The Biblical View of Women

Introduction: Addressing the Misuse of Scripture

The question of whether women should preach, teach, or speak in the Church continues to stir debate. Some cite verses like 1 Timothy 2:12 or 1 Corinthians 14:34 to suggest a blanket silence for all women in all congregations. But this position, when applied without proper context or balance, overlooks the broader testimony of Scripture regarding how God has used women to speak, lead, and proclaim truth throughout redemptive history.

Let us explore several key examples where God has clearly worked through women, affirming their dignity, faith, and influence in His plan.

Example 1: Deborah—Judge, Prophet, and Leader

Deborah, introduced in Judges 4–5, stands out as both a prophetess and a judge—unique among Israel’s leaders. She administered justice under a palm tree, prophesied God’s will, and summoned Barak to battle. When Barak hesitated, she boldly declared, “The Lord will deliver Sisera into the hand of a woman” (Judges 4:9). That prophecy was fulfilled through Jael, another courageous woman.

Deborah is not described as leading worship services or offering sacrifices (those were priestly duties reserved for the sons of Aaron), but Scripture explicitly affirms her prophetic role and her leadership over Israel during a critical time. Alongside the prophetess Miriam (Exodus 15:20), Huldah (2 Kings 22:14), and others, Deborah illustrates that spiritual authority was not exclusively male under the Old Covenant.

Example 2: Lady Wisdom—Symbolic, Yet Significant

In Proverbs 8, “Lady Wisdom” is personified as a woman crying out in the streets to call the simple to understanding. While this figure is poetic and symbolic—designed to depict the beauty and moral clarity of divine wisdom—it is worth noting that wisdom, a central attribute of God, is given feminine grammar in Hebrew (חָכְמָה, chokhmah).

While this is not an argument for the Holy Spirit being female (the Spirit is consistently referred to as “He” by Jesus in John 14–16), the passage still reflects how Scripture honors feminine personification to communicate truth. It reminds us that feminine imagery is not excluded from theological expression.

Example 3: Mary Magdalene—The First Witness of the Resurrection

Mary Magdalene, once delivered from seven demons (Luke 8:2), was among the women who financially supported Jesus’ ministry and followed Him faithfully to the cross. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to her first—before any of the twelve—and said, “Go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father’” (John 20:17).

In doing this, Jesus appointed her as the first witness of the resurrection, giving her a message to deliver to the apostles themselves. While this is not the same as an ordination to pastoral ministry, it is a significant endorsement of her testimony and of women being entrusted with proclaiming the gospel.

A Balanced View of Paul’s Instructions

Paul’s writings about women must be understood in light of their context and the whole counsel of Scripture. When Paul wrote, “I do not permit a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man” (1 Timothy 2:12), he was addressing a specific pastoral concern in Ephesus, possibly related to false teaching and improper conduct (see 1 Timothy 1:3–7).

This statement does not nullify Paul’s other affirmations of women like Priscilla (Romans 16:3), who taught Apollos alongside her husband (Acts 18:26), or Phoebe, whom he commends as a servant (Greek: diakonos, Romans 16:1), a term often used for ministers.

We must not pit Paul against the rest of Scripture, nor selectively apply his restrictions as universal law while ignoring how God empowered women throughout the Bible.

Final Thoughts: Honoring God’s Work Through Women

From the Old Testament through the New, God has worked through faithful women to carry out His purposes. Women have prophesied, prayed, evangelized, and discipled others. The Holy Spirit gives gifts “to each one individually as He wills” (1 Corinthians 12:11), without gender being a limiting factor.

To silence women solely based on isolated verses is to misapply Scripture and ignore the Spirit’s ongoing work. The call of the Church is not to elevate men or women above one another, but to submit to Christ and His Word as one body—each member playing a vital role.

Let us honor our sisters in Christ who serve faithfully and biblically. Let us correct error when it arises—whether from men or women—but not quench the Spirit’s fire simply because of someone’s gender.