The harshest criticism Jesus had for the church in Thyatira was “you permit that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, TO TEACH and to seduce my servants…” (See Revelation 2:18, 20). A prophetess did NOT teach. If she attempted to do so she gave place to the devil and thereby began, however unwittingly, to seduce God’s people. Satan can lead a well-meaning, best-intentioned female believer into gross rebellion against the one she calls “Lord.”
Many do not comprehend the role played by a prophetess in the scriptures, what such a woman did and did not do. First and foremost, let it be fully understood, they did NOT teach or expound the word of God. That was NOT their function. “For THE PRIEST’S lips should keep knowledge, and they (ancient Israel) should seek the law at his mouth for he (the priest – not the prophetess) is the messenger of the Lord of hosts” (Malachi 2:7).
Here follows every mention of a prophetess in the scriptures, both Old and New Testaments:
“And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron (and Moses), took a timbrel (tambourine) in her hand, and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances. And Miriam answered them, ‘Sing ye to the Lord…” (See Exodus 15:20-21).
“And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time.” (Judges 4:4).
“So Hilkiah the priest…went unto Huldah the prophetess…and…communed with her” (2 Kings 22:14).
“And I (Isaiah) went unto the prophetess, and she conceived, and bare a son.” (See Isaiah 8:3).
“And there was one Anna, a prophetess” (See Luke 2:36).
“And the same man (Philip) had four daughters, virgins,which did prophesy” (Acts 21:9).
A prophetess was a woman upon whom the Spirit of God moved suddenly, and apparently infrequently. (We have volumes from the prophets, but only a few words from prophetesses, who generally appeared on the scene many centuries apart). They foretold the future, sang songs of Israelite victory, or encouraged Israel. NOT ONCE do we find them teaching the word of God, or expounding the meaning of the scriptures. NONE are pastors, evangelists, bishops or missionaries.
The greatest light and understanding in this matter is afforded us in Paul’s first letter to Timothy. Note well the following:
Paul exhorts Timothy “that you might charge some that they TEACH NO OTHER DOCTRINE” (See I Timothy 1:3). An inspired apostle is about to write doctrinal truths that are never to be set aside, but are valid for all time. First, he affirms that “Christ Jesus our Lord…counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry.” (See I Timothy 1:12). Paul wants Timothy to know that he is faithfully representing Jesus Christ in what he is about to say. Going even further, he says, “I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, I speak the truth in Christ and lie not, a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth” (See I Timothy 2:7).
“I speak the truth in Christ,” Paul says. In other words, “what I say is what Christ Himself says in these matters.” Paul tells Timothy, “If you put the brethren in remembrance of these things (the subjects Paul now touches on), you shall be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine…”(See I Timothy 4:6), and “these things command and teach” (verse 11). “Take heed unto yourself, and unto the doctrine; CONTINUE IN THEM, for in doing this you shall both same yourself, and them that hear you” (verse 16).
But HOW LONG was Timothy, and those who heard him – the church – to continue abiding by these doctrines and teachings given by Jesus Christ through the letters of the Apostle Paul? “I give you charge…that you keep this commandment without spot (don’t tamper with the doctrine given), unrebukable, UNTIL THE APPEARING OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST” (See I Timothy 6:13-14).
And just what doctrine, or teaching, did Paul set forth in this first letter to Timothy? “I will that MEN (Greek, “males”) pray everywhere (in all assemblies, large or small)” (See I Timothy 2:8). And what about the women? “Let the woman LEARN IN SILENCE (learn, NOT teach). But I (this apostle faithfully representing Jesus Christ) permit not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man (as that is exactly what she is doing if she attempts to teach a man in spiritual matters), but to be in silence, for Adam was first formed (to guide, instruct, and teach), then Eve. And Adam (the guide and instructor) was not deceived (by Satan), but the woman being deceived was in the transgression (and then turned and instructed Adam to take and eat of the forbidden fruit)” (See I Timothy 2:11-14). Also compare Genesis 3:1-6.
The Greek word that is translated as “usurp authority” in verse 12 is authenteo (pronounced ow-then-TEH’o), and means “to act of one’s self.” When a woman teaches on spiritual matters in the assembly, when teaching men, she is acting on her own authority AND DISOBEYING JESUS CHRIST! So says YOUR Bible. It doesn’t matter how glib she is, or how much scripture she has memorized, or if her husband is present – SHE’S WRONG! It matters not that she might have a polished weekly telecast carried on a thousand television stations around the world – she’s still walking contrary to Jesus Christ’s teaching and instructions. The Holy Spirit will not move, or guide, contrary to Jesus Christ – so guess what spirit is present in such circumstances! Believers are being seduced, nudged deeper into error and carried further away from the truth. (See Revelation 2:18-20 again). And Satan is quite adept at intermingling profound scripture truth with clever and cunning error, so that as one receives the truth they simultaneously swallow a lot of satanic error!
