Part 2 – The Woman in the Bible

Women who work with Paul

Many churches and congregations know Paul’s statements that the woman “must be silent.” If those words were applied personally, the writing of Bible studies would have to stop immediately. Therefore this study explores what else Paul says. Did he really mean that women may not speak in the congregation? Are they not allowed to evangelize? Or are Paul’s words often taken out of their context?

This study shows that Paul worked closely with women, just like Jesus, who was also followed by many women. This study focuses on the women who travelled and laboured with Paul. A following study will look at the women of the First Testament.

Equal position in Christ

In Galatians 3:27–28 it is written that everyone was under the law before Christ, but that life is now lived under faith.

27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, … slave nor free, … male nor female.

Here Paul teaches that in Christ all the dividing lines that once determined a person’s position no longer form a spiritual limitation. A person’s value and calling do not depend on origin, status, or gender.

Does this mean that the law has been abolished?

No. In verse 21 Paul says:

“Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law.”

Life is now lived by faith, but that faith does not make anyone lawless. It teaches obedience from love. Women were already used in ministry under the old dispensation, and under the new covenant that line is continued in Christ.

Phoebe

Phoebe brought a letter from Paul from (probably) Cenchreae to Rome. The journey could take one to two weeks by sea, or up to a month by land. Paul emphasizes that the church must receive her well.

1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchreae,
2 I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many people, including me.

(Romans 16:1–2)

Paul commends Phoebe as a servant (diakonos). That is