A much debated issue among Christians is whether women are allowed to preach in the church or not. Obviously, most women want to believe that it is allowed. Otherwise, they would feel discriminated. Especially today, when emancipation is on the rise, women want to believe that there is no difference between men and women. But who gets to decide that? Shouldn’t it be God who lays down all the rules and guides us on how to behave? The Word of God is very clear about women preachers in the Bible.
Can a woman preach?
Generally, women are not allowed to preach or teach according to the Bible, instead, they are advised to submit to their husbands and be quiet. If there is anything they want to learn, they can ask their husbands at home and be taught by them.
Paul even emphasizes that women preachers are shameful and that it is a COMMANDMENT OF GOD and not just his own thoughts. In 1 Corinthians, he says:
Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.
What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. (1 Corinthians 14:34-38, KJV)
Preaching in the church is reserved for men
God ordained that women should submit to their men (compare Genesis 3:16). This is the natural order that God intended for humanity. Women shouldn’t be putting themselves on the frontline or even preach, but instead submit to God’s divine order. In the following Bible verse, Paul emphasizes that women should not have authority over men but should keep silent. Instead, it is the men who are supposed to teach.
Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety. (1 Timothy 2:11-15, KJV)
Women should preach primarily through their exemplary behavior
The way women preach consists primarily of setting a good example to others and in exemplifying God’s will in the best possible way. Everyone should know from their appearance and behavior that they are holy and belong to God. Women should first and foremost be a good example to others, and thus teach others to lead a God-pleasing life. This role is by no means less important than that of a preaching man.
The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. (Titus 2:3-5, KJV)
Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. (1 Peter 3:1-2, KJV)
If you are interested in how women can appropriately serve God, you might want to read the following article: What does the Bible say about women’s clothing?
Conclusion: Are women preachers allowed in the Bible?
So according to God’s will, women are not allowed to preach or teach in the church. I hope that the women who read these passages will give serious thought to this issue. We didn’t write the Bible and command people what to do and what not to do. We are only reciting what is written in the Word. Whoever truly loves God will gladly conform to His will.
So are women allowed to preach? The Bible says clearly no! For all who don’t want to accept this fact, Paul’s perfect conclusion applies. “But if someone wants to disobey it, he may disobey it.” In the end, every woman preacher who defies this commandment will have to face God on her own.
Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.
What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. (1 Corinthians 14:34-38, KJV)
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When I was very young I had a lady Sunday school teacher. And all the kids just loved her. She taught us straight from the Bible and I really want to know…..was she wrong for teaching us? Just because she was a woman????
According to a plain reading of the NT epistles and this website, she would have been wrong to teach it. Of course, this only proves that Paul and the New Testament contains dated, sexist ideas and should not be considered as coming from an all-righteous, all knowing deity. ;)
If your drivel were not so blasphemous, it would be hilarious. God’s WORD (the bible) is ALL of HIS word. You have a problem with that. Too bad. Get over it. Obey it. Do you not think this ‘Diety’ as you call Him, is not able to preserve His word throughout history so we today have EXACTLY what He wanted us to have? Sexist? Wow. Get over the groupthink. Rebellion. Etc. Just admit you do NOT accept what God has written to mankind. To YOU. Me. But know that one day soon, unless you repent of your ways and sin, and accept the FREE gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, and then turn from your wicked ways, Your eternal destiny is going to be horror. That is not a mean comment, it is a warning for your benefit. The bible is God’s word whether you like it or not. Again…God is fully capable of preserving His word over the centuries so we have a complete and fully accurate understanding of who He is and how we should live our lives until Jesus returns. It’s a free gift, and nothing we can do to earn it, but be sure these scriptures that clearly teach a woman will NOT be a Pastor or teach men, etc., is EXACTLY what God meant. Your choice to believe or not. Obviously, at the moment you cannot accept that. Then just admit it. Stop trying to say God did not mean what He said or that the Bible is wrong as written. Choose wisely. Take care
wow, thank you for speaking up and putting that one in his place with the truth that the word of God, the holy bible is ALl of God’s word and just like my pagan neighbor who claims that the bible was written by a bunch of homeless hillbillies and none of it is divine or from our creator and I want to feel bad for these people, however, they have a choice just as we had a choice and sooner than later their words and blasphemous thoughts will be shoved very far down their throats as they choke on their tongue as they fly through the air on a speedy one way trip to their miserable eternity
Daniel that was perfectly said. Thank you for speaking up and setting that guy straight.
