:15 pm by Administrator
Let’s look at the book of Acts and see its witness of women preaching the Word and testifying as His witnesses.
Acts 10:40-42 “God raised Him up on the third day and granted that He become visible, 41 not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen beforehand by God, that is, to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. 42 “And He ordered us to preach to the people, and solemnly to testify that this is the One who has been appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead.
Who ate with Jesus after he rose from the dead?
Luke 24:33 And they got up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found gathered together the eleven and those who were with them,
Who are “those that were with them”? In Acts 1:14-15 we find that these were 120 in number and included men and women.
Luke 24:41-43 While they still could not believe it because of their joy and amazement, He said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” 42 They gave Him a piece of a broiled fish; 43 and He took it and ate it before them.
Who are “those that were with the eleven” and ate with Jesus?
In the book of Acts we find those that were with the eleven numbered 120 and were made up of both male and females.
(Acts 1:14-15) These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. 15) At this time Peter stood up in the midst of the brethren (a gathering of about one hundred and twenty persons was there together), and said,
Peter in Acts 10:41-42 is referring to the words Jesus spoke to ALL those who ate with him that day - both male and female.
Luke 24:46-48 and He said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day, 47 and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 “You are witnesses of these things.
Now, you may say that I’m assuming too much because I can’t specifically prove that on that day “those with them” were both male and female.
Let’s look at another section from Acts where we can specifically place women as those who were commanded to witness and to preach.
Acts 13:31-32 and for many days He appeared to those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, the very ones who are now His witnesses to the people. 32 “And we preach to you the good news of the promise made to the fathers,
The Greek word translated as “preach” means “to publish, proclaim openly: something which has been done, public proclamation of the gospel and matters pertaining to it.”
Women as well as men had come up with Jesus from Galilee to Jerusalem.
Matthew 27:55-56 Many women were there looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee while ministering to Him. 56) Among them was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.
Mark 15:40-41 there were also some women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the Less and Joses, and Salome. 41 When He was in Galilee, they used to follow Him and minister to Him; and there were many other women who came up with Him to Jerusalem.
Luke 23:49 And all His acquaintances and the women who accompanied Him from Galilee were standing at a distance, seeing these things.
It is undeniable that both men and women came up to Jerusalem from Galilee with Jesus. Paul in Acts 13:31-32 said those who did so are now His witnesses and preach the good news of Jesus Christ.
In Acts 8 we find the church being persecuted and scattered. We know the scattered church contained both men and women because in Acts 8:3 Saul ravaged the church dragging off both men and women and putting them in prison Acts 9:1-2 Saul receives permission to go to Damascus to persecute any of The Way – both men and women.
Acts 8:4 says, “those who had been scattered went about preaching the word.”
Acts 11:19 So then those who were scattered because of the persecution that occurred in connection with Stephen made their way to Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except to Jews alone.
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09.18.08
Posted in Women in Ministry at 10:10 pm by Administrator
“God has set aside the pastoral office and ministry for men only.”
This statement made conveys the either of two meanings - 1) “all ministry in the church, including the office of pastor, is for men only” or 2) “that the office and ministry of pastor belongs to men only”?
Each of the meanings of these statements place a different level of `service’ allowed women in the church.
The first excludes women from ALL ministry positions in the church, in effect allowing women to simply be `pew sitters’ or `pew warmers’ in the church.
The second excludes women only from serving in the office of pastor, while allowing them freedom to serve and minister elsewhere in the church.
One of the problems which faces the church concerning the issue of women and their ability to minister in the church is exactly this - how, when, and where are they allowed by Scripture to serve??
Different church denominations have allowed different levels for women’s service in the church. Each denomination claims to have based their determination upon Scriptural command.
If it is truly so “plainly written in English“, if it is so “plainly written in black and white” as you wrote in one of your later posts, why is there such great difference in what each church denomination has determined to be the correct Scriptural usage of women??
If the Scriptural truth is as you said “spelled out in plain English” than according to 1 Cor.14:34 all woman must be absolutely silent in the church; she is not allowed or permitted to speak one single word. It is improper for any woman to speak one single word in the church.
That is exactly what the “plain English” says of women’s ability to speak in the church.
If we are to apply this verse `exactly as it says” as you would say we must, then women must NOT open their mouths in church ever - not one word are they permitted to speak.
Not only can they not speak in the church, they can not sing and they can not teach Sunday school in the church. Each of these requires a woman opening her mouth and uttering words.
If we take this verse “exactly as it reads” all women must NEVER utter a word in the church. A woman must be absolutely silent in the church at all times.
Almost all church denominations have put aside such a literal interpretation of this Scripture as nonsense. They have done so because of clear Scriptural indications made in the Bible through other Scriptures of women being allowed to speak in the church.
Now comes the question: if women are allowed to speak, just where, how much, and to whom can they speak?
Which leads us to an “exactly as it says” “in plain English” look at 1 Tim 2:12.
If we are to apply this verse `exactly as it says” as you would say we must, then women must Never teach or exercise authority over any one who is of the male gender and not only must she never teach of exercise authority over a male she is commanded once again to be silent.
An `exactly as it says” interpretation of this Scripture would command a woman to not teach any male - no matter his age!! An `exactly as it says” interpretation of this Scripture would command a woman to NEVER have any authority over a male - again no matter his age!!! An “exactly as it says” interpretation of this Scripture commands a woman again to be in total silence!!!
These Scriptures can ABSOLUTELY NOT be interpreted exactly as written. To do so is in direct violation of other scripture.
A quick case in point is Phoebe who is called by Paul a servant / minister. The Greek word for `servant / minister’ is diakonos and means according to the Strong’s Greek Dictionary “specifically a Christian teacher and pastor (technically a deacon or deaconess)”
As a deaconess Phoebe would operate in authority over many who were male in gender.
Paul who supposedly wrote women were to have no authority over the male gender COMMENDS Phoebe to the Roman church and orders them to help her in whatever she has need of.
Paul would have to be a “double minded man” for us to translate 2 Timothy 2: 12 “exactly as it says.”
By the one Scriptural and unarguable example of Phoebe we must expel the first meaning of your statement. Phoebe was allowed ministry in the church.
By the one Scriptural and unarguable example of Phoebe called by Paul as a diakonos - which means SPEFICALLY a Christian TEACHER and PASTOR and technically a deacon or deaconess - we have Scriptural evidence to build upon to expel the second meaning of your statement. By Paul’s usage of this Greek Word we have a woman in a position of authority over man and who was quite possible a pastor, a teacher, and at the very least a deaconess.
I pray that you at the very least understand that these verses can not be interpreted “exactly as they say.” The result would be devastating to the church as many of the labors would be disqualified for service!!!
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09.02.08
Posted in Submission at 5:04 pm by Administrator
The context of Ephesians 5 is established in verses 1 - 2.
Ephesians 5:1-2 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; 2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.
The context of chapter 5 is for ALL Christians – male and female - to be imitators of God and Jesus by walking in sacrificial love.
Paul begins the topic of subjection in verse 21.
Ephesians 5:21 and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.
Verse 21 says EACH GENDER is to be subject to the other in the fear (reverence) of Christ. The Christian male is subject to the Christian female and visa versa - in Christ one gender is not above another, we are to be subject to one another.