After giving this instruction as to the separate functions of men and women in the assembly of believers, Paul then says,”If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, EVEN THE WORDS OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof comes envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain (or success) is godliness, FROM SUCH WITHDRAW YOURSELF” (See I Timothy 6:3-5).
Satan is a master at questioning the Word of God, twisting and perverting the true and intended meaning of something God has said. He will lead one to question “Is that what Jesus or Paul really meant when Paul wrote those words?” “Supposing that gain is godliness,” arguing that a lady preacher’s ability to gain a huge following is proof God is in her ministry. Remember Satan said to Mother Eve, “Has God said?” “Surely you don’t think God really meant he created you out of purely chemical, physical elements when He said ‘Dust thou art, and to dust shalt thou return’, do you? You’re immortal like Him!” The rebel spirit can think of a thousand plausible reasons to ignore or nullify God’s Word.
In writing the Corinthian believers, Paul said, “Let your women KEEP SILENCE in the churches, for it is not permitted unto them to speak (Jesus Christ forbids it), but they are commanded to be under obedience (to their Lord’s command), as also says the law. (See Genesis 3:16). And if they will learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home, FOR IT IS A SHAME FOR WOMEN TO SPEAK IN THE CHURCH” (See I Corinthians 14:34-35). And here is a classic example of where Satan introduces a strife with words, arguing that all Paul meant with these words is that women, who sat separated from men in the assembly, were hollering out to their husbands during the service and thereby disrupting the service. Those who introduce that phony argument make women look like childish imbeciles!
Paul then says, “If any man think himself to be a prophet (a spokesman for Jesus Christ), or spiritual (led by the Spirit of God), let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord (not Paul’s personal human opinion), but if any man be ignorant (refusing to be taught by scripture), let him be ignorant” (verses 37 and 38, I Corinthians 14).
Let him remain ignorant? Yes! Why? Because you cannot argue someone into accepting the truth. Those who will not listen to God’s Word will not listen to YOU.
But doesn’t the Bible say, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, THERE IS NEITHER MALE NOR FEMALE, for you are all one in Christ Jesus?” Yes. Paul himself wrote those words in Galatians 3:28. Was Paul contradicting himself, saying one thing to the Corinthians and Timothy, but something entirely different to the Galatians? No, not at all. In this passage written to the Galatians Paul was not discussing the functions of males and females in the assembly. He was talking about the offer of salvation. God will save Jews and Greeks, slaves and free men, men and women. It’s all the same in Christ Jesus. He died for all.
Some argue that Paul was merely bowing to the established custom of the day when he commanded the silence of women in the various assemblies and would not permit them to teach. But Paul says this doctrine was “the words of our Lord Jesus Christ!” (See I Timothy 6:3). He says, “the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord” (See I Corinthians 14:37). Jesus never bows to human custom. NEVER! Every knee is to bow to Him, not vice versa. (See Philippians 2:10).
“He that is of God hears God’s words” (See John 8:47). He doesn’t ignore what Jesus, or Jesus’ apostles or prophets, say. He doesn’t try to explain away or change the obvious meaning of God’s Word.
King Uzziah may have meant well when “he transgressed against the Lord his God, and went into the temple of the Lord to burn incense upon the altar of incense” (See 2 Chronicles 26:14-16). But “Azariah the priest went in after him, and with him fourscore (eighty) priests of the Lord that were valiant men. And they withstood Uzziah the king, and said unto him, ‘It appertains not unto you, Uzziah, to burn incense unto the Lord, but to the priests the sons of Aaron that are consecrated to burn incense. Go out of the sanctuary, for you have trespassed, neither shall it be for your honor from the Lord God” (See 2 Chronicles 26:17-18).
