Teaching Article

Tradition, prejudice, and ignorance over the past 2000+ years has minimized, and at times excluded, the woman’s role in serving Yeshua (Jesus) in the body of Messiah. This was not the example Yeshua demonstrated when a woman desired to sit at His feet and become a “taught one” (Hebrew: talmidim, English: disciple). He did not tell her to go away and attend to the womanly duties because discipleship is “for men only.” Instead, Yeshua said: “Miriam (Mary) has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:42 (NASB)

One of the goals of the modern Messianic movement has been to return to the teachings and examples of Messiah Yeshua, the Apostles, the forefathers, and the patriarchs. Why fall short when it comes to dealing with the anti-woman prejudice that exists today? With today’s resources, we can more easily filter through generations of misinterpretations and misuse of Scripture

Historical information and language tools are readily available to allow us to correctly interpret the Hebrew and Greek languages. These resources have never been available to “lay people” before this generation. And, if properly used, we should take these tools and tear down age old prejudices that did not exist in our Messiah Yeshua or the Holy One of Israel.

I believe as we look at Scripture, history, and language, we will find that our Creator intended for men and women to rule and reign together; not one dominating over the other. It is clear in 1^st Corinthians 12 that no one but the Ruach haChodesh (the Holy Spirit) can determine who, man or woman, will receive which spiritual gifts.

As anti-Semitism (prejudice against the Jewish people) was, and still is, being perpetuated by lies and myths, prejudice against women follows a similar pattern. In her article, First Century Woman-Hellenic and Latin Influences on Western Views of Women, Jimmilea Berryhill states,

“…Greek Hellenism had made great inroads into the nations, and the mixture of its philosophies did not escape the Roman subjects. In Veiled and Silenced, Alvin John Schmidt describes the setting: ‘Associating women with evil has been an age-old practice, deeply embedded in many cultures.’”

She goes on to quote men who impacted the thinking of their generation and succeeding societies through their writings concerning women:

“The Greek poets were fond of equating woman with evil. Euripides (480-406 B.C.) has Hippolytus say: ‘Why hast thou given a home beneath the sun, Zeus, unto woman, specious curse to man?’ (Hippolytus 616-17 B.C.). Andromache, a woman who had internalized the values of men, comes to this conclusion: ‘Strange that God hath given to men slaves for the venom of all creeping pests, but none hath ever yet devised a balm for venomous woman, worse than fire or viper’ (Andromache 269-73; Lysistrata 10-11).

Among the Romans, we find Tacitus (first century A.D.) picturing women as dominating and cruel (Annuals 3.33). Seneca, a philosopher and statesman, saw human anger as a womanish and childish weakness (Delra 1.19.3). These Greek and Roman perspectives can be seen when we hear the words of Juvenal, in one of his satires: ‘Teach her decent ways, when there’s no decency in her? Not a chance in the world. Like mother, like daughter’ (Satire 6.240-41). The ancient agrarian males were convinced that woman was responsible for introducing evil into man’s world.

Aristotle defined women as biologically inferior in this way: ‘The female is, as it were, a deformed male’ (Generation of Animals 2.737a:27), and his mentor Plato (427?-347 B.C.), resorting to his reincarnation beliefs presented his case as follows: ‘Men who proved themselves cowardly and spent their lives in wrong doing were transformed, at their second incarnation, into women’ (Timaeus 91a). In a similar manner, Hippocrates, almost 100 years before Aristotle, contended the male fetus began movement in his mother’s womb at three months after conception, whereas the female fetus moved later, at four months. Even five hundred years later, Galen, who had a great influence on Western biological and medical thought said: ‘The female is less perfect than the male’ (On the Usefulness of the Parts of the Body 14.6-7).

Tertullian (another of the founding ‘fathers’ of Roman Catholicism) called women ‘the devil’s gateway’; Epiphanius (another founding ‘father’ of Roman Catholicism) called women ‘a feeble race, untrustworthy, and of mediocre intelligence’” (Danielou, p. 25)

“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Messiah.”

