Does the word of God forbid women to preach? It's an age old debate, that will go on until Jesus returns I'm sure. But, let's take a look at what scripture teaches-and what it doesn't teach on this subject.
In the book of Joel a prophesy is given that speaks of a coming future event:
In the book of Joel a prophesy is given that speaks of a coming future event:
The Lord Will Pour Out His Spirit
Joel 2:28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:
Joel 2:29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.
In verse 28 we see "your sons and your daughters will prophesy".
Meaning-Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy - Shall preach - exhort, pray, and instruct, so as to benefit the Church.
Sons, daughters, old, young- not merely on a privileged few (Num 11:2:29) as the prophets of the Old Testament, but men of all ages and ranks. See Act 21:9; 1Co 11:5, as to “daughters,” that is, women, prophesying.
Now, let's move forward to the New Testament, when Peter stands preaching on the day of Pentecost in the book of Acts. Here we see the beginning of the fulfillment of this prophesy.
Joel 2:29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.
In verse 28 we see "your sons and your daughters will prophesy".
Meaning-Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy - Shall preach - exhort, pray, and instruct, so as to benefit the Church.
Sons, daughters, old, young- not merely on a privileged few (Num 11:2:29) as the prophets of the Old Testament, but men of all ages and ranks. See Act 21:9; 1Co 11:5, as to “daughters,” that is, women, prophesying.
Now, let's move forward to the New Testament, when Peter stands preaching on the day of Pentecost in the book of Acts. Here we see the beginning of the fulfillment of this prophesy.
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Peter's Sermon at Pentecost
Act 2:14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:
Act 2:15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.
Act 2:16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
Act 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
Act 2:18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
In verses 17 and 18 we see Peter included daughters and handmaids-these will all prophesy-sons daughters, young men, old men, servants, handmaidens-without distinction of sex, age, or rank.
Also take note: Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy. "To prophesy" in the New Testament means to communicate religious truth by divine authority, as well as to foretell the future. The prophecy was fulfilled in the inspired speaking on Pentecost and afterwards, as well as by the daughters of Philip (Act 21:9). It will be seen that both sexes are included.
Again, let's move forward again to Acts ch. 21:8,9:
Act 21:8 And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.
Act 21:9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.
Here we see Philip the evangelist has four virgin daughters, and they all prophesied.
Probably these may have been teachers in the Church: for we have already seen that this is a frequent meaning of the word prophesy; and this is undoubtedly one thing intended by the prophecy of Joel, quoted in Acts 2:17 and 18, of this book. If Philip’s daughters might be prophetesses, why not teachers?
This shows the prophetic spirit in the Old or New Testament is not confined to a single sex. Deborah and Huldah are Old Testament examples, and in the New Testament, Elisabeth, Mary, Anna, and the daughters of Philip are instances.
Consider this: The first person to preach the resurrected Christ, was a woman- Mary Magdalene. John 20:18. A great sinner- of whom Jesus had cast out seven devils.
Add the account of Jesus with the woman at the well. In John ch. 4:1-45, the story tells of Jesus stopping and asking the Samaritan woman for a drink of water, and a conversation develops and he tells her about her own life, and gives some important truths about the worship of God.
Today, this woman would be seen as a great sinner-Jesus told her she had five husband's, and the one she was with now-wasn't her husband. Today, she would be buried in the media's attacks, and slander. But, there Jesus sat-telling her one of the greatest truths' in the bible-and spending time with her-as an individual of great worth. The Pharisee's of today, could learn a lot from this, if they had eyes to see, and chose to.
She is amazed, leaves her water pots and immediately goes to the village and tells the people all that Jesus said to her. She preached to them. They listened to her, found Jesus and led him to their village and he stayed with them several days, and many believed in him. I wonder how the story would have been different, if she had kept quiet, and said nothing.