You could not be more wrong. You see ether, you except and agree, that the Bible is the word of God, divinely inspired. Or that it is not. There is no neutrality here.
If you say that it is not, than you can not claim to be a believer of Christ.
End of story.
There are six things the Lord hates,
seven that are detestable to him:
17 haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood,
18 a heart that devises wicked schemes,
feet that are quick to rush into evil,
19 a false witness who pours out lies
and a person who stirs up conflict in the community
I am struggling with this myself at this moment, I just watched a sermon on why it is ok for woman to preach as they ordained at Woman the day of the video, She will now preach at the church. I read Paul’s letter to Timothy on how to set up his church, Paul following Jesus for 3 years ought to know how Jesus felt about this, when saying I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over a man 1 Timothy 2 12. Now the pastor says that was because back in that day women weren’t educated, so they shouldn’t ask questions in church, to ask at home to not interrupt the sermon, but that doesn’t apply now. Then he brought up the pastor with 4 daughters who all prophesied, saying they taught?, But he also brought up a good point in almost all Sunday school teachers have been women, and when is the last time someone complained about a woman talking in church? I feel the Bible is right, and I also feel Jesus would change this today, so I’m confused what to do.
you cant feel Jesus would do this or that according to what you think because the bible isn’t about you, it’s about God’s laws, the history of creation, the life of Jesus, and things that we are to obey according to God and what he wants. The bible is just as relevant today as it was the day it was completed and became the bible. We accept every single thing in it as fast and accurate and without mistakes. Scripture doesn’t change based on the pagan world that surrounds us and since things are different in 2022 than in 40AD, Jesus would allow this or that because times have changed. That’s not how that works and we cannot assume that God would be okay with such and such because you somehow think it’s not a serious sin and therefore will probably be overlooked. The scriptures are perfect for the day they became the holy bible and they remain the same today June 2022. ou sid you feel Jesus would change this today about women preaching in church and it’s not because women weren’t educated, it was because that is how God wanted the family to be conducted and we are to not ask questions and we are just to obey regardless of how you feel about it or you think he would feel 2000yrs later because he doesn’t change what we are to obey based on the date. if he did that then we wouldn’t be able to trust scripture because we wouldn’t know when he would change his mind and remove or add things in which we are to obey. The scripture doesn’t change, God is the same today, yesterday, and tomorrow…and forever and we can always depend on what he has told us because he is faithful, he is consistent and he doesn’t play games or confuse us. If the bible says something, obey it. don’t question. Obey. Always trust in the Lord and believe if it has been written for us, then it will remain something we are to obey. Pastors who teach their congregation things that are unbiblical simply because of what he does and see no problem with it, leave that church and find one that lives, teaches, and only depends on the biblical truth and not half-truth and half what the pastor chooses to disobey. He should have taught his 4 daughters that they aren’t allowed to preach/teach in the church according to 1 to 2:12 “I do not allow them to teach or to have authority over men; they must keep quiet.” God didn’t tell women to keep quiet because we were uneducated, he said to keep quiet because that is how he wants us to behave. This is why feminism, equal right, and women’s rights became popular because the devil has taken everything God expects from us and he turns it around, changing the rules to go against God but deceiving humanity into thinking this is something worth fighting for instead of being something we are to obey according to the scriptures. The devil has convinced Joyce Meyers and all the other women preachers that this is acceptable but I bet that’s because Joyce Meyers obviously doesn’t live according to biblical truth and obviously doesn’t know the scripture that says “I do not allow them to teach or to have authority over men; they must keep quiet.” Either that or she ignores it and does what she wants which means she is not serving the same God that I serve because my father in heaven, God our creator doesn’t allow his children who were born again into his family to do as they want and to obey or disregard whatever parts of the bible they want to. That’s pagan evil wicked devil crap and not from our father God,. We cant change whatever we desire to make it our own and more suitable to our likes. This isn’t about us, it’s about God’s love for us, his son Jesus who laid his life down for those who choose to obey and follow the truth. This is God’s game of Life, not ours and so we must play by the rules of the creator of the game. Its that simple.
Bible says Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. When in doubt always read from the source material and don’t rely on others opinions.
