Women in the Bible
The Bible is filled with references to women and the roles they play. Esther, Ruth, Sarah and Mary are just some of the well known women who are celebrated for their courage and faith, and each of whom has a special message for us today. While there is no ‘one size fits all’ answer, there is a great deal to be learned from the stories of these strong and empowered women who paved the way for generations of people to follow.
The book of Proverbs is rich with beautiful and accurate words about the potential of women. “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised” (Proverbs 31:30). Throughout the Bible, women are depicted as equal participants in church life and throughout society. The Bible also makes clear that women are permitted and encouraged to minister and serve, as exemplified by men and women ministering together as part of the early church (Acts 1:14).
In the New Testament, we find multiple examples of Jesus not just treating women as equals, but of valuing them even more than He did men. When He encountered the Samaritan woman at the well, He respected her and spoke with her in a way that was far ahead of its time. Jesus empowered her to share her experience and to be a witness for Him. Further, when Mary and Martha asked Jesus for help, He answered Mary who requested that He sit with her and listen to her. Jesus also reached out to heal and restore the woman caught in adultery. He offered a message of acceptance, grace and mercy, not of condemnation.
Jesus called out and encouraged women to share their testimony. In doing so, Jesus further exemplified that no gender bias should exist in reaching out to those in need. He wanted the church to be a place of refuge and a voice for women to share their faith, no matter their gender. In today’s society, there are still many places of worship that do not accept or allow women to preach. Thus, it is essential to understand and appreciate the biblical stance on women’s roles in the church and to remove any biases and allow them to serve equally.
Women Preaching: What the Bible Says
The central phrase regarding women preachings appears in 1 Corinthians 14:34-35. “Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says. And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church.” The interpretation of this scripture has been widely debated over the centuries. Some have interpreted that this means that women are never allowed to preach, and some have interpreted it to mean that the women at the church in Corinth were being silent because the church was in chaos, due to the large influx of visitors.
It is important to note that this problematic passage was just one verse in a 13-chapter letter written to a specific group of believers in a specific situation. Paul wrote this letter to the specific occasion in which women were shouting out questions or interrupting worship with their comments. It is not a sweeping dictum issued to all Christians in all circumstances. Nonetheless, the passage has long been used to stifle the voice of women in churches for centuries.
If this passage is applied incorrectly, it does not give us a proper biblical view of women‘s roles. The full witness of Scripture is clear: women created in God’s image, capable of a relationship with Him, gifted for ministry and empowered to serve—all with absolute equality and full complementarity with men. Across the Old and New Testaments, there are various examples of women preaching, leading and prophesying. The Bible calls us to mutually honor, respect, and serve one another.
Women are allowed to preach and teach in the church as long as they do so in a respectful and proper manner, and are adhering to the standards set by Scripture. Women must hold themselves accountable to be humble and obedient to the Word of God, and preach in a way that honors God, upholds the truth, and edifies the congregation.
Biblical Foundations for Women Preaching
The Bible tells us that all believers have their own personal call to preach and teach. “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news” (Isaiah 52:7). In the Old Testament, we find many examples of faithful and Godly women proclaiming God’s Word. Huldah and Miriam are two examples of women in the Old Testament who prophesied and gave spiritual guidance. The Bible also reminds us that “all Scripture is given by inspiration of God” (2 Timothy 3:16) and is “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).
The story of Deborah in the Old Testament is a perfect example of female leadership in the Church. Deborah, who was a prophetess and judge, was powerful and wise, serving as the Judge of Israel for 40 years. Despite the cultural norms of the time, she spoke of the Lord and went forth with courage to lead God’s people. This example teaches us that women are gifted by God for leadership just as men are.
The Spirit-led church will always be open to the preaching and teaching of both men and women. When we fully understand and embrace the truth in Scripture, we recognize that God values and gifts women just as much as He does men. Each believer is called to preach and teach, regardless of gender.
Women Preaching in Today’s Society
In today’s society, there is still resistance to the notion of women preaching and leading in the church. It is important to remember that the calling to teach and preach the Good News is on each of us regardless of gender. We must remember: “There is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)
Those in spiritual leadership must fight gender-based bias and provide equal opportunities for both men and women to share the gospel. By embracing the full witness of Scripture, we can see the beauty of being an equal part of the body of Christ and the grace and mercy given to us to preach the gospel.
While there are those who may consider women’s roles to be limited to certain capacities, in truth, women are called to serve the Lord and have a voice in society. We can go forth and do the work of evangelism and missions.
When women are given the opportunity to preach and teach, they can be a powerful and effective mouthpiece for God’s Word. A woman’s passion, obedience and receptiveness to the Lord’s commands can reach many more lives than one would ever imagine.
Encouraging Other Women to Preach and Teach
Often times, women feel that they are unable to do something because they have been told they cannot. This is especially true when it comes to teaching and preaching. In order to help women to gain the confidence they need, the Church must be a safe and welcoming place. Women should be encouraged and empowered to use their gifts and be heard. They must be given the freedom to express their faith and to openly share the gospel to the world.
Women should be trained and equipped to preach and teach. They must be provided with the necessary tools and knowledge, and have confidence in their biblical studies. They should never feel as though preaching and teaching is not for them just because of their gender. They must constantly remind themselves that they are capable of teaching and preach according to God’s will.
By encouraging each other’s efforts, we can break down any further spiritual restraints that come from having a gender-based preconceptions. When we come together and acknowledge each other’s value, the Church will be far stronger in the end.
Conclusion
The Bible holds powerful stories of women who have been empowered by God to express their faith, preach the gospel and be an example for others. We all have a part to play in the Church, a part which is not based on gender, but on our willingness to serve God wholeheartedly. By understanding and appreciating the biblical stance on women’s roles in the Church, and providing them with the necessary tools and knowledge, women can be a powerful and effective mouthpiece for the Word of God. Women should not be hindered and deterred from using their gifts and the Bible has made clear that they are permitted and encouraged to take a leading role.