If God has laid his hand on you, and your a woman-don't allow people or the devil to intimidate you, or tear you down. It matters not, whether you have a high education, great intellect, or great standing in society. Many people, men and women-have stood on street corners, and proclaimed the gospel, and the risen Christ. If Christ is first in your life and preaching, the Holy Spirit will more than make up for your lack-whatever it may be. The first disciples were not college educated people with degrees on their walls-they were tax collectors, fishermen, ordinary people-and God used them. They weren't perfect people, they were sold out to Jesus, and gave their lives with boldness from the Holy Spirit to proclaim the risen Christ.
Kathryn Kuhlman said "If everything was taken from me, and I was left with only the clothes on my back, I'd stand on a street corner, and preach."
When your called by God, nothing and no one will be able to kill what the Holy Spirit has planted in you. Use what you have, to do what God's called you to do.
I'd only admonish-ask yourself this question often: "Is what I'm preaching, pointing to me-or to Christ". We have to forget the "I" in our preaching, and be single minded on Jesus Christ. Paul died in prison, but while he was there, he still used what he had, to preach-his pen, and scrolls; which we now read in scripture in his epistles and letters.
The world and the devil will come against you with all it's got-to shut you up. But, if your called by God-you'll do it-whatever comes.
You may have to speak things no one wants to hear-but if it's from the Lord, and he's requiring it of you, you'll pay the price. He's made it clear to me- preaching His word in truth-has no room for compromise. We may be ignorant of a thing until we are shown the truth; but after that, there's no more room for excuse. The world loves to cover the truth with smoke/mirrors, lies, and compromise.
When scripture is put in context, it brings things into proper perspective and shows the true intent of God's callings individually, whether they be men or women.
A good teacher of the Word of God will be a Berean, and search the scriptures to get the answers to the difficult passages-to get a clear understanding of what is really being said and taught. Paul made statements about women keeping silent in the church-which has brought a lot of the controversy about women preaching. I've added links to some articles below, that answer the debates on what Paul said, and what he really meant at his time in history-we have to take everything into account-including the cultures of the day involved. These articles give sound biblical teaching and direction on the subject:
Three Women from history who might change your thinking about women preaching-
https://www.wycliffecollege.ca/blog/3-women-history-who-might-change-your-thinking-about-women-preaching
Excerpt from the article-
"Like Narducci, Fell explains that Paul’s injunction against women speaking in Corinth had to do with the general confusion of the church at the time. But she also points out that only a few verses earlier, Paul adjoins men to be silent in church (1 Corinthians 14:28, 30). She, too, reads Paul’s directive for women to be silent in light of Paul’s earlier instructions about how women should behave when they pray and prophesy in 1 Corinthians 11, and comments on the similar Pauline restrictions on women in 1 Timothy 2:11-12, arguing contextually that Paul is writing to novices rather than forbidding women’s preaching entirely."
Another detailed article- Women in Church History-
https://godswordtowomen.org/pastors.htm
A good teacher in any capacity will use every means at their disposal to bring understanding, enlightenment, clarity, and inspiration to the subject being taught-this is the aim in every form of teaching; whether in grade school, on into college, and higher institutions. It's no different for bible teachers; a good teacher of the Word of God will use reputable commentaries, teachings and all various forms of media to give the best presentation of what scripture is teaching. I keep this in mind in what I present, teach, and post on my pages. God can and does use many various means, to achieve reaching people to help present the gospel, and bring them to a knowledge of Jesus Christ and into a relationship with Him. This is the most important goal.
Let's fulfill our callings, and be at peace with one another.
Lorna Couillard
Articles/videos of notable women pastor's, leaders, and teachers-Though these teachings were given by these women many years ago-the witness of the Holy Spirit within them is timeless. When something is birthed from God, His presence is stamped in it.