In Verse 21 Paul puts the husband and the wife in subjection to one another.
We are commanded to be in subjection to one another. Submission is not about being under leadership or authority of another or we would all be under each others leadership and authority.
We find this mutual subjection to one another not only commanded in this scripture but in several other Scriptures which command us to “prefer one another” (Romans 12:10), to “put others and their needs before our own”(Philippians 2:4), “seeking for the good and the benefit of others”(1 Thessalonians 5:15), with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves (Phi 2:3), etc.
1 Corinthians 16:16 teaches submission and subjection to all – to such as these and to everyone who labors in the work of the gospel and that everyone includes women in subjection to men, and men in subjection to women.
1 Corinthians 16:16 that you also be in subjection to such men and to everyone who helps in the work and labors.
The Greek word translated as ‘such men’ is “toioutos” which means “of this sort, like, such”
The word ‘men’ was added by the translators and IS NOT in the original Greek.
Paul instructs the church to be in subjection to such as these (no gender given) and to EVERYONE who helps in the work and labor.
The Greek word translated as subject to is “hupotassō” and is used in its passive form of “hupotassomai”.
The Greek used two other words for submission. The Greek word for dutiful obedience is “hupakouo”. The Greek word for obedient submission to one in authority is “peitharcheo”.
The Greek word “hupotassomai” DOES NOT convey either of these meanings of submission. “Hupotassomai” is voluntarily given; it can not be commanded, required or forced. The one giving “hupotassomai” must give it voluntarily.
What does “hupotassomai” submission look like? We find that answer by looking further at the definition of this word.
“Hupotassomai” conveys the meaning of “tend to the needs of, be supportive of, and be responsive to.”
“Hupotassomai” was also used as a military term and as thus it conveyed the meaning of “equal sharing of the task”.
According to verse 21 every Christian in the fear of Christ – both males and females – are to “hupotassomai” one another in the body of Christ. We are to tend to each others needs, be supportive of one another, and responsive to one another.
Ephesians 5:22-24 Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. 24 But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything.
Verse 22 actually reads “Wives, to your own husbands, as to the Lord.” The words ‘be subject’ are added words by those who transcribed the Bible and are not in the original Greek text.
A wives “hupotassomai” – subjection - is given voluntarily to the husband.
“Hupotassomai” is voluntarily given; it can not be commanded, required or forced.
“Hupotassomai” IS NOT a ranking of persons to rule or be ruled.
Paul by his use of “hupotassomai” explains how submission to one another works in the marriage relationship.
Wives voluntarily meet the needs of, give support to, and are responsive to their husbands in everything.
Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her,
Husbands “agapao” (translated as love) their wives. “Agapao” is almost identical to “hupotassomai” in meaning. It means “giving up of oneself to care for another, be responsive to, tend to the needs of”.
Paul used these two key words in a parallel fashion. He did so to example the marriage relationship in mutual submission to one another.
The sacrificial love which began this chapter is again commanded in Verses 21 - 25. The command of sacrificial love is first redirected to one another in verse 21, then it is directed to wives in verse 22, and lastly to the husband in verse 25.
Wives in the sacrificial love of mutual submission are to prefer their husbands over themselves, put their husband’s needs before their own, and seek for the good and the benefit of their husband.
Husbands in the sacrificial love of mutual submission are to prefer their wives over themselves, put their wives needs before their own, and seek for the good and benefit of their wives.
Ephesians 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body.
This verse is the “hinge” used to establish a doctrine which places wives in a position of being “under the authority and dominion” of their husband or “under the rule” of their husband.
This “hinge” is combined with God’s words spoken to Eve in Genesis 3:16 “Yet your desire will be for your husband, And he will rule over you.”
We come to an incorrect understanding of verse 23 when we combine these two verses to make a doctrinal statement.
The Greek word translated as “head” is “kephalē”. “Kephalē” is NOT the Greek word used for authority of dominion. Paul DID NOT use the Greek word for having authority over, ruling over, or having dominion over in this verse.
If Paul had meant to place the husband in a position of rule over, authority over, and dominion over the wife would have used the correct Greek Word to do so. He instead used a Word which can mean “source of” as in the source of a river.
Paul DID NOT use the Greek Word “oikodespotēs” which means “the head of a family, master of the house” when he spoke of the husband. He choose to use “kephale” which is NOT a word EVER used for authority in the Greek. If he had meant to give the position of “head of the family” and “master of the house” to the husband he would have certainly used the word “oikodespotēs”.
We can not in sound doctrine combine verse 23 with Genesis 3:16 to establish the husband as head or ruler over the wife. The context of this chapter is NOT authority or dominion – the context is imitating God and Jesus by walking in sacrificial love. Verse 23 must be interpreted in this context of sacrificial love.
“Kephalē” carries the meaning of “seizing, taking hold of, and source (as in the original, the beginning or start of something or originating from and being brought forth from an original.)”
Paul is stating in verse 23 that the man Adam was the SOURCE from which Eve was brought forth. Eve was brought forth out of Adam.
Genesis 2:22-24 The LORD God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man. 23 The man said, “This is now bone of my bones, And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man.” 24 For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.
Paul is stating in verse 23 that Christ Jesus is the SOURCE of the church. The church - the Body of Christ - has come forth through the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross.
Ephesians 5:24 But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything.
What is the standard set forth by Jesus for the church?
Matt 20:25 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. 26 “It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, 27 and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
In the church those who RULE (in the Greek: “are first in rank”) are NOT to lord over (in the Greek: “exercise dominion over”) and those who are the great (in the Greek: “those in high position”) are NOT to exercise authority over ( in the Greek: “to have full privilege over”)
In the church those who RULE and hold HIGH POSITIONS are NOT to exercise dominion over or to have full privilege over any member of the body of Christ.
The standard Jesus set for those who rule and hold high position is SERVICE and being a SERVANT. A servant is one who is in SUBJECTION to another.
Wives are to be subject to their husbands in the same standard Jesus set for the church.
Just as we, the church, voluntarily choose to be responsive to Christ and seek for His good first and foremost in all things - so also should wives CHOOSE to be responsive to their husbands and to seek for his good first and foremost in all things.
“Hupotassomai” is not a “demanded” or “commanded” dominion of husband over wife - it is a voluntary CHOICE wives make to seek for and pursue the very best for their beloved husbands in sacrificial love as imitator of Christ.
Just as we as individuals in the Body of Christ freely choose to prefer Christ in all things so also wives freely choose to prefer their own husbands in all things.
Titus 2:5 to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.
The same Greek word for subject, “hupotassomai”, is used in Titus 2:5 and Eph. 5:21 and 24.
The older women are to encourage the younger women to love their husbands in sacrificial love which voluntarily CHOOSES to seek for the good and for the benefit of their husbands.
The submission Paul wrote of in marriage is being willing to actively seek for the very best for another. It is being willing to give honor to another above yourself. It is being willing to work together as one to reach a common goal.
In sacrificial love we walk in subjection to each other - Christian to Christian - we prefer one another, and seek for the good of another over our own good.
In sacrificial love in marriage - husband and wife - prefer one another, and seek for the good of our spouse over our own good.