In some instances a church is so small you have to use who ever there. I get it. However, if there is a man who could teach the children according to the book they should step up. Also I don’t think the message in Timothy was geared towards children ministry…it’s deacons and teachers of adults. It’s a touchy subject. If the fact was the women at the time weren’t educated then he would of said it. Also I heard someone preach before that this message in Timothy was only for the church it was written for. Bologna…if that was the case then why is it in the Bible for the world to see.If we set the church up like Paul said then perhaps the church wouldn’t be so messed up and divided as it is now.
Interesting discussion…. scripture is ALWAYS, right, always true and always works. On the issue of women in the pulpit and in the Sunday school class…… Okay, God tells us that teaching and preaching are to be done by men (my paraphrase). So the question comes… where are the men? If they fulfilled their role as men, they would be standing in line to preach and teach. I don’t support women in the pulpit, but I also understand segments of it. If men were obedient, many women would not feel the need to do it. So… MEN – seek the Lord and ask Him where you should serve!
so you do not believe the word was inspired from god because you say paul was a sexiest thats blasphemius
Because you don’t agree with it? Where is your scripture to back up what you are saying. Our final authority is the Bible, like it or not. I say this in love.
Technically it says “over MAN”, and children (young) wouldnt be considered “men”. So if it was only to the young children, then it may be okay.
But it depends on what Paul meant by “man” and “men”.
Some take it some way, and others take it another way. I also dont know Greek to know what the original text said.
So im still undicided.
But what is clear, is that females can not teach “men” (12? 18? 30? I dont know) in the congregation .
No. It’s talking about holding positions of authority and teaching to Men in the church. Teaching children in Sunday school is fine. It’s close to teaching your children at home which is equally fine and encouraged. A ‘Mother’s Heart’ so to speak. Natural for women to teach children. Some may disagree but IMO that is not an issue. It is a problem if a woman is ordained a Pastor or other title/position of leadership which implies authority over a church ministry. In current times women have been granted far more than God has set in His order of things. Men have been relegated to equal or lesser than women. It is the Worlds subtle feminist infiltration where women are now considered more important/wiser than men in many areas. “Empowered”? Straight from the pit of hell. That is reality. And why wouldn’t Satan pervert God’s Order? Yes? Of course. He did it to Eve. Adam bought into it. And here we are. Lucifer is at it again, or rather always has been, but we see women today be given authority they never were allowed to have as God clearly states in many places in scripture. How gifted a woman is is irrelevant. MEN are to lead and have authority over those in their charge. Period.
I don’t think there’s an issue with teaching other women or children. So maybe Sunday school but not lead pastor.
No, she wasn’t wrong because being an adult, she by nature has authority over children, and thus they are under her subjection. Therefore, a woman has the right and responsibility to teach children the truth, which of course includes biblical truth as well. However, men have authority over the women and therefore are not to be under their subjection.
Think about this for a moment. If Paul was actually saying women need to be silent (Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law) in the church universally and strictly, then a woman can’t read, prophesy, pray, preach, teach, sing, worship, announce anything, or utter a word in church period. This is illogical and makes no sense for it would contradict all of the Bible, i.e., Anna prophesizing in the temple the birth of Jesus; Junia and other NT women ministry leaders working in the ministry with Paul; Pricilla in the NT serving with her husband, Philip’s 4 daughters who were Evangelists; pray or prophesize with head covered for women (lmeaning long hair); and the pouring out of the Spirit upon all flesh (old women and young women–dreams and prophesy), etc. I could go on further with many examples that would make the Bible contradictory at best regarding women leading men, i.e., Deborah, a Judge? What? Answer: Women are gifted to lead, preach, teach, pray, prophesy, exhort, in all instances and are not limited to only teaching other women and children as the Bible does not make that distinction. We have taken the one text noted above about being silent and come up with work arounds to make this work, but the truth is Paul, as often he did, was given a cultural response to specific outbreaks of disorder in the church, hence his decree in the letter to the church at Corinth to help married couples not squabble in church. It was not meant to be universal instruction, but cultural and even more narrow to the situation on the ground if you will. Otherwise, Paul contradicted himself many, many times. Remember whem Paul says, I not the Lord, or the Lord not I, says this and that–have you ever wondered why? He was writing culturally and to narrow auidences with most of these controversial things. I have seen augments that say preaching or prophesy is not teaching so a woman can preach or prophesy but not teach? Does that make any sense? No. If we literally tried to apply this scriptures, women could not say anything (complete silence for it is a shame for them to speak) and we would be following the “law” that Paul refers to? Are we under the law? So even those who say they are biblical and do not let their women teach, preach, etc., but let them read, sing, announce, etc., If you will apply this literally and universally, you must apply it to every way possible to women to be silent in the church. Then here is one for you! Paul commands, ask your husband at home? What if the woman is not married? Okay we can conclude that this teaching only applied to married women and not single women? Makes sense? No it does not. Bottomline: Women can be and have been used by God to preach, teach, prophesy, proclaim, read, sing, announce, worship, just as Paul knew and applauded throughout the NT such as demonstrated in Romans 16 chapter where he named over 12 women ministry workers–oh they never taught and were silent in the church and when he complimented them for ministry–they never spoke in a church or to men? No it does not make sense. Why would Paul say here be silent in churches and it is a shame to utter a word, yet in 1 Cor 11 he says women should have their head covered when praying or prophesizing? Praying is not being silent! Major contradiction. See we can’t have it both ways with our interpretations. Look forward to your responses.
