1 Timothy Study 2

Dear Student of the Word,

It's time again for your weekly dose of the Word according to John Stanko!  I wrote this week that one lifetime isn't enough to study God's word.  I saw things this week as I wrote that I had never seen before.  That is the beauty of the Word and I love being its student.

Paul wrote Timothy about the role of women in the church in this letter and I am almost hesitant to address the issue.  But I must, so here is some of what I wrote this week: 

v. 11 – The NIV translates the word here “wives,” meaning that the wives of male deacons must be above reproach.  Other interpreters consider this word to mean women, which would indicate that deacons could be female.  I’m not sure what to think about that word, but I know what I think about women deacons.  I am in favor!  It would be inconceivable to me that a position of service in the church would be closed to a woman.  I think a better case can be made that a woman could not be in a position to govern (elder or bishop), but I even question that interpretation. 

In this verse, I have no problem seeing the meaning to be that the partner of one in ministry must also be a good example of godly living, holding to sound doctrine. 

I think the Church has severely hindered its ability to carry out its mission by only utilizing half of its gifts as represented in men.  Women should have more of a role in the church.  I know there are strong women who could tend to dominate and control, but I know a lot of men who have done and do the same thing.  The problem isn’t women, the problem is sin and it’s a problem that all people have.  We must develop systems and expectations that take into account the church is run by imperfect people.  Therefore the church will be imperfect.

Feel free to add your comments or insights to this study at the end of this post on the site where it is located. 

Remember that the Bible study archives of 15 other New Testament studies can be found on my website along with The Faith Files, a study of every verse on faith in the New Testament.  You can unsubscribe by clicking on the link below.  You can give a gift subscription by going to the site where these studies are posted every week.

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Comments

[Linus]

dear john

I wish to say that your timely Bible Studies and letters have been an encouragement to me and many others within my surrounding. God bless you and keep you inspired from his Word.

linus