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Writer's pictureEdward D. Andrews
Aug 148 min read

How Should We Understand the Role of Women in the First and Second-Century Church?

Women’s Role in Congregational Teaching and Leadership


The Bible provides clear guidance on the roles of men and women within the Christian congregation. The New Testament explicitly prohibits women from serving as teachers or leaders over men within the church. This directive is based on the divine order of creation, as outlined by the apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 2:11-14:

"Let a woman learn in silence with full submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man, but to be in silence. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. Also, Adam was not deceived, but the woman was thoroughly deceived and came to be in transgression."

This passage makes it clear that women are not to hold positions of teaching or authority over men within the congregation. This instruction is rooted in the creation account, where Adam was created first, establishing the principle of male headship. Eve’s deception by the serpent further underscores the reason for this divine order, as Paul points out that her transgression was a result of stepping outside of the protective headship of her husband, Adam (Genesis 3:1-6).



Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 14:34-35, Paul reinforces the principle of female silence in the congregational setting:

"Let the women keep silent in the congregations, for it is not permitted for them to speak, but let them be in subjection, even as the Law says. If, then, they want to learn something, let them question their own husbands at home, for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in a congregation."

Here, Paul is not suggesting that women are inferior but rather that they are to fulfill their God-given roles within the church by supporting the teaching and leadership roles assigned to men. This order is not based on cultural considerations but on the timeless truth of Scripture.



The Proper Role of Women in Teaching and Ministry


While the New Testament restricts women from teaching or holding authority over men within the congregation, it also highlights the valuable contributions that women can make in other areas of ministry. Titus 2:3-5 provides an example of the appropriate teaching role for women:

"Let the aged women be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled."

Older women are encouraged to teach younger women how to live godly lives, emphasizing their roles as wives and mothers. This form of teaching is private and informal, not a public or authoritative role within the congregation. It is a valuable service that contributes to the spiritual health of the church by ensuring that women fulfill their God-given roles in a manner that honors God.


In the home, women also play a crucial role in teaching their children. The apostle Paul acknowledges the influence of Timothy’s mother and grandmother in passing on the faith to him:

"I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well." (2 Timothy 1:5)
"From infancy, you have known the holy writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through the faith in connection with Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 3:15)

This instruction within the family setting is an essential part of the spiritual upbringing of children, preparing them to live faithful Christian lives.



Misinterpretations and Misapplications Regarding Women’s Roles


It is important to address certain misinterpretations and misapplications that have arisen regarding the roles of women in the church. Some argue that Paul's instructions were influenced by the patriarchal culture of his time and are not applicable today. However, this argument fails to recognize the divine inspiration of Scripture. Paul himself affirms in 2 Timothy 3:16 that:

"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness."

Furthermore, 2 Peter 1:21 declares that:

"For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."

Therefore, Paul’s writings, including his instructions regarding women’s roles, are not products of cultural bias but are divinely inspired commands meant to guide the church for all time.


Some also point to the example of Deborah in the Old Testament as a justification for women serving as leaders in the church. However, a careful examination of Deborah’s role reveals that she was a prophetess, not a congregational teacher or leader in the New Testament sense. As a prophetess, Deborah communicated God’s will to the people, but she did not serve as a priest or teacher of the Law. Her role was unique and does not set a precedent for women serving as pastors or elders in the church.


In conclusion, the Bible clearly delineates the roles of men and women within the Christian congregation. Women are not to serve as teachers or leaders over men, but they have valuable roles to play in teaching younger women, instructing their children, and contributing to the spiritual life of the church in ways that align with the biblical order. Any deviation from this pattern would be a departure from God’s design and would introduce confusion and disorder into the church, contrary to the principles laid out in Scripture.



What About the Argument That Women Are Called to Pastor Churches?


Some women claim that they are called by God to pastor churches or hold positions of authority over men. However, such claims must be evaluated against the clear teachings of Scripture. The apostle Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote in 1 Timothy 2:12:

"But I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man, but to be in silence."

This passage clearly prohibits women from serving as pastors or elders, roles that involve teaching and exercising authority over men. The biblical qualifications for an elder also reinforce this restriction, as Paul writes in 1 Timothy 3:2:

"An overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach."

The requirement that an overseer be "the husband of one wife" indicates that this role is reserved for men. Furthermore, the idea that a woman’s subjective feeling of being called to the pastorate can override the clear teaching of Scripture is a dangerous precedent. It opens the door to all manner of subjective interpretations and practices that are not grounded in the Word of God.


If one were to accept the argument that personal feelings of being called are sufficient to override biblical teaching, then one would also have to accept the claims of those who feel called to other roles that Scripture prohibits, such as homosexual men or polygamists serving as pastors. However, Scripture is clear that such practices are contrary to God’s will, as seen in passages like Romans 1:26-28 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-10.


Therefore, the notion that a woman can be called to serve as a pastor or elder is incompatible with the teachings of the Bible. God’s Word is the final authority, and it does not permit women to hold these positions of authority within the church.



The Example of Priscilla and Her Role in the Early Church


Some proponents of women pastors point to Priscilla, who, along with her husband Aquila, is mentioned in the New Testament as having provided instruction to Apollos, a learned man in the Scriptures. The passage in question is found in Acts 18:26:

"He began to speak 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."

While this passage does show Priscilla’s involvement in teaching Apollos, it is important to note that this was done in conjunction with her husband Aquila and not in a public or congregational setting. Moreover, the teaching was done privately, not in a way that would have placed Priscilla in a position of authority over Apollos or other men in the church. Therefore, this example does not provide a basis for women serving as pastors or elders.

Priscilla’s involvement in instructing Apollos highlights the valuable role that women can play in supporting their husbands and contributing to the spiritual growth of others, but it does not contradict the biblical mandate that prohibits women from holding positions of authority over men within the church.



How Should Women Serve in the Church Today?


Women in the church today can serve in many meaningful and biblically appropriate ways. As mentioned earlier, older women are to teach younger women how to live godly lives, as instructed in Titus 2:3-5. This is an important ministry that helps to strengthen families and build up the church.


Additionally, women can evangelize and share the gospel with others, as all Christians are commanded to do in Matthew 28:19-20. They can serve as missionaries, minister to other women, and teach children the truths of Scripture, as seen in the examples of Timothy’s mother and grandmother.


Women can also serve in various ministries within the church that do not involve teaching or exercising authority over men. These might include roles in hospitality, administration, music, and service-oriented ministries. The example of the widow in 1 Timothy 5:9-10, who was known for her good works and service to others, highlights the significant contributions that women can make to the life of the church.


In all these roles, women are to exhibit a spirit of humility, modesty, and submission to the biblical order established by God. By doing so, they bring glory to God and contribute to the health and vitality of the church.


In conclusion, the role of women in the church is clearly defined by Scripture. While women are not permitted to serve as pastors or elders, they have many valuable roles to play in teaching, serving, and ministering within the church. These roles should be embraced and fulfilled in a way that honors God and aligns with His Word.


About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220 books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).


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