“And thus Elohim created man in His form. In the form of Elohim, He created him, male and female, He created them. Elohim blessed them, and Elohim said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth and subdue it, and dominate the fish of the sea, the birds of the heaven, and every living thing that moves upon the earth.’” (Chumash)

From these verses, it is clear that men and women are given equal roles in ruling over creation. No boss/secretary relationship or a woman being placed beneath man exists in these verses.

In Genesis 2:18, we see woman being created from man’s side as “a helper.” What does this mean?

“And the Lord God said, it is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a help mate for him.”

“The Hebrew word translated ‘helper’ is used twenty-one times in the Old Testament: twenty of these cases refer to help from a superior. In fact, sixteen of the twenty-one refer to God (such as Exodus 18:4, 1 Sam 7:12; Ps 121:1-2, Psalm 27:9, Psalm 94:17, and Psalm 146:5). Thus, there is nothing at creation that would subjugate women to men. The use of ‘suitable helper’ to describe Eve actually implies a spiritual partnership between the husband and wife. Adam needed help, and help was provided.” (The Role of Woman in the Church, by Frank Daniels)

The Hebrew word translated as “corresponding to him” (Strong’s #5048) is “neged.” It is:

from HSN5046; a front, i.e. part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before.

Nowhere in these definitions do you see the word “under!” Together, man and woman are to form a whole, serving the Creator as “one.” This has not changed.

Another traditional misunderstanding held “over a woman’s head” is that all women are cursed because of what Eve did in the Garden of Eden. This is not true. Genesis 3:16 states:

“Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.”

This verse only applies to Eve. It is not our Heavenly Father’s nature to punish others for someone else’s individual sin! How many men do you know who were led by their wives to literally eat from the physical Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil? Scripture says that this only happened to “one” man, Adam. Ezekiel 18:18-20 states:

Scripture teaches that both Adam and Eve were co-participants in the Fall: (Gen 3:6; Rom 5:12-21; 1Cor 15:21-22). Genesis 3:6 states

“Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.’

"Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this Law."

“There was not a word of all that Moses commanded, which Joshua read not before all the congregation of Israel, with the women, and the little ones, and the strangers that were conversant among them.”

“And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded to Israel. And Ezra the priest brought the Law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month. And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the Law..."

“Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, there assembled unto him out of Israel a very great congregation of men and women and children: for the people wept very sore.”

“Moreover Jeremiah said unto all the people, and to all the women, Hear the word of the Lord, all Judah that are in the land of Egypt:”

“And it came to pass afterward, that He (Yeshua) went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him, And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance. And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable:”

“But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Yeshua Messiah, they were baptized, both men and women.”

“And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. And when she was baptized, and her household…”

“And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.”

“And he made the laver of brass, and the foot of it of brass, of the lookingglasses of the women assembling, which assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.” (Exodus 38:8)

“Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.” (1 Samuel 2:22)

The place where the women assembled was the altar of burnt offerings and the laver. This is where the sacrifices were slaughtered and eaten; where the priest were consecrated and lived for seven days after consecration; and where the Nazarites shaved their heads. These women were not just hanging out!

The women were serving: “And to the children of Levi, behold, I have given all the tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service which they perform, the service of the tent of meeting” (Num 18:21-22). Others were not allowed to come near: "And the children of Israel shall not come near the tent of meeting again, lest they bear sin and die."