Articles- 10 Awesome Women Pastors from History-
https://www.cbeinternational.org/resource/article/mutuality-blog-
Rare Unabridged Corrie Ten Boom interviewed by Kathryn Kuhlman -
https://youtu.be/1OaP_aSjyC0
God's Perfect Logistics - Corrie Ten Boom - https://youtu.be/suSr1dV-gVw
God's Love by Corrie Ten Boom - https://youtu.be/S56B2zNAkek
Prayer by Corrie Ten Boom - https://youtu.be/oN55q2JxI7Q
Corrie Ten Boom - The Holy Spirit Gives Power- https://youtu.be/V2e56rZOj9M
Kathryn Kuhlman preaching on the topic "The Gift of the Holy Spirit". - https://youtu.be/CMt6iTX9ibM
The Power Of God | Kathryn Kuhlman - https://youtu.be/iPmRWvfpo0s
Kathryn Kuhlman speaks about the price for the anointing and why she can't get young people to face facts.- https://youtu.be/T9u3ZkOA8yU
Act 2:15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.
Act 2:16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
Act 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
Act 2:18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
In verses 17 and 18 we see Peter included daughters and handmaids-these will all prophesy-sons daughters, young men, old men, servants, handmaidens-without distinction of sex, age, or rank.
Also take note: Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy. "To prophesy" in the New Testament means to communicate religious truth by divine authority, as well as to foretell the future. The prophecy was fulfilled in the inspired speaking on Pentecost and afterwards, as well as by the daughters of Philip (Act 21:9). It will be seen that both sexes are included.
Again, let's move forward again to Acts ch. 21:8,9:
Act 21:8 And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.
Act 21:9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.
Here we see Philip the evangelist has four virgin daughters, and they all prophesied.
Probably these may have been teachers in the Church: for we have already seen that this is a frequent meaning of the word prophesy; and this is undoubtedly one thing intended by the prophecy of Joel, quoted in Acts 2:17 and 18, of this book. If Philip’s daughters might be prophetesses, why not teachers?
This shows the prophetic spirit in the Old or New Testament is not confined to a single sex. Deborah and Huldah are Old Testament examples, and in the New Testament, Elisabeth, Mary, Anna, and the daughters of Philip are instances.
Consider this: The first person to preach the resurrected Christ, was a woman- Mary Magdalene. John 20:18. A great sinner- of whom Jesus had cast out seven devils.
Add the account of Jesus with the woman at the well. In John ch. 4:1-45, the story tells of Jesus stopping and asking the Samaritan woman for a drink of water, and a conversation develops and he tells her about her own life, and gives some important truths about the worship of God.
Today, this woman would be seen as a great sinner-Jesus told her she had five husband's, and the one she was with now-wasn't her husband. Today, she would be buried in the media's attacks, and slander. But, there Jesus sat-telling her one of the greatest truths' in the bible-and spending time with her-as an individual of great worth. The Pharisee's of today, could learn a lot from this, if they had eyes to see, and chose to.
She is amazed, leaves her water pots and immediately goes to the village and tells the people all that Jesus said to her. She preached to them. They listened to her, found Jesus and led him to their village and he stayed with them several days, and many believed in him. I wonder how the story would have been different, if she had kept quiet, and said nothing.
If God has laid his hand on you, and your a woman-don't allow people or the devil to intimidate you, or tear you down. It matters not, whether you have a high education, great intellect, or great standing in society. Many people, men and women-have stood on street corners, and proclaimed the gospel, and the risen Christ. If Christ is first in your life and preaching, the Holy Spirit will more than make up for your lack-whatever it may be. The first disciples were not college educated people with degrees on their walls-they were tax collectors, fishermen, ordinary people-and God used them. They weren't perfect people, they were sold out to Jesus, and gave their lives with boldness from the Holy Spirit to proclaim the risen Christ.
Kathryn Kuhlman said "If everything was taken from me, and I was left with only the clothes on my back, I'd stand on a street corner, and preach."
When your called by God, nothing and no one will be able to kill what the Holy Spirit has planted in you. Use what you have, to do what God's called you to do.