When we walk in subjection to each other - Christian to Christian - we do so as equals.
When wives choose to walk in subjection to their husbands they do so as equals - equal in position with their husbands as fellow members in the Body of Christ.
Equality does not exist when one is placed in authority or rule over another. Equality does not exist when one is place in a position of obedience to another.
We love to say ‘equal but different functions’ but equality does not exist in this definition of the marriage relationship.
Equality means ‘the state of being equal’. Being equal means “having the same status, same value, same rank, and same ability.”
Colossians 3:18-19 Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them.
Again the word translated as subject is “hupotassō” and is used in its passive form of “hupotassomai”.
“Hupotassomai” is voluntarily given; it can not be commanded, required or forced. The one giving “hupotassomai” must give it voluntarily.
“Hupotassomai” conveys the meaning of “tend to the needs of, be supportive of, and be responsive to.”
Again the word translated as love is “agapao” and means: ““giving up of oneself to care for another, be responsive to, tend to the needs of”.”
Paul again uses these two key words in a parallel fashion. He did so to example the marriage relationship in mutual submission to one another.
1Peter 3:1-2 In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, 2 as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior.
Paul starts this statement off with the words ‘in the same way’. These words connect us to what has been said before this statement.
1Peter 2:12-15 Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation. 13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, 14 or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. 15 For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men.
In the same way – your sacrificial love which voluntary seeking the best for your unsaved husband and your excellent behavior towards your unsaved husband – will silence his ignorance and win him to the Lord on the day of God’s visitation.
1Peter 2:17-19 Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king. 18 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable. 19 For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly.
In the same way – honoring your unsaved husband with submissiveness even if he is unreasonable – finds favor with the Lord. I believe the promise of God to these wives is this – through the favor of the Lord upon the wife these unsaved husbands will be won to the Lord.
Verse 5 is a continuation of the promise.
1Peter 3:5 For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands;
In this same manner – being submissive to ungodly or unsaved husbands and receiving the favor of God – the holy women of the past – who hoped in God – who placed their expectation upon Him and His promise – adorned themselves – with the favor of God and with their hope and expectation set upon God and His promise.
1Peter 3:6 just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear.
This verse is usually ‘the kicker’ for many. Sarah obeyed a husband who did not yet have total faith in God’s promise of protection in the land to which God sent him. He feared being put to death by others so that they could take Sarah as their wife. He made Sarah agree to tell others that she was his sister.
Twice Sarah obeyed this agreement and was taken into the harem of two different kings.
I believe the 1 Peter 3: 5-6 speaks of Sarah in this situation. First, she hoped in God. She could not hope in Abraham – he feared for his life and certainly was not going to deliver her from the harem of these kings. Sarah’s only hope was God and for God to see her plight and deliver her. I believe verse 6 tells us that Sarah hope was so great in God and His deliverance that she was not afraid.
I believe Sarah is used by Peter as an example of a woman who hoped in God without fear and found the favor of God in the midst of their situation. I believe Peter uses Sarah as an example of encouragement to all women who are unevenly yoked with unbelievers in marriage. Hope in God and do not fear. Obey God and submit – even to an unsaved husband who will not submit to you in mutual submission.
Peter is exhorting wives of unsaved husbands to do their part of the mutual submission which finds favor with God. God will deliver them and be with them as He was with Sarah.
1Corinthians 7:3 The husband must fulfill his duty to his wife, and likewise also the wife to her husband. 4 The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does; and likewise also the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. 5 Stop depriving one another, except by agreement for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer, and come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
We find in 1 Corinthians 7;3 the mutual subjection taught in Ephesians 5. The husband has authority over the wife’s body and the wife has authority over the husband’s body. We find equality of making an agreement together for sexual abstinence.
Genesis 3:16 To the woman He said, “I will greatly multiply Your pain in childbirth, In pain you will bring forth children; Yet your desire will be for your husband, And he will rule over you.”
When God said “he will rule over you” God was telling Eve the effect that will come forth from her sin.
God is not setting an ‘order’ or a ‘command’ of husband ruling over the wife. God is stating the effect that will come forth because of her sin. Where there was equal dominion and authority over the earth, in the days ahead man would rise to rule over women.
The effect/result of the original sin was man ruling over woman. Thank God, for the cross which loosed us from the effect of the original sin !!!
The Greek words used for the obedience of children to their parents and slaves to their master are NOT the same word used in being subject to one another or to husband and wife.
Children and slaves are commanded to “hupakouō”. “Hupakouō” means “to heed or conform to a command or authority”.
We are commanded to “hupotassomai” one another in the fear of Christ.
What does this “hupotassomai” mean – it means always seeking the best for someone else.
This is the submission we as Christians, we as wives, and we as husbands are called to.
I gladly and willing seek the very best for my husband !!! He gladly and willingly seeks the very best for me !!!
Priest of the home
It is a “doctrine of man” that places the husband over the wife as a spiritual authority.
God is the spiritual authority of women just as he is the spiritual authority of men. The husband is NOT a spiritual covering of protection over the wife. Women stand accountable to God.
No where can it found in the Bible where God placed man as a priest in the home who mediates before God on the behalf of his wife and children. The husband is NOT a ‘go between’ or ‘mediator’ for his wife or his children before God. Jesus Christ is alone mediator for both man and woman!!!
Many teach that the wife is subject – under obedience to the wishes of her husband in all things.
We find an example from the Word of God when a wife did not abide by the wishes of her husband but went against what he had ordered. When she did so she halted the coming judgment and outpouring of wrath. The Word of God does not condemn or rebuke her for this action – she is instead commended.
Abigail
In 1 Samuel 25 we find David sending ten men to make request for provisions from the man Nabal at Carmel. David made request for provisions from Nabal because of David and his men watching over Nabal’s shepherds and sheep in the fields.
Nabal refuses to give any provision to David and his men. This refusal causes David to be filled with anger and he rose up with his men to go and destroy Nabal and all that he owned.
It was told to Abigail the words of her husband and what he had done. Abigail did not foolishly abide by the spoken wishes of her husband. She quickly arose and loaded donkeys with 200 loaves of bread, two jugs of wine, five sheep already prepared to be eaten, five measures of roasted grain and one hundred cakes of raisins.
Abigail then followed behind the donkeys loaded down with provision for David and his men. This wise woman appeased the anger and wrath of David against her household. If she would have submitted to the wishes of her husband she and her household would have been totally destroyed.
Many have taught that women are to submit and obey their husbands in all things – even if he would command her to sin. This teaching says God will hold only the husband as the priest of his home accountable for the sin and not the wife.
If we look at an example from the Word of God we find this is not so – God held both the husband and the wife accountable for the sin.
Ananias and Sapphire
In Acts 5 we are told the story of Ananias and Sapphire. Ananias sold a piece of property and kept back some of the money for himself while telling the church he had given the full amount. He did this with the full knowledge of his wife, Sapphire.
At the rebuke of Peter for lying to the Holy Spirit Ananias fell down dead. When Sapphire came into the church three hours later Peter asked her if the piece of land had been sold for such and such a price. She replied that it had indeed sold for this price. She also fell dead at the feet of Peter.