“The context shows this passage to be speaking of women...women engaged in ‘service’ at the tent (or tabernacle). The word ‘served’ used to describe the women who ministered at the door is only applied to military service or tabernacle or temple service. The Hebrew word is used to designate the service of only one class of Tabernacle servants: the Levites, the family of the priesthood.” (The Role of Woman in the Church, by Frank Daniels)

“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. And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.” (Exodus 15:20-21)

“And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days: and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in again.” (Numbers 12:15)

“For I brought thee up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed thee out of the house of servants; and I sent before thee Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. (Micah 6:4)

“And the children of Israel cried unto the Lord: for he had nine hundred chariots of iron; and twenty years he mightily oppressed the children of Israel. And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time. And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in mount Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment. And she sent and called Barak…said unto him, Hath not the Lord God of Israel commanded, saying, Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun? (Judges 4:3-7)

“Then sang Deborah and Barak…saying, Praise ye the Lord for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves. Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, even I, will sing unto the Lord; I will sing praise to the Lord God of Israel. Lord, when thou wentest out of Seir, when thou marchedst out of the field of Edom, the earth trembled, and the heavens dropped, the clouds also dropped water. The mountains melted from before the Lord, even that Sinai from before the Lord God of Israel…the inhabitants of the villages ceased, they ceased in Israel, until that I Deborah arose, that I arose a mother in Israel….Awake, awake, Deborah: awake, awake, utter a song: arise, Barak, and lead thy captivity captive, thou son of Abinoam…the Lord made me have dominion over the mighty.” (Judges 5:1-13)

“And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the Book of the Law, that he rent his clothes. And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest…Shaphan the scribe…saying, Go ye, inquire of the Lord for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that is found: for great is the wrath of the Lord that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us. So Hilkiah the priest…went unto Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college;) and they communed with her. And she said unto them, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Tell the man that sent you to me…Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be kindled against this place, and shall not be quenched. But to the king of Judah which sent you to inquire of the Lord, Thus shall ye say to him, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel…I also have heard thee, saith the Lord. Behold therefore, I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace; and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place. And they brought the king word again.” (2 Kings 22:11-20)

“Therefore was he hired, that I should be afraid, and do so, and sin, and that they might have matter for an evil report, that they might reproach me. My God, think thou upon Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and on the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have put me in fear.” (Nehemiah 6:13-14)

“Moreover the Lord said unto me, Take thee a great roll, and write in it with a man's pen concerning Mahershalalhashbaz. And I took unto me faithful witnesses to record, Uriah the priest, and Zechariah the son of Jeberechiah. And I went unto the prophetess; and she conceived, and bare a son. Then said the Lord to me, Call his name Mahershalalhashbaz. For before the child shall have knowledge to cry, My father, and my mother, the riches of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria shall be taken away before the king of Assyria.” (Isaiah 8:1-4)

“And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the Lord, mine horn is exalted in the Lord: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation. There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God. Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength. They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble. The Lord killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up. The Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up. He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the Lord's, and he hath set the world upon them. He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail. The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the Lord shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.” 1 Samuel 2:1-9

§ Ruth - A former Moabite, great-grandmother of King David, a Book in the Bible named after her.

§ Esther- A Book in the Bible named after her, “Esther’s decree confirmed these regulations about Purim..” (Esther 9:32), She instructed Mordecai and the people to pray and fast for three days and nights, then risked her life for her people by breaking the law of Persia and Media.

“The coming of Yeshua brought a reformation of restoration to the original intents of the Torah. Yeshua elevated women to equality with men so that they could sit among the talmudim (disciples) ‘at his feet’ and be covered with the dust of their Rabbi and Lord. Though some Christian theologians of subsequent centuries have suggested that it is not fitting and proper that a woman should ‘carry the Word of God,’ he arranged it so that one woman carried the Word for nine months before anyone else saw him! Then, in another twist of irony, he also provided that the first evangelist to proclaim the good news of the resurrection was a woman, and a redeemed prostitute at that! Paul encapsulated the Christ position regarding women in Christian service: ‘There is . . .neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Yeshua. And if ye be Christ’s then are ye . . . heirs according to the promise" (Galatians 3:28). Men and women share equal rights to inherit the promises, blessings, anointings, and appointments of God’s kingdom. (The Bibical Woman - Lessons for Today’s Church from Its Hebraic Heritage, John D. Garr, Ph.D.)

