Sunday, September 17, 2017 pm
CAN WOMEN SERVE AS
DEACONS?
This morning we addressed the qualifications and role of deacons as we
continue our study of the New Testament church and its leaders.
Tonight, we want to discuss an aspect of that role – can women
serve as deacons?
This is a controversial subject that is greatly discussed today.
Many churches are rethinking the scriptures to expand the role of
women in the church. I am
convinced that in many instances it begins with the question of
deaconesses. So let us
consider what the Bible teaches about this subject.
a.
A deacon is to be the
husband of one wife – hence a man.
1 Timothy 3:12. This ought to solve the issue.
We could also appeal to Philippians 1:1 which mentions deacons, along
with bishops and the saints.
And throughout the qualifications listed in 1 Timothy 3:8-13, the
masculine is consistently used (with the exception of vs. 11-12 which
deals with their wives (feminine) and children (neuter). Even “houses”
(household – NASB) is masculine.
b.
Add to this the
consistency in the New Testament of men as leaders in a congregation,
(all apostles, all elders, all preacher, all NT writers, etc.) we can
see that God intends deacons to be men.
c.
Furthermore, God has
given restricted roles for women in worship and teaching men – 1 Timothy
2:11-15 (which is given in a broader sense than just the church), 1
Corinthians 14:34-35 specifically addresses when we are in worship.
We have examined these texts in times past and concluded that
this is dealing with circumstances where leadership is involved (hence
women can sing, etc.).
a.
Argument -
1 Timothy 3:11 –
the Greek word for “wives” (γυνή, gynē) can be “women” or “wives.”
Likewise, {their}
wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all
things. (NKJV, similar in the KJV) (emp. mine, including “their” is
added for flow – TT)
Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate,
faithful in all things. (NASB, also similar in the ASV) .
Thus this verse gives the qualifications of women who are serving as
deaconesses (female deacons).
Answer:
i.
It is true that the same
word is used for women and wives.
In fact, the word is used some 220+ times and is fairly evenly
divided between the two.
Most texts are clear on the distinction.
Checking numerous English versions they are split on translations (and
it has nothing to do with which Greek manuscript they use).
ii.
This text does NOT make
a distinction, so either English word would be a proper translation.
THAT leaves us with the CONTEXT.
And when put in context, the better translation is “wives”.
Why?
1.
Because of the previous
observations about male leaders, including the use of deacon as an
office in Philippians 1:1, and here in 1 Tim. 3:8, 12, 10 & 13 (the verb
form translated to serve as deacons)
2.
Because vs. 12 notes
that deacons are to be the husband of one wife.
IF, vs. 11 means women, why is a husband not mentioned?
Do only the male “deacons” have to be married?
3.
Because the context,
BOTH before and after refers to a man serving as a deacon.
It would be strange to interrupt this and insert the role of a
woman (deaconess) in the midst of the qualifications of male deacons.
4.
Because vs. 11 does NOT
use the word “deacon” for the wife mentioned.
5.
Some have also asked, if
Paul meant deaconess, why not combine both into one group of
qualifications rather than distinguishing them? (E.g. “Let both men and
women serving as deacons be…”)
6.
Furthermore, since Paul
is addressing deacons (and previously elders) who must be married, it is
logical that he addresses the demeanor of their wives.
The qualities described in vs. 11 would be crucial for a leader’s
wife to possess if he is to be effective in his work.
The “likewise” or “in the same manner” means “similarly” and
shows their godly qualities working with their appointed husband.
b.
Romans 16:1-2 – Phoebe
i.
The argument: Along with the above passage, they turn to Romans 16:1,
I commend to you Phoebe our
sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea,
The word servant is διάκονον, (diakonon), the feminine form of the word
translated “deacon” in Philippians 1:1 and 1 Timothy 3:8 & 12.
Thus Phoebe was a deaconess.
ii.
But consider the
following:
1.
The word διάκονος
(diakonos) is found 30 times in the New Testament, 27 times it is
translated either
servant or minister.
This is the primary meaning
of the word.
The word is even used to describe those who may not be believers (cf.
Romans 13:4 – God’s minister – speaking of governing authorities;
Matthew 22:13 – a king’s servants; 2 Corinthians 11:15 – Satan’s
ministers, etc.)