Sapphire as well as Ananias was held accountable to God for sin. Sapphire was not covered by her husband as the priest of their home and allowed to commit sin. Sapphire was not allowed through submission to her husband as priest of her home to commit sin. Sapphire was held accountable to God for her choice to commit and carry out the sin of lying.
There is but one priest for both man and woman – Jesus Christ the risen Lord. There is but one mediator before God for both man and woman – Jesus Christ.
Many women have incorrectly been instructed to submit to an unclean spirit which is in control of their husbands.
We are NEVER told in the Word of God to submit to or be subject to unclean spirits. We are NEVER told in the Word of God to submit to or be subject to the manifestation of an unclean spirit in our spouses.
We as Christians must have discerning of spirits in order to never place ourselves in subjection to an unclean spirit. We as wives must have discerning of spirits in order to never place ourselves in subjection to an unclean spirit.
Wives to be subject to the their husband as instructed in the Word of God but to never be subject to an unclean spirit or its actions manifesting in their husband.
Mutual Submission
In the church and the home there must be one in the position of “the buck stops here”. When NO mutual agreement can be reached and only when ALL attempts at mutual agreement has been exhausted there is one who must be able to make the final decision. There are times and situations where one must have the position to make a final decision when no mutual agreement can be reached.
In our church Randy and I are co-pastors - we labor together and share the work of being pastors of the church. Yet, it is stated in our church by laws that if we can not come to a mutual agreement after all attempts have been made to do so Randy will make the final decision which must be made.
My husband is whom God picked to hold this position - the holder of this position does not have to be male by gender - either a male or female can hold this position of making a final decision after all attempts of mutual agreement have been exhausted.
This example is also very active in our home and marriage.
In marriage as equals husband and wife discuss the issue and work together until they come into agreement. If an agreement can not be reached - it is time to operate in preferring one another in love to see if an agreeable compromise can be made.
When Randy and I can’t come to a mutual agreement concerning our children and the issue is not a Biblical issue where a clear Biblical standard is written and when we have exhausted all attempts to come into a mutual agreement - we pray and seek the Lord bringing both sides concerning the situation to the Lord and seek His direction. When we do so we have found there are times when God will tell me to do what Randy instructs in this situation (sometimes with adult children with adult situations the exact opposite of what I want to do - boy does my faith and trust in my God grow in these times!!!) and at other times God will tell Randy to do as I instruct.
This is not anti - Biblical. We have this example in Scripture between Abraham and Sarah when God told Abraham to do whatever Sarah would instruct him.
So, I do believe there has to be someone who can make a final decision when all attempts at mutual agreement have been exhausted.
In emergency situations where a decision must be made at once and there is no agreement between us there must be who has the position of making the final decision. In our marriage the one of us who has the position of making the final decision differs depending on what the situation is.
If it is a decision about taking our children to the Doctor or to the hospital ER I have final and ruling decision. If it is a decision about finances and it has to be made right now my husband has the final and ruling decision.
For each marriage the areas of who has this position of making the final ruling and when are different. These areas are set by the agreement of both the husband and wife.
Jesus as the “kephale” of the church
The Greek word “kephale” is the word which is translated as “head” in reference to Jesus as the head of the body/church.
The Greek word ‘kephale” is used in the New Testament in reference to the literal ‘head’. An example of this is when Jesus said he had no place to lay his head/kephale.
Because of this usage many interpret these Scriptures as they are literally and simply stated. BUT is that the correct meaning Paul meant to convey by his words??
Let’s look at these Scriptures individually.
Ephesians 4:15-16 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.
Paul seems to be using a simple analogy to make his point: Christ = head and the church = body. This is the most common understanding of this portion of Scripture.
Does this Scripture loose its meaning and significance if we instead use the alternative meaning for the word “kephale” which means “source of”?
Ephesians 4:15-16 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the source / who is the beginning/ who is the first fruits among men / who is the first born from the dead, even Christ, from whom [from Him our source and beginning] the whole body is fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.
In Christ the body has its beginning and from Christ, who is the source and beginning, the whole body is fitted and held together. As each joint supplies and works properly the body grows and builds itself up in love.
By using this alternative meaning we get a clearer and better understanding of the significance of this verse.
Colossians 1:18 He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.
The context from which this verse is taken is speaking of Christ as the beginning and the source from which all is created.
Colossians 1:15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities–all things have been created through Him and for Him. 17 He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
Verse 18 continues on to speak of Jesus and says He is also the ‘kephale’ of the body.
In context of Jesus as the source of all that is created verse 18 says He is also the source/ the beginning of the body, the church.
The next words “and He is the” are added by the translators for ease in reading. Verse 18 simply continues on listing Jesus as the “kephale” - beginning, firstborn from the dead and ends with telling us as the ‘kephale’ He is the first of everything.
Colossians 2:10 and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority;
To interpret this Scripture we must first look at the words “over all”. The Greek word translated as ‘over all’ simply means “all, the whole, every”. The word “over’ was added by the translators.
If we use the alternative meaning for the work “kephale” and leave the added word ‘over’ out we find verse 10 says Jesus is the source of all rule and authority.
This is much better translation of verse 10. In His name and in Him alone I have authority over the enemy and the unclean spirits who serve him. Jesus is the only true source of rule and authority.
Ephesians 1:22 And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church,
After putting all things in subjection under Jesus’ feet, God gave Jesus as the source who is over all things to the church.
This verse coupled with Colossians 2:10 we see that Jesus is the source of all rule and authority and He as the source of all rule and authority has been give to the church by God.
Colossians 2:19 and not holding fast to the head, from whom the entire body, being supplied and held together by the joints and ligaments, grows with a growth which is from God.
In this verse we again see Jesus is the source from whom the entire body is supplied and held together by the joints and ligaments and grows with a growth which is from God.
These verses do not lose their meaning or significance as we use the alternative meaning of source for the word “kephale”.
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08.18.08
Posted in Women in Ministry at 6:16 pm by Administrator
Genesis 1: 26-27 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27. And God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him: male and female He created them.
Genesis 5: 1-2 This the book of the generations of Adam. In the day when God created man, He made him in the likeness of God. 2. He created them male and female, and He blessed them and named them Man in the day when they were created.
The word man in Hebrew is “adam” and means: “mankind or a human being.”
The masculine nature of the male and feminine nature of the female are created in the likeness and image of God. The masculine and feminine natures first existed in God.
Mankind or Adam at his creation was made in the exact likeness and image of God. In his exact likeness to God Adam held not only masculine nature but also the feminine nature. Man was NOT created before woman. Woman existed IN Adam at creation.
Both the masculine and feminine nature existed first in God.
To say God only possesses the male nature and possess none of the feminine nature fails to examine what God says of Himself. He says He is El Shaddai, which means “the many breasted one”!!
El-Shaddai:
El Shaddai, traditionally interpreted as the Almighty, may be interpreted as the Breasted One from the Hebrew word shad, meaning breast.
The Hebrew word shaddai comes from the root word ‘breast’. Literally translated it would mean ‘many-breasted one’.