Women were a major part of Yeshua’s life. We read of “the prophetess Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.” (Luke 2:36-38)

“And it came to pass afterward, that He (Yeshua) went throughout every city and village, preaching …the twelve were with him, And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene…And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.” (Luke 8:1-4)

“And it came to pass, as he (Yeshua) spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, ‘Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the breasts which thou hast sucked.’ But He said, ‘Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it. (Luke 11:27-28)

“And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him. But Yeshua turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.” Luke 23:27-28.

“Now Jacob's well was there. Yeshua therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Yeshua saith unto her, Give me to drink. (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.) Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. Yeshua answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and He would have given thee living water.” (John 4:6-10)

“And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did. (John 4:39)

Next, we see Yeshua going against social norms of His day and even early Christian practice regarding instructing women in the Torah. Yeshua would not condemn a woman for performing her household duties, yet He commended Miriam for desiring to be a disciple (taught-one), to study, and learn the Torah.

“Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Miriam (Mary), which also sat at Yeshua's feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? Bid her therefore that she help me. And Yeshua answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Miriam hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42)

"Rather should the words of the Torah be burned than entrusted to a woman...Whoever teaches his daughter the Torah is like one who teaches her obscenity." Mishnah Sota 3:4, Rabbi Eliezer

This attitude toward women still exists today in both Judaism and Christianity. It was not the practice of Yeshua, our Maker, and should not be ours either! Also, Yeshua did not avoid women in the congregations. He met their needs equally as he met the men.

“And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself. And when Yehsua saw her, He called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity. And He laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation…And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day?” (Luke 13:10-16)

§ Women –Last to Leave Yeshua’s Side at Death - First to be Witnesses of His Resurrection

Many of Yeshua’s contemporaries taught that women were not qualified to bear public witness:

Baba Kamma 88a declares, "Though the woman is subject to the commandments, she is disqualified from giving evidence."

Josephus, a first-century Jewish historian, states in Antiquities 4,219: "Let not the testimony of women be admitted because of the levity and boldness of their sex."

Yet, Yeshua chose a woman, Mary Magdalene, to be the first witness of His resurrection (Luke 14:1-10). Perhaps, the Creator of women does not agree with many of man’s view and treatment of women. The God of Abraham speaks through His women to men!

“Yeshua saith unto her, Miriam (Mary). She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. Yeshua saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. Miram Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.” (John 20:16-18)

Mary Magdalene was sent as the apostula apostalorum or as the apostle to the apostles to tell them of the Good news of Yeshua’s resurrection.

“And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Yeshua, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead…And they departed quickly…with fear and great joy; and did run to bring His disciples word.” (Matt. 28:5-28)

Acts 2:17-18. “And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy…”

Acts 1:12-14, “Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a Sabbath day's journey. And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John... These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Miriam the mother of Yeshua, and with his brethren.”

The great commission is not gender specific. All, both women and men, are commanded to go and make disciples. It is impossible to disciple someone without teaching them something. The concept of discipleship in Yeshua’s time was one walking and talking just like the one who taught them. To speak their words, teach their customs and traditions, to emulate them. Paul taught this in 1 Cor. 11:1, “Follow my example as I follow the example of Messiah.”

“Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and alms deeds which she did.”

In Acts 18:24-26 we see a married couple, Priscilla and Aquila, where both the woman and man acted in the role of teacher to a man from Alexandria, called Apollos. Various translations of the Bible imply that they taught him in the synagogue (Amplified Bible, King James Version, Rheims, New American Standard, New American, New Revised Standard).

Paul has been grossly misunderstood by both Jews and Non-Jews over the last 2000 years. His view of the Torah (Law), which is easily clarified by looking at his life and his own words, has led to much false teaching. He has also been misunderstood with respect to his view on women serving in the body of Messiah, primarily as teachers. Peter (Kefa) gave us a warning that Paul’s letters would cause problems down the road. In II Peter 3:15-16, we read:

“…Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other Scriptures, unto their own destruction.”

