Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies; Blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity; And cleanse me from my sin. (Psalms 51:1,2 NKJV)
29
2009
Terry Denis
In the book of Philippians 4:3, Paul implored the believers in Philippi to "help these women who labored in the Gospel", referring to Euodia and Syntyche. In one of our morning Bible studies in our church, I raised the issue that these women helped preach the Gospel either orally or by their testimonials. I hastened to add that women can preach the Gospel even unto men who have not known the Gospel. Our facilitator agreed, but argued however that if a Christian man is present, it would be best to give that work of preaching the Gospel to him.
Our common understanding is that women should learn in silence as Paul instructed Timothy not to permit women to teach or have authority over men (I Timothy 2:12). In this situation, Paul was referring to women in the assembly where Christian men are present. In this case, women should not preach to admonish men. The reason behind this is that Christian men have already received and obeyed the Gospel. They have already known the truth. They are ignorant no more. It is now their duty to lead.
What do you think?