Posted by Searcher
on 8/8/2009, 7:15 pm
75.104.128.37
Little is said about pastor or pastors in the Bible. The words occur eight times in Jeremiah. All but two of these are negative descriptions. All are in reference to "the house of Israel". Ist use is Jer 2:8. Jer 3:15 is future prophecy concerning pastors the Lord will give to Israel during their restoration: "And I will give you pastors according to Mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding." The other positive use is found in Jer 17:16 where Jeremiah is speaking of himself. The only verse in the NT is Eph 4:11 of the gifts of men given by Christ for the edifying of the one body when it was first created.
There are many faithful and influential women found in the Bible. Women like Ruth, Esther, Mary and her sister Martha, Sarah come to mind. There were women who were given the title of "prophetess" and there were women judges. Miriam, Huldah, Noadiah, and Anna were prophetesses. Deborah was both a prophetess and a judge. (Judges 4:4)Of course, there was also the infamous Jezebel "which calleth herself a prophetess" (Rev 2:20)
There is a powerful conversation between Elisabeth (mother of John the Baptist) and Mary (mother of the Son of God) in Luke 1:46-55. Elisabeth was "moved by the Spirit" to speak to Mary.
"pastor" basically means shepherd. It also is used of those who guide or lead. Women are never spoken of as pastors.
What is the role of women? Beginning with Genesis, the man was the head of the wife. The wife's role in a family is to support her husband, look well to the ways of her household, bear and raise children, work hard, speak in kindness and wisdom, and help those who are afflicted. (Proverbs 31:10-31;1Tim 2:9-15)
Jesus said He loved Mary and Martha, the sisters of Lazarus. Paul mentions several women during his ministry who were faithful and had positive influence on others. The mother and grandmother of Timothy in 2Tim 1:5 are two examples. Claudia, Prisca and Aquila are also named as faithful brethren and fellow laborers.
The priesthood belonged to Israel. The duties of the priesthood were only held by men. The first were Aaron and his sons. The priesthood was carried on through successive generations that were only of the sons of the tribe of Levi. (Numbers 3:1-10)
The structure of the fledgling church as given by Paul to Timothy tells us that the office of bishops and deacons was strictly for men. (1Tim 3:2,12)A wife should not usurp authority over the man [husband]. Also, women are to learn in silence during church assemblies. (1Tim 2:11,12; 1Cor 14:34-35)
Can a woman teach? Yes. Older women are to teach younger women. Parents (both husband and wife) are to teach their children in the way of the Lord. In the church which is His body, all members whether male or female, are equal. We are all to edify each other and speak the truth in love. (Eph 4:15-16; Eph 6:1-4)
I see no basis for women being "pastors". Christ is the Head of us all. The man is head over the wife, just as Christ is Head over the church.
Col 3:15-20
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.
18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
Searcher
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