Asked by someone who’s either curious, confused, or a bit concerned.
Short Answer #
The Bible gives wisdom, not a one-size-fits-all policy. It shows moments where women were restricted for context-specific reasons, and other moments where women were prophets, teachers, apostles, and leaders—anointed and affirmed by God.
Real Talk #
1 Timothy 2:12 — But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man. She must remain quiet.
Paul said, “I do not permit a woman to teach or have authority over a man,” and that’s the verse that usually ends the discussion in some circles.
But pause. That’s one verse in a sea of Spirit-led women doing Spirit-filled things.
So Let’s Look at the Bible—All of It: #
Deborah – A judge and prophet #
Judges 4–5
She didn’t just sing songs—she led a nation into victory. And God was fully in it.
Phoebe – A deacon (minister) #
Romans 16:1 — “I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deaconess…”
The Greek word is diakonos, the same used for male deacons. She carried the letter to the Romans—a job only a trusted leader got.
Priscilla – Teacher of preachers #
Acts 18:26 — Acts 18:26
He began to speak out fearlessly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained the way of God to him more accurately.
She and Aquila corrected Apollos. She wasn’t sidelined—she was front-line.
Junia – Called “outstanding among the apostles” #
Romans 16:7 — “Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and fellow prisoners, who are outstanding among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.”
Yes, a woman. Yes, an apostle. Paul greeted her as one.
But What About 1 Timothy 2:12? #
Good question. Paul was writing to a church in Ephesus dealing with:
- False teaching
- Loud, domineering behaviour (the Greek word authentein implies force/control)
- A cultural context where women weren’t educated but were now trying to teach
So he brought order, not an eternal gender policy.
And in Christ? #
“There is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
— Galatians 3:28 AMP
The new creation isn’t led by gender—it’s led by the Spirit.
Final Thought #
God’s not confused. If He’s called her, filled her, and anointed her, who are we to say “sit down”?
Some men stand in pulpits by tradition. Some women are called by God through fire, wilderness, and glory.
Let’s be careful not to silence the voice the Lord is using.
— Shaliach.