King Uzziah evidently thought that God would approve of and bless his eagerness to serve the Lord by offering incense in the temple. But this sacred function was to be performed by priests alone. Not even the king of all Israel – and scripture calls him a king who generally “did that which was right in the sight of the Lord” – not even he was permitted to offer incense. (See 2 Chronicles 26:3-4). And just how did God look upon King Uzziah’s action? “And Azariah the chief priest, and all the priests, looked upon him, and, behold, he was leprous in his forehead, and they thrust him from thence (from the temple); yea, himself hasted also to go out, because the Lord had smitten him. And Uzziah the king was a leper until the day of his death” (See 2 Chronicles 26:20-21).
Paul warns that these Old Testament judgments “are written for OUR admonition” (See I Corinthians 10:11). Paul also writes, “Some men’s (and women’s) sins are open (obvious) beforehand, going before to judgment (plainly judged in the here and now), and some men they follow after (to be judged after Christ’s return)” (See I Timothy 5:24). Just because God doesn’t judge a transgression immediately and openly does not mean a transgression has been overlooked, or will not yet be judged.
Jesus WARNS, “He (or she) that is not with me is against me” (See Luke 11:23).
Where do YOU stand????
In the first chapter of Numbers, verse 51, we read these words: “And when the tabernacle sets forward, the Levites shall take it down; and when the tabernacle is to be pitched (erected again), the Levites shall set it up: and the stranger that comes near (to offer a helping hand) SHALL BE PUT TO DEATH.”
In the 3rd chapter of Numbers, verse 10, we read these words: “And you shall appoint Aaron and his sons, and they shall await on their priest’s office: and the stranger that comes near (attempts to perform any priestly function) SHALL BE PUT TO DEATH.”
God didn’t just limit the priesthood, the priestly office, to males. He narrowed it down drastically to Aaron’s family! You had to be able to trace your ancestry, your lineage directly to Aaron! And God didn’t stop there. The Lord said to Moses, ‘Say to Aaron, for the generations to come none of your descendants who has a defect may come near to offer the food of his God (offer a sacrifice). No man who has ANY (physical) defect may come near (to God’s altar, performing the functions of a priest): no man who is blind or lame, disfigured or deformed; no man with a crippled foot or hand, or who is hunchbacked or dwarfed, or who has any eye defect, or who has festering or running sores or damaged testicles. No descendant of Aaron the priest who has any defect is to come near to present the offerings made to the Lord by fire…Because of his defect, he must not go near the curtain (to enter the tabernacle) or approach the altar, and so desecrate my sanctuary. I AM THE LORD WHO MAKES THEM HOLY.” (See Leviticus 21:16-23, New International Version).
‘I AM THE LORD WHO MAKES THEM HOLY,” says God. God says He, and He alone decides what is right and proper, and acceptable in serving Him. It really doesn’t matter whether it makes any sense to us. Why ban a cross-eyed man from the priesthood? Why ban someone with a limp from the priesthood? Why kill a helpful Israelite who lends a hand in setting up the tabernacle simply because He is not from the tribe of Levi, but from the tribe of Dan or Ephraim? GOD WANTS HUMANITY TO KNOW THAT HE IS GOD, THAT’S WHY! And He warns, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the Lord” (See Isaiah 55:8). If God wanted to limit the priesthood to only green-eyed men standing over six feet in height, He could have done so. He is God, and He wants us to understand that.
And, under the New Covenant, if Jesus Christ through His faithful apostle COMMANDS, “I permit not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence,” the rebel woman who ignores that apostolic COMMAND will answer to the Living Head of the church, Jesus Christ, for her disobedience! It matters not how many deceived humans agree with her.
The rebel mind can come up with many clever human arguments for disobeying God. How many times have I heard the argument, “Well, if God can speak through an ass (see Numbers 22:21-39), He can speak through a woman.” Yes, God can do whatever He wants to do, AND HE CAN FORBID WHATEVER HE WANTS TO FORBID! He can speak through a prophetess, AND HE CAN FORBID A PROPHETESS TO TEACH. And about that talking ass, this miracle occurred on one lone occasion, and the ass was not used of God to teach the scriptures to men, women, or even other asses! The ass taught nothing, but asked Balaam three questions. Any rebel woman who uses this text in Numbers 22 to authorize her disobedience and ignoring of I Corinthians 14:34-40 and I Timothy 2:8-14 but shows herself an expert at twisting the scriptures and perverting divine truth!