Without examining everything that Paul says about the women in his life, it is hard to gain a correct understanding of the few sections in his letters where it appears he is preventing women from using their God-given gift to teach men. Let us see what Paul says about these women.

“Priscilla and Aquila my fellow workers in Messiah Yeshua” Romans 16:3 (NIV)

Priscilla and her husband are mentioned three times in the book of Acts and three times in Paul’s letters. Priscilla’s name is listed first in four of the six. In ancient times, it was customary to list the husband’s name first unless the wife was from a higher social status (Keener, Craig S. Paul, Women and Wives. Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson Publishers, 1992). I believe Paul listed Priscilla first because of her lead role in this husband/wife ministry.

Other Bible translations refer to Priscilla as a “co-worker.” The original Greek word is “synergoi.” It literally means “fellow worker” or “colleague.” Paul is not placing this woman beneath him but addressing her as an equal.

“Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.” Romans 16:7 (KJV)

Here, Paul refers to a female apostle named “Junia.” The Amplified Bible translates this passage as:

As you can see below in the literal translation Strong’s, the reference to them both being men does not appear in the original Greek text. The word “men” or “kinsmen” was inserted by the translators:

0782| Greet |0408| Andronicus |2532| and |2458| Junias, |3588| the |4773| relatives |3450| of me |2532| and |4869| fellow-prisoners |3450| of me, |3748| who |1526| are |1978| notable |1722| among |3588| the |0652| apostles, |3739| who |2532| and |4253| before |1700| me |1096| have been |1722| in |5547| Christ.

As well, many translations, including the Amplified Bible, Rheims New Testament, New American Standard Bible, and the New International Version add the letter “s” to make this name masculine.

“Some dispute this name as being masculine not feminine. But it is well-attested as a feminine name of this time period. The Church Fathers through the fourth century recognized it as a feminine name. In the 13th-14th century the name was masculinized. However, none of the early Greek manuscripts have this masculine form. The masculinization of the name was done because the Church felt women could not be apostles. But the text does not confirm this. Others would try to say that Junia is not a real apostle stating that the term apostle is not only a designation for a specific leadership position but could also refer to being sent out as part of a team. Apostle comes from the Greek word apostalos which has the basic meaning "to send." However, of all the times this noun is used it is only translated once as "one who is sent." The term is used over a dozen times to refer to Paul. It is used specifically of Peter (1 Peter 1.1), Epaphroditus (Philippians 2.25) and the twelve apostles in general. When referring to specific men, it is never interpreted as anything except a leadership position. In Romans 16.7 there is no reason to interpret it differently. Also, Paul does not just list her as an apostle but states that she is ‘outstanding among the apostles.’” (WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP: A Biblical Perspective by Carol Calise)

“No where in history is there an example of a man ever bearing the name Junia!! There are a few who believer that Romans 16:7 means that the apostles found this woman to be an outstanding woman, but disbelieve that it meant she was an apostle. However, all the references mentioned assure us that the correct understanding is that this woman was an apostle and that she did the work of an evangelist in spreading the Gospel to both men and women.” (Women in Leadership, John H. Currier)

“Romans 16.1,3 Phoebe is mentioned as the leader of the congregation in Cenchrea. The Greek word used here is diakonos (deacon). This word is used twenty- two times in the New Covenant. It is used of Timothy, Epaphras, Tychichus and even Paul himself. When referring to a man, it is translated as deacon or minister. Only when it is attributed to Phoebe is it watered down and translated as servant. Yet, there is no doubt that this term is a designation for a leadership position. Once again, there is nothing in the text to suggest that Phoebe's role was any different from the men who were given this title. In this position, she taught Scriptures and performed other leadership responsibilities in the same manner as Timothy or Epaphras.” (WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP: A Biblical Perspective, by Carol Calise)