El Shaddai occurs 48 times in the Old Testament. The word El Shaddai has many connotations to it, one of them is Almighty. Many Bible translations choose to bring out Almighty as the primary emphasis of the word El-Shaddai. To do so ignores the other connotations of the word El Shaddai, one of which is The Breasted One – taken from the meaning of Shaddai which means mountain or breast, sustenance, satisfaction, & sufficiency.
El points to the power of God Himself. Shaddai is derived from the word shad meaning breast, which implies that Shaddai signifies one who nourishes, supplies, and satisfies. It is God as El who helps, but it is God as Shaddai who abundantly blesses with all manner of blessings.
Shaddai refers to God completely nourishing, satisfying, and supplying His people with all their needs as a mother would her child. Connected with the word for God, El, this denotes a God who freely gives nourishment and blessing, He is our sustainer.
Women and the female nature were not an afterthought by God.
Genesis 2:18 Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.”
Of all that was created by God only ‘man’ (in whom both the male and female nature dwelled) was spoken of as not being good by God. To remedy what was not good - “man’ as one being - God would separate Adam into two separate beings. One would hold the male nature and one would hold the female nature. What was once one being would be two separate individual beings.
Genesis 2:23 The man said, “This is now bone of my bones, And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man.”
God did not create Eve out of dust because she already existed IN Adam. Eve was taken OUT of Adam.
When God took the woman Eve OUT from Adam He left the masculine nature of the male in Adam and brought forth the female nature of woman in the bodily form of Eve.
The ONE flesh of the original creation ‘Adam’ was now two separate beings – Adam and Eve.
God did not take Eve from Adam’s side as a being who was inferior to the male. Eve was equal with Adam while she dwelled in Adam. Eve was still an equal being with Adam when she was taken out from his side.
Genesis 2:24 For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.
For what reason do husband and wife become one flesh — for the reason that ‘man’ first existed as one being and in marriage the two beings are rejoined together again as one.
Man and woman began as one – were separated into two individual beings – and are rejoined as one in marriage.
The New Testament also gives verification.
Matthew 19:4 And He answered and said, “Have you not read that He who created (them) from the beginning MADE THEM MALE AND FEMALE, 5 and said, ‘FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER AND BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH’? 6 “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.”
The man shall ‘be joined’ to his wife. The Greek word translated as be joined mean: “to adhere to / be joined together / be made ONE”.
When men and women marry the TWO separated beings are rejoined together to become ONE FLESH.
When the husband and wife are joined together as one flesh they are returned to the one flesh Adam and Eve dwelled as in their original creation.
It is for ‘this cause’ - Adam and Eve being created as one flesh in the beginning - that man and woman are joined together as one flesh when they marry.
The Hebrew word translated as ‘one’ has the meaning of not only “one” but also of “first”. Man and woman in marriage are joined together in the likeness of the first flesh - Adam and Eve dwelling together in one flesh!
Verse 6 says, “Consequently, they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.”
The Hebrew word translated as ‘two’ has the meaning not only of “two” but it also means “twain”.
Twain means to be separated. Consequently man and woman are no longer separated, but are rejoined as one flesh. Consequently they are no longer separated, but are rejoined as they were in the first flesh.
In marriage what God once separated is no longer separated but is rejoined by God and made again to be one flesh as it was in the beginning at its creation
In the beginning man and woman shared equal roles of dominion.
In Genesis 1: 26 and Genesis 1: 28, God made no distinction between male and female when He gave THEM the AUTHORITY to RULE over the earth.
Genesis 1:26 … Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over …
Genesis 1: 28 And God blessed them; and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
Scripture records dominion over the earth being given to both of Adam and Eve and NOT to Adam alone.
God gave the authority to RULE the earth to them. God’s plan has always been for male and female to rule and have authority together. From the very creation of man and woman God’s purpose was for the male and female to work as equals and together have authority and dominion over the earth.
Genesis 2:18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.”
Adam by stating that Eve was bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh was not defining her purpose or signifying his leadership over Eve. He was simply stating a fact - Eve had been taken from inside of him and was now a separate being. The one flesh of
‘Adam’ had now become two separate beings of Adam and Eve.
Woman was made by God as a “helper suitable” for man.
The Hebrew words translated as ‘helper suitable’ is “ezer” which defines “one who has something to offer the one who is in need of aid or is helpless”.
“Ezer” is a powerful word which is used by God in reference to Himself in the Old Testament. God is referred to as an ‘ezer’ in Exodus 18:4, Duet.33:7,26,29, Psalms 33:20, Psalm 70:5, Psalms 115:9-11, Psalms 121: 1-2, Psalms 124:8, Psalms 146:5.
An ‘ezer’ is not a position of subordination or submission. God Himself as an ‘ezer’ is certainly not in subordination of in submission to any.
‘Ezer’ or ‘Help’ used in the context of the creation of Eve does NOT place Eve in a weaker or secondary position, just as it does NOT place God in a weaker or secondary position when used of His coming to our aid and our help.
To interpret the word Ezer as placing women in positions of servant hood and being secondary to man would also require you to place God in a secondary or servant position to man. God refers to Himself as an Ezer numerous times as He came to the aid of Israel.
The word ‘ezer’ is just one portion of the Hebrew phrase used to describe the woman God took out of the side of Adam. In the original Hebrew manuscripts the word ‘ezer’ does not stand alone but is coupled with the preposition ‘ke’ and the adjective ‘neged’.
The Hebrew preposition ‘ke’ denotes the meaning of “according to what is in front of” or “corresponding to.” The Hebrew word ‘neged’ means “what is conspicuous or in front.”
A literal translation of ‘ezer kenegdo is “like his counterpart, corresponding to him” and should be translated as “a power equal to him.”
The Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon translates the meaning of ‘keneged’ as “equal and adequate to himself.”
Eve as a ‘ezer keneged’ was created as an equal and adequate help to Adam.
Eve was NOT a lesser or secondary creation. Women are not lesser or secondary creations of God.
The Bible teaches men and women are equal in all things. From their very beginning when man and woman were created by God He created them as equals – giving them equal authority and power to rule and have dominion over all His creation.
I find that God did NOT create woman as a lesser or subservient creation. Woman was created by God totally equal with man.
God’s true order has always been equality!!!
God has not changed His purpose for creating woman!! God placed the first woman Eve in a position of rule, leadership, in a position of authority alongside the man. Woman was not created under, below or less than the man - woman was created by God to walk alongside and share the rule of all creation with man.
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07.31.08
Posted in Women in Ministry at 9:43 am by Administrator
Overseers/Elders
Many use this exact portion of scripture – 1Timothy 3 - to argue against women holding positions of authority and leadership in the church.
Two offices are spoken of in this section of scripture. One is referred to as ‘overseer’ and the other is referred to as ‘deacon’.
1Timothy 3:1 It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do.
According to the Strong’s Dictionary of the Greek the words translated as “any man” in the Greek is the word “tis” which is a non gender specific word meaning: “anyone, any man, any woman, whoever.”
The gender specific pronoun “he” in Verse 1 was added by the translators – it does not exist in the original text.
Paul is saying in 1Timothy 3:1 “if ANYONE aspires to the office of an overseer, it is a find work desires to do.”
Paul did not use gender specific words as he begins to speak the requirements for an overseer/elder in the church.
