Can Women Serve As Deacons? New Testament Church

The Bible & deacons as men A deacon is to be the husband of one wife – 1 Timothy 3:12 Philippians 1:1 – deacons (masculine) 1 Timothy 3:8-13 – Masculine – 3:8 - deacons, 3:10 – “serve as deacons”; 3:12 – deacons & houses; 3:13 – “served well as deacons”

The Bible & deacons as men Consistency of male leaders in congregations – Apostles, elders, preachers, writers of NT books, etc. Restricted roles for women in teaching and worship 1 Timothy 2:11-15 – women to learn in silence, not to teach OR HAVE AUTHORITY over a man. The office of deacon is one WITH authority (This text is in a broader sense than just in worship) 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 – women keep silence in the churches, not permitted to speak, but be submissive. Ask husbands at home.

The case for “deaconess” 1 Timothy 3:11 – Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. (NKJV) Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. (NASB) Argument: The word for wives is γυνή (gynē) can be translated either wives or women. Thus the text could be describing women who serve as deacons

The case for “deaconess” 1 Timothy 3:11 – Answer: It is true that the word γυνή (gynē) can mean woman or wife. The word is used 220+ times This text, translations are about evenly divided. Because of this, we must look at context and remember that the Bible does not contradict itself.

The case for “deaconess” 1 Timothy 3:11 – Answer: The better translation is wives (of deacons). Why? 1)Our previous observations about male leaders including the use of deacons in Philippians 1:1, 1 Timothy 3:8, 12, 10 & 13

The case for “deaconess” 1 Timothy 3:11 – Answer: Why “wives”? 2) 3:12, deacons must be the husband of one wife If “women”, why is the husband not mentioned in vs. 11? 3) Context, BOTH before and after is dealing with males as deacons

The case for “deaconess” 1 Timothy 3:11 – Answer: Why “wives”? 4) 3:11, does not use the word deacon for the “wife” mentioned. 5) IF Paul meant deaconess, why not combine the qualities (E.g. “Deacons and deaconesses must be…”, or something similar)

The case for “deaconess” 1 Timothy 3:11 – Answer: Why “wives”? 6) Since Paul is addressing elders and deacons, and notes they must be married, it is rational that he address the qualities of their wives. 7) Considering these arguments, “wives” of deacons (and possibly elders) is the SAFE interpretation

The case for “deaconess” Romans 16:1, I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, (NKJV) I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon, of the church in Cenchreae. (NIV – early, 1994 version translates it servant) Argument: The word “servant” is διάκονος (diakonos), the feminine form of the word found in 1 Timothy 3:8, 12 & Philippians 1:1. Phoebe was a deaconess.

The case for “deaconess” Romans 16:1, Answer: 1) As noted, the Greek word is found some 30 times, of which 27 are translated “servant” or “minister”, (including the majority of versions in this text) 1b) The PRIMARY meaning of the word is one who serves. The word is even used with unbelievers (Romans 13:4, Matthew 22:13, 2 Corinthians 11:15, etc.)

The case for “deaconess” Romans 16:1, Answer: 1c) The verb form of the word διακονέω, (diakoneō) is used 27 times (including 1 Timothy 3:10, 13 – serving as deacons), and is usually translated “serves” or “ministers”. This is the PRIMARY form of the word!

The case for “deaconess” Romans 16:1, Answer: 2) ALL Christians are to be servants (ministers)! Matthew 23:11, Galatians 5:13, Hebrews 6:10, 1 Peter 4:10-11 – ministers 3) Any official designation is borne out in the text (e.g. Philippians 1:1, 1 Timothy 3:8, 12)

The case for “deaconess” Romans 16:1, Answer: 4) The context of Romans 16:1- 2 does not necessitate that it be an office. It could (and does) describe Phoebe as a servant. NOTE: vs. 2, she has been a helper of many and of myself also

The case for “deaconess” Romans 16:1, Answer: 5) The safest interpretation is that Phoebe was simply a servant, like every Christian, who was doing something, perhaps for the church in Cencrea. She did NOT have to have an office

The case for “deaconess” Argument: Women can serve as deaconess because it is not a teaching work Answer: Yes the office of deacon is different than elders (and his work different than an evangelist, etc.)

The case for “deaconess” Argument: Women can serve as deaconess because it is not a teaching work Answer: BUT, it is an office and thus comes with authority. Consider 1 Timothy 2:12 – have authority over a man WHY does she need an official title to do what is requested of her?

The case for “deaconess” NOTE: The case of women serving as deacons is indicative of a bigger problem – men AND women who refuse to submit to God’s will and pattern! The appointment of deaconesses is creeping toward the acceptance of feminism in the church. How long before women want to preach and serve as elders and churches accept this? www.gal328.com, a website devoted to the recognition of “gender justice” among “churches of Christ”

What can women do? Women are NOT second class citizens. Galatians 3:28 DOES teach we are all one in Him – our hope of salvation, our reward in heaven, etc.

What can women do? The Bible is filled with examples of women serving in notable ways. Romans 16:1, Phoebe Acts 21:9, Philip’s 4 daughters that prophesied Philippians 4:2-3, Eudia and Syntyche Romans 16:3 – Priscilla, 6-7 – Mary & Junia; 16:12 – Tryphena and Tryphosa

What can women do? 1 Timothy 2:16, she will be saved in child bearing. As she fulfills whatever her role is.

What can women do? Assist in teaching unbelievers the truth - Acts 18:26 Teach, (older women teach younger women) - Titus 2:3-5 Visit the fatherless and widows James 1:27 Do what ever the elders ask of them - Hebrews 13:17

What can women do? Be hospitable Encourage brothers and sisters in Christ Invite others to services, etc.

Let us accept God’s pattern in all that we do