RDP, you and I agree on some things, which is that a woman should be in submission to her husband. I think that we can shake on that one.
However, you think that a women needs to be silent in the church, which you identify as being that she should not be in the pulpit expounding the scriptures. From what you have said, you believe that she can speak, sing, testify, and prophecy, yet not stand behind the pulpit to teach from scripture.
Herein, you have put your own clarifications on the word "silence".
And as it is your own interpretation, I am fine with that. I don't expect everyone to see things the way I do. I have presented my understanding, recognizing there are always differences of opinion, even as there were differences of opinion in the NT church.
I have shown that I understand the word silence, to be in the context of a woman who has submitted to her husband, and is not trying to usurp his authority, and when prophesying, and evangelizing, as long as that woman is in submission to her husband, then she is permitted to speak, sing, prophesy, and evangelize to spread the gospel, thus a place in the work of the Lord for a woman evangelist, and preacher.
The lexicons do include the word husband, along with man, and so whether it was meant to be husband, or man... is again something theologians and Greek philosophers still do not agree on. You can choose your sources that agree with you, and that's fine.
Scripture does bear out that a woman should not be teaching men. Sis. Alvear's WB example is a good one (above), which is a situation that had the approval and support of her husband. I agree that it is not a good idea for a woman to be alone with men, and vice versa, but it is better to obey God than our traditions, and so we must always leave room for God to be able to work, and not deny the moving of His spirit because of our traditions. Yes, Jesus was sinless, but He did many things as an example for us. I believe the woman at the well was a beautiful example of how tradition can be triumphed for the ultimate purpose and expression of the will of God. Jesus broke many such traditions in the short time he was on earth.
According to
Luke 24:47, being a preacher of the gospel is actually a calling that every spirit filled believer should be doing. Jesus said to go and preach to all those filled with the spirit. We should all be doing the work of a preacher/evangelist, telling people the good news of Jesus wherever we go, and
that doesn't have to be a platform, but in fact more often, it should be as we go about our daily business in life, bringing the gospel to those around us wherever we are at.
There are no qualifications given for an evangelist in scripture by Paul. And because of the great commission given by Jesus himself, women are free to share in that part of the ministry, as spirit filled believers.
When it comes to ministerial leadership positions, scripture does not really bear out that this is a place for a woman to be, unless it is a teaching position with other women/children. That is just my personal opinion, and certainly others have varying levels of understanding of that concept as well.
This debate could continue on and on with us arguing to the bitter end, and no one wins in that. I have stated my position, and you disagree, and that is fine. There are differing views with theologians, and lay men alike. There is not a 100% agreement across the board on any of the scriptures that have been discussed, and that will never change.
Finally, I don't answer to you, I answer to the Lord, and to my husband. My husband and I are in agreement with this, and this is where the case for me is rested.
I am not in this debate because of a desire to be a woman "preacher". I just see in scripture that there is a place for women whom God has called, and as long as they are in submission to their husbands, or male authority in their life, then God can, does and will use them.
I have nothing to win or lose in this debate, but I assume you probably do. However, I hope we can shake hands, and agree to disagree. You see things your way, which is fine, and I see things differently.
If the Apostle Paul were here to ask for sure, perhaps we could settle the debate once and for all... but he is not, and so the debates will continue to rage, while everyone settles their opinion somewhere in it all.
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