“I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.” (Philippians 4:2-3)

“In Philippians 4.2,3 Paul speaks of two women who contended at his side for the sake of the Gospel and says they are part of his "fellow workers" along with Clement. The Greek phrase is ton loipwn sunergon mou. The Greek word sunergon is used thirteen times in the New Covenant. Ten of those times it is used by Paul to refer to a specific person, i.e., Timothy (Romans 16.21, 1 Thessalonians 3.2), Titus (2 Corinthians 8.23, Epaphroditus (Philippians 2.25), etc. The men whom Paul uses this term of are certainly considered to be ministers of the Gospel and leaders in the body of Messiah. In fact, one scholar states that Paul "honored his companions by using this and similar terms thereby consolidating their authority in the churches." (Bertram, 874) There is nothing in the text to indicate that he meant anything different when speaking of these women. Using this phrase of these women confirmed their authority to the congregation at Philippi.” (Women In Leadership: A Biblical Perspective by Carol Calise)

“For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.” (1 Corinthians 1:11)

Chloe is mentioned as the owner of a house where believers were holding regular meetings. There is some uncertainty as to whether the women actually led these congregations but the importance of her and other women in similar passages cannot be overlooked.

“Paul, a prisoner of Yeshua Messiah, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer, And to our beloved Apphia, the sister, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the congregation in thy house:” (Philemon 1,2)

Paul writes his letter to “Apphia, our sister” and two men as the three leaders of this congregation. This sounds a little like “Moses, Aaron, and Miriam…”

Nympha is another woman who Paul recognizes her works and the congregation in her house. Literal translation of Col 4:15:

0782| Greet |3588| the |1722| in |2993| Laodicea |0080| brothers, |2532| and |3564| Nymphas |2532| and |3588| the |9999| at |2596| {the} |3624| house |0848| of her |1577| congregation.

Acts 16:13-15. “And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.”

Paul went to where women had gathered to prayer. He joined them in their worship and in the process, Lydia came to accept Yeshua as Messiah. Typically, Synagogues were located near the rivers so that immersions could be conducted. These women were conducting a Shabbat service.

During Paul’s fourth missionary journey, he left Timothy behind to establish the congregation at Ephesus. What a huge task for a young man in a large pagan city! Paul states in 1 Timothy 1:3-7:

“As I urged you…stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God’s work…some have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless talk. They want to be teachers of the Law but they do not know what they are talking about…”

As we said in the beginning, to interpret Paul’s writings, it is essential to understand the historical setting/environment in which the development of this congregation was taking place. Please keep in mind that Paul is dealing with individual people and specific situations, as was the case in Ephesus. Paul was fighting against, as we still do today, pagan doctrines and teachings. We know that Ephesus was:

o Located at the intersection of major trade routes; ranked with Rome, Corinth, etc.

o This is where Paul encountered the idol-maker silversmith–hurt his souvenir business

Ephesus was a place where the main religion promoted women superiority over men. Thus, we have the Amazon women myth. This is in direct opposition of Biblical teaching where neither the man nor the woman is to dominate the other. However, this was the situation in Ephesus.

With this background, let us take a word-by-word look at 1 Tim. 2:11-12. Dianne McDonnell in her paper A Church with Women, explains these verses and writes: “Paul praises many women active in teaching both men and women. The one Scripture that was believed to forbid a woman from fully serving her Savior is misunderstood and probably mistranslated....The original order of 1Timothy 2:11-12 is literally translated word by word (just as Paul wrote it):

Woman in quietness I let learn with all submission to teach, but (a) wife I not permit not even to dominate a husband, but to be in quietness.’”

To reinforce Dianne McDonnell’s position above, Carol Calise writes in her article, WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP: A Biblical Perspective: “The Greek word used here is authentein. This is the only time it is used in the New Covenant Scriptures. It has a connotation of domineering or usurping authority. It also has been translated as "to kill or murder." (Scholer, 204) Most English translations do not convey this meaning. The word used normally in the New Covenant for authority is ekousia. So, it is obvious that Paul has something specific in mind by using this unique word.”