If Paul had wanted to limit being an overseers/elder to the male gender he would have used gender specific words — Paul did not use gender specific words because he was not limiting these offices to be held by males alone.
In this portion of scripture Paul uses non gender specific words which include ALL – male and female – who seek to serve in this office — Paul is NOT limiting this office to men alone.
Only one qualification for overseer/elder is addressed specifically to men and has definite gender word usage – the requirement of being “the husband of one wife”.
1Timothy 3:2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife,…
Some have interpreted this scripture to say overseers/elders must be a male because they see this statement as being addressed to husbands – which are obviously males.
Is this Paul’s intent? I do not believe it is because Paul used a non gender specific word when speaking of those who seek the office of overseer/elder in 1Timothy 3:1.
If we compare Titus 1:5-6 we find that Paul again used non gender specific words when speaking of the office of overseer/elder.
Titus 1:5-6 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, 6 namely, if any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion.
In Verse 6 the Greek Word translated as “man” is again the Greek Word “tis” which is a non gender specific word meaning: “anyone, any man, any woman, whoever.”
Paul says if anyone – non gender specific - is above reproach.
Paul in 1 Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:6 then continues on with the requirements for the office of overseer/elder – listing each requirement one after the other or in a series. An overseer/elder must be above reproach. An overseer/elder must be the husband of one wife. An overseer/elder must have believing children. An overseer/elder must not be accused of dissipation or rebellion.
“Husband of one wife” is just one of the listed requirements among a series of requirements. This requirement does not make this office to be limited to males alone.
When Paul gave the “husband of one wife” requirement he was giving a specific requirement for men who serve in the office of overseer/ elder.
When Paul gave the “husband of one wife” requirement he was giving a specific requirement which prohibited men who serve in the office of overseer/elder from having more than one wife at a time.
Paul is giving a specific requirement of men who serve in the office of overseer/ elder.
Men, historically and culturally, predominantly have been the gender married to more than one spouse at a time.
Women, historically and culturally, have not been the gender married to more than one spouse at a time.
If women had culturally practiced marrying more than one spouse Paul would have written this requirement also for wives to have only one husband.
It is incorrect to use this specific requirement written to men to disqualify women from leadership positions in the church.
Paul wrote a specific requirement for the men who were ordained as an overseer/ elder. The requirement “husband of one wife” DOES NOT limit women from being ordained as an overseer/elder in the church.
1Timothy 3:4 He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity
The gender specific pronouns of “he” and “his” have been added by the translators – they do not exist in the original text.
It should read “one who manages own household well, keeping children under control with all dignity.”
1Timothy 3:5 (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?),
The Greek Word translated as “man” is again the word “tis” which is a non gender specific word meaning: “anyone, any man, any woman, whoever.”
The gender specific pronouns of “he” and “his” have been added by the translators – they do not exist in the original text.
It should read “(but if anyone does not know how to manage own household, how will take care of the church of God?)”
1Timothy 3:6 and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil.
The gender specific pronoun of “he” was added by the translators – it does not exist in the original text.
It should read “and not a new convert, so that will not become conceited and fall into condemnation incurred by the devil.”
1Timothy 3:7 And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
The gender specific pronoun of “he” was added by the translators – it does not exist in the original text.
It should read “and must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.”
Deacons
1Ti 3:8 Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain,
The Greek word translated as “men of dignity” is “semnos” and denotes no gender but means: “venerable, honorable.”
The word “men” was added by the translators.
No gender specific word was used by Paul when he begins giving the requirements for the office of deacon.
It should read “Deacons likewise of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain,”
1Timothy 3:10 These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.
The Greek word translated as “men must also” is “kai” and denotes no gender but means: “and, also, both, but, even, for, if, indeed, likewise, moreover, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yea, yet.”
The gender of “men” was added by the translators. The Greek word translated as “these” is a non gender specific word denoting “these, they, this man, this woman, which, who”
It should read “These must also be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are above reproach.
1Ti 3:11 Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things.
The Greek Word translated as “women” is “gunē” which DOES denote the gender of a woman and means: “wife, woman”
Paul now writes a specific instruction to women who serve in the office of deacon.
Women who serve as deacons are to likewise be dignified (venerable, honorable), not malicious gossips, but temperate, and faithful in all things.
1Timothy 3:12 Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households.
Paul, as in 1Timothy 3:2, now writes a specific requirement to men who serve in the office of deacon.
1Timothy 3:13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
The Greek Word translated as “those” is “ho hē to” and is a non gender specific word which means: “the, this, that, one, he, she, it”
Paul in his last statement (after making gender specific statements to both the female and male gender) returns to using non gender specific words and says “those – male and female” who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing ….
Paul DOES NOT limit the offices of overseer/elder and deacon to those who are of the male gender alone. These offices are open to those of both genders – male and female.
Titus
Titus 1:5-6 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, 6 namely, if any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion.
In Verse 6 the Greek Word translated as “man” is the Greek Word “tis” which is a non gender specific word meaning: “anyone, any man, any woman, whoever.”
Paul directed to Timothy to appoint as elder anyone– non gender specific - who is above reproach.
Paul beings the requirements for overseer/elder with the words if “anyone”, “whoever”, “any man”, or “any woman” is above reproach.
Paul does NOT begin his specific and clearly written instructions with gender specifications.
As in 1Timothy 3:2 the requirement “husband of one wife” is a specific requirement written to men who serve in the office of overseer/elder.
The requirement of “husband of one wife” does not exclude women from the office of overseer/elder. This is a specific requirement for the men who Titus would ordain as elders in the church.
Men, historically and culturally, predominantly have been the gender married to more than one spouse at a time.
Women, historically and culturally, have not been the gender married to more than one spouse at a time.
Paul wrote a specific requirement for the men who were ordained as an overseer/ elder. The requirement “husband of one wife” DOES NOT limit women from being ordained as an overseer/elder in the church.
Titus 1:9 holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.
The gender specific pronoun of “he” was added by the translators – it does not exist in the original text.
It should read “holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that will be able to both exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.”
Paul was very specific to Titus and to Timothy when he chose to use non gender specific Greek words. Titus and Timothy were not confused by Paul’s written instructions – they understood that male and female could be appointed to this position.
If Paul had meant for this position to be for the male sex only he most certainly would have used gender specific words - he did not - he used non gender specific words in both letters where he listed the requirements for this position.
When we remove the added by the translators gender specific words we find no limitation given to those of the female gender from holding these offices in the church.
Gender bias and interpretation of Scripture in gender bias has brought this confusion into the church and not the writings of Paul.
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07.24.08
Posted in Women in Ministry at 10:42 am by Administrator
Proverbs 31:10 (KJV) Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
Proverbs 31:10 (NASB) An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels.
The Hebrew word translated as “virtuous” or “excellent” has the basic idea of strength and influence and means “a force, an army, able activity in might and power, valiant, full of valor and virtue, and worthy in war.”
The Hebrew word translated as “woman” or “wife” comes from the combination of two Hebrew words. The first is a feminine word meaning “woman of wife”. The second means “a champion, a warrior, one who is mighty.”
