Did Paul allow a woman to be a deacon?

[tonychanyt]

NIV, 1 Tim 3:

8 In the same way, deacons [G1249] are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons [G1247].
11 In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.
12 A deacon [G1249] must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

Could a woman be a G1249-deacon?

I think so. NIV, Romans 16:

1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon [G1249] of the church in Cenchreae.

 

[johansen]

do we actually know what these words mean?

 

[tonychanyt]

do we actually know what these words mean?

Whatever they meant, they were the same words written by the same Paul.

 

[johansen]

Whatever they meant, they were the same words written by the same Paul

we don't actually know that for sure.
but what i'm asking is... what is a decon
what is an elder.
what is an apostle.
the answers aren't clear.

most presbeterian churches seem to have male and female decons but not elders.

 

[RDKirk]

we don't actually know that for sure.

It's pretty clear Paul used the same word in reference to Pheobe in Romans that he used in 1 Timothy.

 

[johansen]

It's pretty clear Paul used the same word in reference to Pheobe in Romans that he used in 1 Timothy.

if he actually wrote 1 timothy, a lot of people don't believe it. and hebrews.. i really don't think Paul wrote hebrews.

personally, i tend to think that he did write some of the later letters, and the substantial difference in tone of voice and language between his earlier letters and the latter is because.. well.. look at yourselves. don't you learn a lot in a decade? i know people today hardly recognize me compared to 10 years ago.

anyhow you all are missing the point of the question.
what is a decon.
what is an elder.

 

[Yeshua HaDerekh]

NIV, 1 Tim 3:


Could a woman be a G1249-deacon?

I think so. NIV, Romans 16:

Yes, female deaconate served in the early Church and are allowed in the oldest Churches, the Eastern Orthodox. However, their roles were quite different than the Deacons of today.

 

[RDKirk]

if he actually wrote 1 timothy, a lot of people don't believe it. and hebrews.. i really don't think Paul wrote hebrews.

I don't think Paul wrote Hebrews, either. In fact, I don't know anyone personally who does. My men's bible study group just started Hebrews (again), and none of us thinks Paul wrote it. It wasn't even a controversial opinion.

personally, i tend to think that he did write some of the later letters, and the substantial difference in tone of voice and language between his earlier letters and the latter is because.. well.. look at yourselves. don't you learn a lot in a decade? i know people today hardly recognize me compared to 10 years ago.

anyhow you all are missing the point of the question.
what is a decon.
what is an elder.

No, that's a different question that you just brought up. Start your own thread.

The question posed in this thread is: Whatever Paul considered a deacon, did he consider that both men and women could be one?

 

[tonychanyt]

we don't actually know that for sure.

Know what for sure?

 

[johansen]

Yes, female deaconate served in the early Church and are allowed in the oldest Churches, the Eastern Orthodox. However, their roles were quite different than the Deacons of today.

ah yes, finally someone who understands the problem.

since the roles are so different, of what validity is proving Paul had female decons?

 

[RDKirk]

ah yes, finally someone who understands the problem.

since the roles are so different, of what validity is proving Paul had female decons?

It shows that Paul had women doing more than sitting in the pews, in roles of some significant responsibility.