Some will point to the fact that in the early New Covenant church Philip the evangelist “had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.” (See Acts 21:9). They use this text to nullify Jesus’ command through Paul, “Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection (to Jesus’ command). But I permit not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence (in the assembly of the body of Christ)” (See I Timothy 2:11-14). Did these four women teach the body of Christ? NO! Read the text, beginning at verse 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 (see Acts 6:1-6), and abode with him. And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy. And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judea a certain prophet, named Agabus. And when he was come unto us, he took Paul’s girdle (sash), and bound his own hands and feet, and said, “Thus says the Holy Ghost, so shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owns this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’ And when we heard these things, both we, AND THEY OF THAT PLACE (Philip and his four daughters), besought him not to go up to Jerusalem” (See Acts 21:8-12).
So WHAT did these four women prophesy? They, like Agabus, foretold the future, warning Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. They did NOT preach to the assembly of God’s people, or teach the scriptures, as some would have us to believe. Those rebel women who use the text in Acts 21 to authorize their rebellion against Jesus Christ will someday answer to him for their iniquity.
Those who ignore the fact that Paul said what he wrote were “wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ,” sometimes try to portray him as a woman-hater. They will point out that Paul referred to “silly women” in one of his letters. But few realize that those words are a mistranslation. Here is the verse containing those words from the King James translation of the Bible: “For of this sort are they which creep into houses (Christian assemblies), and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers (various) lusts” (2 Timothy 3:6). The Greek word that is translated as “silly women” in that verse is gunaikarion (pronounced goo-nahee-KAR’-ee-on) and literally means “little women.” It is the diminutive of the Greek word gune (goo-NAY’), or woman. It is NOT a put down or disrespectful term. Paul’s heart went out to these shy, retiring little women. (He wrote the believers at Corinth, “Who is offended, and I burn not?” He meant he burned with indignation at such ill treatment of others). When one looks at the context of this verse a very different picture emerges: “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come, for men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud…unholy…heady (head strong)…having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof. From such turn away, for of this sort are they which creep into (cleverly enter) houses (Christian assemblies), and lead captive (into error) silly (actually, little) women, laden with sins (NOT the women, but these clever imposters are the ones laden down with the sins of covetousness, pride, spiritual rebellion), led away with divers (various) lusts” (See 2 Timothy 3:1-7).
It angered and distressed Paul to learn that these religious charlatans were targeting these simple, uneducated women as easy marks, using them to bolster their own warped egos. “Look how many followers I have got,” they would boast as they added one more unsuspecting female follower to their ranks.
Just because Mary Magdalene was the first person to see the risen Christ and to tell others, “He’s alive!” did not make her an evangelist or teacher in the church of God! That’s an absurd argument, yet I have heard it put forth by those who just simply will not be ruled by scripture.
A bishop, a spiritual overseer, one who presides over a congregation of believers, if married, must be “the husband of one wife…one that rules well his own house…for if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?” (See I Timothy 3:1-45).
Women were NEVER considered as candidates for the spiritual overseeing of assemblies. Following Judas’ suicide, “Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (consisting of 120 men AND WOMEN), and said…his bishopric (office) let another take. Wherefore of these MEN (Greek, aner, “MALES”)…must one be ordained to be a witness with us of His resurrection” (See Acts 1:15-22). Even though a woman was the first person to witness His resurrection, Peter, the one to whom Jesus had given the keys to the kingdom, flatly stated that only a male witness could assume Judas’ vacated position as a spiritual overseer and teacher of the Word!
Women in the body of Christ may teach other women. (See Titus 2:3-4). They are also expected to guide their children in the ways of the Lord. (See I Timothy 5:14). But Jesus Christ commands, “Let your women keep silence in the churches (assemblies of believers regardless of where they might be meeting), for it is not permitted unto them to speak (Greek, laleo, “to talk, utter words”), but they are COMMANDED to be under obedience (to Jesus Christ), as also says the law. And if they will learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home, for it is a shame for women to speak (Greek, “speak, utter words”) in the church (assembly of believers).” (I Corinthians 14:34-35).
Why couldn’t women even ask questions in the assemblies of believers? Because God knows human nature. A question can easily be followed by a statement, then another, then a citing of scripture followed by instruction or teaching. To nip this in the bud, Jesus inspired Paul to simply declare, “Let them keep silent!”
Paul then sums up his inspired teaching and commands forbidding women to speak in the assembly by saying, “If any man think himself to be a prophet (one of the Lord’s true spokesmen), or spiritual (guided by God’s Spirit), let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are THE COMMANDMENTS OF THE LORD” – not Paul’s personal opinion, but the commandments of the Living Head of the church of God, Jesus Christ!! (See I Corinthians 14:37).
Christ’s Aged Servant (Galatians 1:10-12),
Donald Wiley