The Proverbs 31 Woman is a mighty woman of God. She is a woman of strength and influence. She is a woman of force who is able and effective in spiritual warfare, she is full of valor (acts of bravery) and virtue. She’s a champion, a warrior, and a woman of great might.
The Hebrew word translated as “can find” not only means “to find or acquire” but also has the meaning of “to come forth, to appear or exist.”
God is calling His Proverbs 31 mighty women to come forth, and be warriors who are mighty and effective in spiritual warfare.
Psalm 68: 11(KJ V) The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.
The Hebrew word translated as “company” in the KJV is a feminine form of the word “tsbaah” which means “a mass of persons especially organized for war, an army, soldiers.”
Psalms 68: 11 (NASB) The Lord gives the command; The women who proclaim the tidings are a great host:
Psalms 68:11(Complete Jewish Bible) Adonai gives the command; the women with the good news are a mighty army.
God has under His command a mighty army of Proverbs 31 Women who proclaim His Word. God says the value of His army of Proverbs 31 Women is far more precious than all jewels.
Proverbs 31:11 (KJV) The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
Proverbs 31:11(NASB) The heart of her husband trusts in her, And he will have no lack of gain.
Proverbs 31 Women are the Bride of Christ and God is our husband.
The Hebrew word translated as “trusts” means “to trust, be confident or sure.” God, our husband, trusts and is confident and sure of His great army of Proverbs 31 Women.
The mighty army of Proverbs 31 Women plunders the enemy’s camp. They come forth from the enemy’s camp with the spoils of war. These spoils of war are the captives who have been set free from the bondage of the enemy.
Proverbs 31:12 (NASB) She does him good and not evil All the days of her life.
All the days of her life the Proverbs 31 Woman does the good works which God has prepared beforehand for her to walk in. She brings glory and honor and not harm or evil to God’s name. (Eph.2:10, Eph. 5:16)
Proverbs 31:13 (NASB) She looks for wool and flax And works with her hands in delight.
Proverbs 31 Women perform all their labor with a joy filled heart because they know that the joy of the Lord is their strength. They joyfully and willingly labor on the battlefields of spiritual warfare; they do so without grumbling or complaint.
Proverbs 31:14 (NASB) She is like merchant ships; She brings her food from afar.
The Hebrew word translated as “brings” means not only “to obtain and bring in” it also means “to go, depart, send, and carry.”
The Proverbs 31 Women are like merchant ships which carry and deliver cargo through out the whole earth. This mighty army of women obeys the command of Jesus to go into all the earth. They go carrying and delivering their cargos of the bread of life, which are the Word of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Proverbs 31:15 (NASB) She rises also while it is still night And gives food to her household And portions to her maidens.
Proverbs 31 Women arise early for prayer and fellowship with the Lord Jesus. What they receive from Him through prayer and study of His Word they impart to their households and to those whom they are disciplining.
Proverbs 31:16 (NASB) She considers a field and buys it; From her earnings she plants a vineyard.
Proverbs 31 Women are good stewards and faithful servants. They are good stewards who put to proper use the talents they been given by God. They are faithful servants who plant seeds which produce a bountiful harvest.
Proverbs 31:17 (NASB) She girds herself with strength And makes her arms strong.
The Hebrew word translated as “girds” means “to put on as a belt or armor.”
The Hebrew word translated as “strength” means “strength, force, boldness, loud, might, power, strong.”
Proverbs 31 Women put on the full armor of God and stand firm against the schemes of the devil. They are strong, bold, and full of power through the Holy Spirit. They shout aloud in loud shouts of victory.
The Hebrew word translated as “makes” means “to be on the alert physically and mentally.”
Proverbs 31 Women are always on the alert – ready and able to battle in spiritual warfare. They strengthen themselves physically and mentally and are prepared for the battle which lies directly ahead of them.
Proverbs 31:18 (NASB) She senses that her gain is good; Her lamp does not go out at night.
Proverbs 31 Women perceive that all they have accomplished is good. They, as Paul, know they are running the race set before them and they do not run in vain.
Proverbs 31 Women are a lamp which does not go out. They do not run dry of the oil of the Holy Spirit. They are full of the oil of the Holy Spirit and burn continually.
The Hebrew word translated as “night” means “night or adversity.”
The Proverbs 31 Women’s light does not to go out in the midst of adversity – her light continues to burn brightly in times of adversity.
Proverbs 31:19 (NASB) She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hands grasp the spindle.
Proverbs 31 Women put their hand to the plow and do not look back. They do not shrink back or turn around; their hands grasp and accomplish the labor of spiritual warfare.
Proverbs 31:20 (NASB) She extends her hand to the poor, And she stretches out her hands to the needy.
Proverbs 31 Women meet the needs of the poor and needy.
Proverbs 31:21 (NASB) She is not afraid of the snow for her household, For all her household are clothed with scarlet.
No matter what the circumstance or situation is Proverbs 31 Women are not afraid for their households. They know their households are safe from harm because they are covered with the scarlet blood of Jesus through their prayers.
Proverbs 31:22 (NASB) She makes coverings for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Proverbs 31 Women are clothed with the fine linen of priests and the kingly robes of purple. They are God’s royal priesthood. They are a kingdom of priests to God. (1Peter 2:5, 1Peter 2:9, Rev. 1:6, Rev. 5:10)
Proverbs 31:23 (NASB) Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land.
Proverbs 31 Women make Jesus known in all the earth. They testify of Him before kings and governors. (Matt. 10:18)
Proverbs 31:24 (KJV) She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
Proverbs 31:24 (NASB) She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies belts to the tradesmen.
Proverbs 31 Women are diligent workers who provide for their families.
This is an awesome statement of encouragement to every woman who has taken her place on the battlefield. We have NOT neglected our families as we are often accused of doing as we pursue God and His call on our lives. We are diligent workers who provide and care for our families as we perform every good work God has prepared before for us to walk in.
Proverbs 31:25 (KJV) Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
Proverbs 31:25 (NASB) Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the future.
Proverbs 31 Women are clothed with strength, dignity, and honor. They have no fear of the future because they rest in the promises of God. They know they will overwhelming triumph over all things through Christ who strengthens them. They know that they are an overcoming conqueror through Christ.
Proverbs 31:26 (NASB) She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
Proverbs 31 Women open their mouths and speak words of wisdom which no one will be able to refute. (Luke 21:15)
Proverbs 31 Women teach, refute, and correct with kindness. They do so in order to, if possible, turn all people and all nations to God. (Titus 1:9, 2Tim 2:24-26)
Proverbs 31:27 (NASB) She looks well to the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.
Proverbs 31 Women train up and instruct their children in the way that they should go. They watch over their flocks as shepherds to know their condition. As shepherds they turn the wayward sheep back to the correct path. (Proverbs 22:6, Psalms 107:41, Proverbs 27:23)
Proverbs 31 Women do not partake of the fruit of idleness - gossip and empty talk. They are not busybodies. (1Tim. 5:13)
Proverbs 31:28-29 (KJV) Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. 29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
Proverbs 31:28-29 (NASB) Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her, saying: 29 “Many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all.”
