As we continue to look at women’s roles in the Bible, we find Phebe. She served in the church and was a succorer who furnished aid, relief, and help to many. Paul commended the church in Rome to receive and assist her with her business. (Romans 16).

Paul lists other women in Romans 16. He tells the church to greet and salute them. They are listed among the men who helped by laboring with Paul. It’s obvious Paul worked with women as he preached the gospel yet we never see women preach from a place of authority over men.

There are some clear guidelines in the scripture for the role of men as Bishops and Elders (leaders) in the church:

I Timothy 3:12 and Titus 1:5-9 and Titus 2: 1 and 2. They are the husband of one wife (would be a male) along with other guidelines.

We find the role of women in Titus 2:3-5. We are to teach the younger women mostly by our godly behavior.

Ladies, let’s be careful when it comes to matters of the church. We might consider what it means to teach or usurp (to seize and hold (office, place, functions, powers, etc.) in possession by force or without right) authority over men as instructed in I Timothy 2:12.

Much help is needed in the church and our community without disobeying Biblical principles. People are hungry for necessities and the gospel so let’s give and witness. Phebe made a business of meeting others’ needs-perhaps this might be comparable to a non-profit ministry in our time. Women and children need truth, so let’s teach them. Women and children need godly examples, so let’s live godly! Being sober, grave, temperate, and sound in faith, charity, and patience is not for the faith at heart but for a surrendered woman of God. Having holy behavior, not falsely accusing, or drinking much wine takes spiritual discipline. Teaching good things: teaching the younger women to be sober; to love their husbands; to love their children; to be discreet; to be chaste; to be keepers at home and to be good and obedient to our husbands is enough to keep us busy (paraphrased from Titus chapter 2 verses 2 through 5).

Women are to submit to our husbands (Eph. 5:22 and Col. 3:18) and husbands are to love us as Christ loved the church (Eph. 5:25) They are to cherish (Eph. 2:29) us and dwell with us according to knowledge (I Peter 3:7) and wives are to reverence or respect their husbands (Eph. 5:33). We both are to submit to each other (Eph. 5:21) and give due benevolence (willing and kind) (I Cor. 7:3). I find this comforting rather than confining.

It seems there’s an error in the beliefs of those who accept complementarianism and egalitarianism as doctrinal statements. Ladies, let’s hold fast and walk in obedience to the truth of the Scriptures rather than debate over fallible doctrines. I find God’s word clears up much confusion concerning the role of women in the church and the home.  As for me, the infallible Scriptures settle the debate at hand. Each of us must settle this matter in our hearts and minds. 

For ever, O LORD, they word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89

Please leave a comment stating your belief on this matter with scripture to back your belief.