So, who is Rabbi Paul addressing in these verses? I believe he is speaking to wives who were formally “Amazon myth-followers!” They still held to the myths and teachings of Diana, which taught domination over the men. It is no different today as we have people leaving cults who bring their previous doctrines into our congregations.

Carol Calise is correct when she says, “The issue is not merely teaching or having authority but rather abusing authority. Paul would say the same to men. Usurping authority is not Messiah-like whether it be a male or female doing it.”

“But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head...”

“Obviously women teach when they reveal prophesies G-d has sent them. If women were forbidden to teach in an assembly or to any man, then it would be silly for G-d to reveal anything to them -- because they wouldn't be able to share it!

"And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also." 2 Timothy 2:2

Certainly among the witnesses were many women. And note these witnesses (and those who have heard these witnesses) are to teach faithful 'men' the gospel. ('Men' here is anthropos meaning a generic 'human' or 'mankind,' not like arsen/arren meaning only 'male').” (Role Of Women In Scripture, Ellen Kavanaugh)

Seven of the 55 prophets in the Tenach (Older Covenant) were women. Prophets are:

“A spokesman for G-d, chosen to convey a message or teaching. Prophets were role models of holiness, scholarship and closeness to G-d…”

“For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. 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.” (KJV)

We know from the Scripture we have already examined that BOTH men and women are to prophesy. They both prophesied in the Older Covenant, the Renewed Covenant, and will in our day as well! Rabbi Paul does not have the authority to override the rest of Scripture.

Rabbi Paul in 1 Cor. 11:5 recognizes that women have and use the gift of prophesy. And, he states above: “For ye may all prophesy…”

If we take this verse out of context, as most do, then it says that only the “married women” are restricted from having this gift; single women can still prophesy. This really doesn’t make sense!

It is clear by the proceeding verses that men and women were both prophesying in the congregation. While this was occurring, some of the married women began speaking out loudly, causing confusion.

I hate to keep harping on knowing the historical setting but…once again our ignorance promotes false teaching.

“…in the pagan temples in Corinth it was customary for women to call out and to speak loudly for they were considered mediums between men and the gods. The dress of the pagan women, ornamented with much jewelry, and imitating the "Temple Maidens," who in truth were prostitutes, could have indeed been the women to whom Paul was addressing. It’s felt that some of these pagan converts were still using their form of religion within the Church of God at Corinth and therefore leading some outside the church to not be able to distinguish between the pagans and the Christians. This could explain the possible questions that Paul was replying to. Remember that we only have the answers to the questions that Paul is answering and not the questions! And, Paul never knew his letters were going to be used by everyone as "Gospel" to cover all churches, when he wrote this letter only to the church in Corinth. However, there are those who would say that God knew Paul’s letters would be used as part of the Gospel. That still does not mean that Paul’s letters were meant for all churches at all times! Just as the letters to the seven churches in Revelation don’t apply to all the churches all the time.” (Women in Leadership, John H. Currier)

I believe that I have clearly shown, with the help of many who have addressed this issue before me whom I referenced in this article, that the Bible of the God of Israel clearly shows that women have been leaders, prophets, teachers, evangelists, colleagues, students, wives, mothers, etc., from the beginning of time. This has not changed. The Holy One of Israel has not changed as He made both man AND woman in His image!

We must not allow personal prejudices and male egos to bias our interpretation of Scripture. We must not take out-of-context the letters written by the great Rabbi Paul nearly 2000 years ago where he addressed specific congregational problems. If we do, we will suffer, our congregations will suffer and we will grieve the Ruach haKodesh (the Holy Spirit). We know that it is not God’s will that the gifted women remain frustrated and unfulfilled in their desire to serve their Master Yeshua and His body.

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