My question and response is basic. Why do Protestants worship Paul over Jesus? Yeah, they often do. Paul is ONE man who was a missionary, with ONE opinion who never knew Jesus personally. Common sense dictates to me that nobody gets it right, and I don’t think you need to get theological to argue that point. Bottom line: Both women and men have gifts and should be used. We don’t need controlling men in any society putting down women or diminishing them, nor do we need western feminists making men feel like they should apologize for existing. I think Paul is wrong about his thoughts on homosexuality in Romans 1, and he is wrong about the role of women in Corinth, even if his intention is to stop the squabbling. The Bible may make us delve deeper into the nature of God, but it also just causes divisions. That’s why so many of us love God, but left organized religion decades ago. All this squabbling is a waste of energy that takes away from the joy of living and doing the work of God.
Technically homosexuality is sexual sin, the same as lusting toward someone of the opposite sex. And we know that sin will lead to death. There’s actual demons and spirits oppressing people, that they don’t even know that’s oppressing them, and homosexual temptation has a spirit trying to lead you to sin. And yes our flesh feels temptation to sin, but when you first do and don’t repent, you continue to live in that and you invite these spiritual entities into your life to lead you further down the wide path of darkness. Also when others sin against you and you haven’t been saved, you might not even have the discernment to know that you’ve been lead astray and are oppressed. I know I went off in a tangent talking about homosexuality but coming from someone who has experienced thoughts later on in life because of the porn addiction I had from a young age, I hope to share the truth on that matter. The spirit behind lust has no desire for your salvation. Jesus does, God is the only one that cares for us and without him I’d be a complete lost cause. Depressed, anxious, confused every day of my life. I saw his faithfulness in my devotion to him and he has made me into a new man.
Dear Michel Live organized religion dont listen to human pastor Your only Pastor is Lord Jesus Christ Who speaks to You by Holy Spirit, Hebrew 1 : 2
1 Corinthians 14 : 34 ,that verse is not in orginal Pauls letter and was added later
In oldest manuscript CODEX VATICANUS ( Greek Bible ) some scribe added this verse 43 that
addition is called distigmeobelos , verse is inconsistent with 1 Corinthians 11 :5 , Joel 2 : 28
and many other verses Open Your mouth speak ,sing, teach shout prise THE LORD JESUS CHRIST In Christ all are one no distinction Blessing
Hebrews 10:25
If one believes in the bible, we don’t get to pick “who we think are winners and losers”. God chose winners and they are who we read about from cover to cover – chosen as they got it right. If God chose them, who are we to say “they got it wrong”. That will be an interesting conversation to see/hear between you and God Himself… I say “will” as that will assuredly take place… for us all. We can trust God’s Word.