The Hebrew word translated as “bless” means “be straight, go forward, be honest, prosper, go, guide, and lead.” (her is an added worded by the translators)
The children of the Proverbs 31 Women shall rise up, go forward, be honest and prosper in the Lord. Their children shall serve the Lord and walk uprightly in Him. This shall be their greatest joy and blessing. (3John 1:4)
The Hebrew word translated as “praises” means “to boast, to rave foolishly, and to celebrate.”
God, our husband, boasts and raves about His mighty army of Proverbs 31 Women.
God boasts about His might army of women by saying, “Many daughters have done virtuously and nobly but you have exceeded – you have gone and done far above them all.”
Proverbs 31:30 (NASB) Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
The Proverbs 31 Women’s beauty is not found in her outward appearance. Her beauty comes from the inner man of her heart. Her beauty is found in her fear and reverence of the Lord.
God boasts about each Proverbs 31 Women and her possession of these qualities. (2Cor. 4:16, 1Peter 3:3-4)
Proverbs 31:31 (NASB) Give her the product of her hands, And let her works praise her in the gates.
God will fully reward and fully recompense each faithful Proverbs 31 Woman. (Ruth 2:12, 2Chr. 15:7, Proverbs 11:18, Proverbs 22:4)
The Proverbs 31 Woman’s praise in the gates will not be the praises of men. Their praise will be from God. (1Cor 4:5, 1Peter 1:7)
Proverbs 31 Women are a mighty force. They are champions, warriors, and women of might who are effective in spiritual warfare.
The trumpet is sounding! God is calling His Mighty army of Proverbs 31 Women to arise and step on to the battlefields of spiritual warfare.
Will you answer the call??
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07.17.08
Posted in Women in Ministry at 7:59 am by Administrator
Psalms 68: 11 (New American Standard) The Lord gives the command; The women who proclaim the tidings are a great host:
Psalms 68:11 (Complete Jewish Bible) Adonai gives the command; the women with the good news are a mighty army.
Psalm 68: 11 (Kings James Version) The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.
The Hebrew word company used in the KJV is “tsaba”. Tsaba is a feminine form of the word “tsbaah,” which means “a mass of persons especially organized for war, an army, soldiers.”
The Hebrew word published used in the KJV is “basar,” which means “to announce glad news, a messenger, to PREACH, to publish, and to show forth.”
God chose to use this Hebrew word – a word that did not speak of women being silent but of being VOCAL announcers and messengers of His good news.
Women can not be silent and be the MESSANGERS God Himself has commanded they be. Women can not be silent and PREACH the Word of God which God Himself has commanded they do.
God Himself has risen up the might army of women who publish, who PREACH, and who show forth the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ and His gospel.
Women of the Old Testament
Eve
In Genesis 1:26 and Genesis 1: 28 God made no distinction between the functions of the male and female. He gave THEM the AUTHORITY to RULE over the earth. God gave an equal job and an equal responsibility to both Adam and Eve. God made NO DISTINCTION and NO SEPERATION of FUNCTION according to their gender!!
It just isn’t there!!! God DID NOT at the creation of male and female give ‘separate’ functions for Adam and ‘separate’ functions for Eve. God gave THEM the SAME FUNCTION and RESPONSIBILITY to rule and have dominion over the earth.
Zipporah
Exodus 4:24-26 Now it came about at the lodging place on the way that the LORD met him and sought to put him to death. 25 Then Zipporah took a flint and cut off her son’s foreskin and threw it at Moses’ feet, and she said, “You are indeed a bridegroom of blood to me.” 26 So He let him alone. At that time she said, “You are a bridegroom of blood”–because of the circumcision.
It was Zipporah who perceived God was set to kill Moses because of his not keeping of His command of circumcision upon their sons. Perceiving this fact she cut the foreskins from her sons.
Zipporah had to know the command made to Abraham to circumcise all males in order to perceive this was the reason for God’s displeasure. In perceiving this she obeyed the command of God given to Abraham and circumcised her sons.
I especially like what Barnes says in Barnes Notes on the Bible about the meaning of “bloody husband”
Quote: “A bloody husband - Literally, “a husband of blood,” or “bloods.” The meaning is: The marriage bond between us is now sealed by blood. By performing the rite, Zipporah had recovered her husband; his life was purchased for her by the blood of her child.”
What a picture of the coming Christ child - salvation purchased by the blood of a child born through a woman.
Miriam
The Word of God lists Miriam as a prophetess (Ex. 15: 20) and we have record of her speaking messages in God’s name (Numbers 12:1-2).
The Word of God does NOT stop here in speaking of the position in which Miriam was placed by God.
Micah 6:4 “Indeed, I brought you up from the land of Egypt And ransomed you from the house of slavery, And I sent before you Moses, Aaron and Miriam.
God says He placed Miriam alongside Moses and Aaron in a position of LEADERSHIP over the nation Israel as they came out of the land of Egypt. This position of leadership was over both men and women.
Just as God gave Eve an equal position with Adam, we find God giving Miriam leadership over the nation of Israel alongside Moses and Aaron.
Did Miriam have authority over Moses – NO !!! Moses was the chief and head commander over Israel. But Miriam as God’s appointed leader did have authority over the men and women of the tribes of Israel.
God does not see woman as being not able to lead or not able to be placed in a position of leadership over men. God sees women as able and He placed them in positions of leadership alongside of men.
Deborah
Judges 4:4 Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time.
The Hebrew word translated as ‘judging’ is “shaphat” and means “to judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate or punish, to govern”
Deborah according to the Hebrew judged, pronounced sentence, had the ability to vindicate or punish, and governed the nation of Israel.
Deborah held a position of authority as a judge over the tribes of Israel.
It is usually assumed that God did such a ‘strange’ and ‘unusual thing’ when He placed Deborah as a prophetess and judge over Israel. We find this NOT to be so when we see in CONTEXT of the Word of God that God gave leadership to Eve in the Garden of Eden and to Miriam when He brought Israel out of Egypt. God does not discriminate due to gender. He placed Eve and Miriam in positions leadership and He continued to do so by placing Deborah in a position of authority and leadership.
God has NEVER discriminated against women in positions of leadership and authority – those who translate the scriptures in order to say He does violate the very intent of God shown forth in the whole counsel and context of the Word of God.
Deborah’s position of ‘leadership’ and ‘authority’ of man IS NOT an exception to the rule. God was continuing in the same pattern He had instituted in creation – equal and same function for man and woman!!!
Deborah’s position of authority and leadership WAS NOT only because “a man” would not step up and function in this position.
NO WHERE can such a statement be proven by Scripture. NO scripture can be found to back this statement!! This statement is simply a ‘doctrine of man’ used in an attempt to explain away Deborah’s position of leadership and authority over males!!
Many have used what is termed as “Barak’s rebuke” as proof God’s displeasure with a man not stepping up into the position of leadership.
Let’s just look at that:
Judges 4:6-9 Now she sent and summoned Barak the son of Abinoam from Kedesh-naphtali, and said to him, “Behold, the LORD, the God of Israel, has commanded, ‘Go and march to Mount Tabor, and take with you ten thousand men from the sons of Naphtali and from the sons of Zebulun. 7 ‘I will draw out to you Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army, with his chariots and his many troops to the river Kishon, and I will give him into your hand.’” 8 Then Barak said to her, “If you will go with me, then I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go.” 9 She said, “I will sur