Its verb counterpart (διακονέω, diakoneō) is used 37 times and is
usually translated, serves or ministered (including 1 Timothy 3:10, 13 –
serve adding - as deacons)
2.
All Christians are to be
servants
– Matthew 23:11 – who is greatest, let him be your servant; Galatians
5:13 – through love serve one another; Hebrews 6:10 – you have
ministered to the saints and do minister; 1 Peter 4:10-11 – if anyone
ministers, etc.
3.
Any official designation
are borne out in their context
– this is the case in Philippians 1:1 and 1 Timothy 3:8 & 12.
4.
The context of Romans
16:1-2 does not necessitate that it be an office. It could simply
describe Phoebe as one who served (as a Christian) in the church at
Cenchrea. Paul could
simply be stating that as a Christian coming to Rome, they ought to
recognize and assist her as they would any brother OR sister in Christ.
In fact, Paul in describing her in vs 2 said, “…for she has also been a helper
of many, and of myself as well.”
c.
Some might contend that women can serve as deaconess because it is a
position of service and not one of teaching (as in preachers, elders and
apostles).
i.
The office of deacon is
certainly different than the other offices and functionaries in that it
is about helping the elders accomplish what needs to be done, so that
they can focus on spiritual matters.
ii.
The fact that it is an
office gives concern with 1 Timothy 2:12 which says,
And I do not permit a woman
to teach or to have
authority over a man, but to be in silence.
Being an office means that it
comes with authority. Thus there is this concern.
d.
NOTE:
The case for women serving as deacons is indicative of a larger
problem – the unwillingness of women AND MEN to submit to God’s pattern.
It is a creeping in the direction toward feminism and assuming
further roles, including leadership.
Friends, this is already happening!
As I was preparing this lesson, I was directed to a website,
www.gal328.com
that advocates women, not only as deacons, but also as elders and
preachers. This is a website
about churches of Christ who have released statements on gender
inclusiveness. At present,
there are 8 (professed) churches of Christ whose statements are included
on this site.
The site also has a list of “gender inclusive churches of Christ”
including 6 in California (57 in the US).
These are churches that have made open statements of
inclusiveness at various levels.
Some are “working toward” further progression.
a.
Women are NOT
second-class citizens in the kingdom of God.
Galatians 3:28 notes that we are all one in Christ (though this
text is misinterpreted to say that women can now do anything men can
do). But God has placed
limitations upon them – including leadership roles in the church, work
and in the home.
b.
There are examples of
godly women serving in noticeable ways.
Time will permit a detailed examination of the details but I
mention these that we may know women are needed in God’s plans and have
a work to do.
i.
Philip had 4 daughters
that prophesied (Acts 21:9, cf. 1 Corinthians 11:1-6)
ii.
Philippians 4:2-3 –
where Paul implores Euodia and Syntyche to live in harmony.
In vs. 3 he notes they had shared in his struggles for the cause
of the gospel
iii.
Romans 16:3 – Priscilla
helped Aquila in correcting Apollos (Acts 18:24-28).
Paul recognized them as fellow workers
iv.
Romans 16:6-7 – Mary
labored among them and Junia was of note among the apostles.
v.
Romans 16:12
- Tryphena and Tryphosa both labored in the Lord.
c.
I am convinced that 1
Timothy 2:15 which says, Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in
faith, love, and holiness, with self-control, is a reference to her
fulfilling her role, whatever that might be.
d.
So what are some things
women can do to serve and help the church grow?
i.
They can assist in
teaching unbelievers the truth (cf. Acts 18:26) – again Priscilla.
ii.
They can teach women and
children – Titus 2:3-5 calls upon older women to teach younger women.
How many problems are prevalent in the church today because of a
failure in this?
iii.
Visit the fatherless and
widows – James 1:27 (all can do this)
iv.
Do whatever the elders
ask of them (Hebrews 13:17) within the boundaries God has established.
NOTE: There are some tasks best handled by women (encouraging a
woman who is struggling, dealing with feminine matters, etc.)
v.
They can be hospitable
(as with all)
vi.
They can be an
encouragement to both brothers and sisters in Christ.
vii.
Like everyone, they can
invite others to services, etc.