I'd only admonish-ask yourself this question often: "Is what I'm preaching, pointing to me-or to Christ". We have to forget the "I" in our preaching, and be single minded on Jesus Christ. Paul died in prison, but while he was there, he still used what he had, to preach-his pen, and scrolls; which we now read in scripture in his epistles and letters.
The world and the devil will come against you with all it's got-to shut you up. But, if your called by God-you'll do it-whatever comes.
You may have to speak things no one wants to hear-but if it's from the Lord, and he's requiring it of you, you'll pay the price. He's made it clear to me- preaching His word in truth-has no room for compromise. We may be ignorant of a thing until we are shown the truth; but after that, there's no more room for excuse. The world loves to cover the truth with smoke/mirrors, lies, and compromise.
When scripture is put in context, it brings things into proper perspective and shows the true intent of God's callings individually, whether they be men or women.
A good teacher of the Word of God will be a Berean, and search the scriptures to get the answers to the difficult passages-to get a clear understanding of what is really being said and taught. Paul made statements about women keeping silent in the church-which has brought a lot of the controversy about women preaching. I've added links to some articles below, that answer the debates on what Paul said, and what he really meant at his time in history-we have to take everything into account-including the cultures of the day involved. These articles give sound biblical teaching and direction on the subject:
Three Women from history who might change your thinking about women preaching-
https://www.wycliffecollege.ca/blog/3-women-history-who-might-change-your-thinking-about-women-preaching
Excerpt from the article-
"Like Narducci, Fell explains that Paul’s injunction against women speaking in Corinth had to do with the general confusion of the church at the time. But she also points out that only a few verses earlier, Paul adjoins men to be silent in church (1 Corinthians 14:28, 30). She, too, reads Paul’s directive for women to be silent in light of Paul’s earlier instructions about how women should behave when they pray and prophesy in 1 Corinthians 11, and comments on the similar Pauline restrictions on women in 1 Timothy 2:11-12, arguing contextually that Paul is writing to novices rather than forbidding women’s preaching entirely."
Another detailed article- Women in Church History-
https://godswordtowomen.org/pastors.htm
A good teacher in any capacity will use every means at their disposal to bring understanding, enlightenment, clarity, and inspiration to the subject being taught-this is the aim in every form of teaching; whether in grade school, on into college, and higher institutions. It's no different for bible teachers; a good teacher of the Word of God will use reputable commentaries, teachings and all various forms of media to give the best presentation of what scripture is teaching. I keep this in mind in what I present, teach, and post on my pages. God can and does use many various means, to achieve reaching people to help present the gospel, and bring them to a knowledge of Jesus Christ and into a relationship with Him. This is the most important goal.
Let's fulfill our callings, and be at peace with one another.
Lorna Couillard
Articles/videos of notable women pastor's, leaders, and teachers-Though these teachings were given by these women many years ago-the witness of the Holy Spirit within them is timeless. When something is birthed from God, His presence is stamped in it.
Articles- 10 Awesome Women Pastors from History-
https://www.cbeinternational.org/resource/article/mutuality-blog-
Rare Unabridged Corrie Ten Boom interviewed by Kathryn Kuhlman -
https://youtu.be/1OaP_aSjyC0
God's Perfect Logistics - Corrie Ten Boom - https://youtu.be/suSr1dV-gVw
God's Love by Corrie Ten Boom - https://youtu.be/S56B2zNAkek
Prayer by Corrie Ten Boom - https://youtu.be/oN55q2JxI7Q
Corrie Ten Boom - The Holy Spirit Gives Power- https://youtu.be/V2e56rZOj9M
Kathryn Kuhlman preaching on the topic "The Gift of the Holy Spirit". - https://youtu.be/CMt6iTX9ibM
The Power Of God | Kathryn Kuhlman - https://youtu.be/iPmRWvfpo0s
Kathryn Kuhlman speaks about the price for the anointing and why she can't get young people to face facts.- https://youtu.be/T9u3ZkOA8yU
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