ABBA FATHER has revealed they are Family. And the Set-Apart Ruach is female personified, who gives wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and a diversity of gifts. Blaspheming her is a forgivable spiritual death sentence. None of us could enter into the Kingdom of Heaven without her womb work. “We must be born-again, born from above.” The Woman created in their Image has many qualities as well as teaching. A born-again Woman will be filled with Truth as Man. Pro 8:6-7 KJV 6 Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things. 7 For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips. This passage is a Hebrew Aleph-Bet list of her excellent character. Let’s not be ignorant for many Women taught, reared children, led their husbands to Yeshua YHWH, and are prophetess. Women were appeared to first by Mâshı̂yach. And the disciples were told that they should’ve listened to the Women. The same passages telling Women to be silent also tell Men to be silent. All the unlearned are to be silent. In tune with the Set-Apart RUACH many Women have led us so that we can teach others. My own darling wife is a very capable teacher and never lords it over anyone. We are Echad and side by side we live. She was taken from my rib, by my ❤ heart. And I was lost and by her knowledge and prayers I too crossed-over from death unto Life. Double Shalom to All those in Yeshua Mâshı̂yach may you be made complete, whole, and lacking nothing.
typo correction *unforgivable to blasphemy the Holy Spirit.
The best way to interpret a bible passage is to believe what it says. Therefore, women are not to preach or teach over men.
Women can do everything else in society accept preach and be head of the household, these are the only two areas of life that us men are allowed to do! This is Our Heavenly Father’s truth!
1 Coryntians 14 v34,38 was added by some scribe to oldest manuscript CODEX VATICANUS ,that addition is DISTIGMEOBELOS that verse was not in Pauls orginal letters, vers is inconsistent with 1 CORINTIANS 11 :5 and Joel 2 :28 look very careful in Biblia woman teach ,wore liders ,judges – Deborah Priscila and others, in Christ no distinction all are equal Check history of Corintians church, they have many problems especialy with woman who misbehave in gathering
According to the Bible…
1) Is a woman allowed to teach men biblical studies?
2) Are women allowed to be pastors to women and children?
3) Are women allowed to preach to women and children?
If a person is spiritual let them consider these are commandments of the Lord . He also says let the ignorant be ignorant. You may not be able to convince them of anything but an argument etc . The Bible said it . I’m just repeating it !
Dr Shon,
You would not have the title doctor if you were not extremely intelligent. However, what you have shared is full of errors. It is your misunderstanding of the written word that causes you to find that which is not there, which is normal for intellectuals to do. (1 Cor 2:14-16). There are no contradictions where you claim to find them. (Prov 3:5-6). Time does not permit me to go into detail about what you deem illogical. You may want to dig deeper to find where you may be in error. You will find most of the time one will find the answers to the questions we often ask, but what we will find is that there are no contradictions.
The four sisters, daughters of Philip the Evangelist, were prophetesses. The donkey of the prophet Balaam prophesied and saved his life. Do we believe donkeys are allowed to teach humans? The role of a judge is to make just decisions on behalf of… this does not denote teaching. Take a look at the five-fold ministry. Some pastors, some TEACHERS, some prophets, apostles, and evangelists. What we might deduce from this is that there are clear distinctions between these offices, and you CANNOT just ignore that. So, in answer to your rhetorical question, whether it makes sense, the answer is a resounding ‘YES’. You are wrong Sir. I am quite surprised by your question about single women… Can they not ask a married woman to ask her husband? Of course not, that must be nonsense! (please excuse the slight sarcasm).
The first prophetess, Miriam: “…And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.” (Ex 15:20) where were the men? Does praying or prophesying mean it must have to be done in public? The emphasis there, was on women covering their heads in the action of praying or prophesying regardless of where they were. And who says praying cannot be in silence? Where did you get that from? You say, “Women can be and have been used by God to preach, teach, prophesy, proclaim, read, sing, announce, worship”? Yes, but not in the context that you claim Sir. I could carry on, but I think you will get my point by now. Oh, by the way, do all ministry workers preach and teach? No! Now it should make sense. I would look back to Miriam again if I were you. There’s a slight nugget in there I think. All of your argument is easily debunked in my humble opinion.
Bob Grove hit the nail on the head, and I quote, “If a person is spiritual let them consider these are commandments of the LORD. He also says, let the ignorant be ignorant. You may not convince them of anything but an argument etc. The Bible said it. I’m just repeating it!” I must concur with Bob.
Shalom.
Just a quick note
I did not read where JESUS said woman can not preach Paul said it Timothy implied it, But Jesus is Lord of all.
and in Titus 2:3-5)
woman are to be teachers of good things: to be sober, to love their husbands, ect ect read it. where dose it say not to teach Gods word.
So what l am saying is I can not see where GOD or Jesus said for woman not to teach.
Jesus showed himself first to a woman, to Mary not to one of the disciples.
plus have you not heard how full of God these women are, that teach Gods word.