Examining a False Claim regarding Female Leadership

In our series on women's roles in the church, Let's look at a popular argument for promoting female pastors.

In our discussion of women's roles, let’s look at
1 Timothy 2 (see the full passage below the devotion).

In this chapter about instructions for worship, verses 11-12 say, “A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet.” 

Before explaining this passage biblically, let's address the egalitarian claim that this rule only applied to Ephesian women (where Timothy was leading the church). They insist Paul gave this rule that contradicted Scripture because the pagan goddess Artemis had influenced Ephesians to exalt female leadership.

Problems with this claim

✔ Nothing in the wording of this passage presents it as cultural or temporary. To hold this egalitarian belief, you must believe our all-knowing God divinely inspired Paul to write something that would be misunderstood throughout church history. 

To better understand cultural commands, see Head Coverings.

Paul gave similar instructions to the Corinthian church, where Artemis worship was not as significant as in Ephesus. And Paul said his instructions applied to “all the congregations of the Lord’s people” (1 Corinthians 14:33-36).

✔ I read multiple articles about Ephesian culture, and the prominence of female leadership in culture was only mentioned in egalitarian articles. See Note #1.

✔ Egalitarians contradict themselves. In 1 Timothy 2, they claim Paul was opposing the culture, and in 1 Corinthians 14, they claim Paul was accommodating the culture. 

More on this passage in next Friday's post.

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I encourage you to read Was Submission Paul's Idea?  It addresses submission in marriage, which is different from submission in the church, but it does offer some insights for responding to the argument that submission was Paul's idea. 

To see some of the illogical arguments used to claim women should be pastors, see A Well-Known Pastor Changes His View about Women Pastors.

Notes

1. Description of Ephesian culture from a secular source: In Ephesus, women were primarily seen as wives and mothers. They managed households and were expected to bear children, particularly sons, to continue the family lineage.… Men in Ephesian society were the primary decision-makers. They handled public affairs, made financial decisions, and provided for the family” (source). It seems that women dominated the cult of Artemis, but it doesn't appear that this altered women's roles in the family or the culture at large.

2. Egalitarians claim that Paul's mention of outward adornment in verse 9 is tied to Artemis worshipers who wore jewels and fancy hairstyles. I looked it up in fourteen commentaries, and none of them linked this to Artemis worship. 

3. Egalitarians also claim that Paul mentions childbirth as a further proof that he's basing his rules on Artemis because she was associated with childbirth. I looked this verse up in fourteen commentaries as well, and none of them mentioned the connection between childbirth and Artemis. Paul's reference to Adam and Eve and childbirth is an important element of this passage, which we'll discuss in our next post.

4. “As a variation on the Greek and Roman Artemis, who was the goddess of hunting and archery, the Ephesian version of the goddess' emphasis was on birth and fertility, where she was considered a mother goddess (source). Hundreds of eunuch priests, virgin priestesses, and religious prostitutes served her. Worship rituals were quite erotic” (source). If Artemis worship was behind Paul's commands, he would have things worse than female leadership to address, and he would need to address men as well as women. 

5. Articles on Artemis: 

Artemis of the Ephesians
Artemis - This is a wiki article, but it's very well documented.
Artemis - In this article, scroll down to #4 under ENCYCLOPEDIA  to read specifically about the Ephesian Artemis. You'll find no mention of female leadership, childbirth, or outward adornment.
Great Was Artemis of the Ephesians - This article has a reference that says, “The temple of Artemis was massive, and her cult — run entirely by female officials — was the religious centre of the whole area.” But, as stated above, this does not appear to have affected attitudes toward women outside of the temple. I strongly recommend this resource because it offers a wonderful picture of the power of Christianity.
 
The full context 

1 Timothy 2: I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. 7 And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles. 8 Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. 9 I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, 10 but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.

11 A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. 15 But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.

 

In our series on women's roles in the church, Let's look at a popular argument for promoting female pastors.

In our series on women's roles in the church, Let's look at a popular argument for promoting female pastors.



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Are You Taking God at His Word?

3 Good Questions all Christians should ask themselves.

Do you take God at His Word? Here are three areas to ponder today:

1. God says, "If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me" (Jeremiah 29:13).

If you're confused about God's will and feeling distant from Him, ask yourself if you've been seeking Him halfheartedly. (See also When God Is Silent.)

2. God says, "Apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5).

If you feel like you're wasting your time when you take on a project, ask yourself if you've neglected to first ask for God's guidance and strength. (See also Our Role as Branches.)

3. God says, "Do not love this world nor the things it offers you" because these things have no eternal value (1 John 2:15-17).

If you're feeling empty, ask yourself if you've been seeking your own kingdom instead of God's. We can't simply read God's Word. We must do what it says (James 1:22-25)!

God is always ready to meet with us, and He wants to guide us to fulfill His purposes in our lives (Ephesians 2:10). So let's seek Him wholeheartedly, depend on His strength, and avoid a worldly mindset. 

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For more insights, see Mirror, Mirror (remember when the wicked stepmother said that?) and Godly Mirror Gazing.
https://www.amazon.com/Wisdom-Life-Devotional-One-Minute-Reflections/dp/1087775760

I encourage you to check out the Wisdom for Life Devotional. It contains 100 one-minute devotions to challenge, encourage, instruct, and inspire your love for God's Word. Read the story behind Wisdom for Life HERE. And find out about the two free Bible studies with purchase HERE. You can read the first four devotions in the book by clicking "look inside" on Lifeway or AmazonIn addition, you can buy the book in Kindle format on Amazon and as an ebook on other sites.
 
I also encourage you to sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes HERE.

3 Good Questions all Christians should ask themselves.

3 Good Questions all Christians should ask themselves.

3 Good Questions to ask yourself in regard to your faith.



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Have You Taken a Bribe against the Innocent?

A common way that people take a "bribe against the innocent."

Throughout Scripture, God warns against pagan practices such as the detestable practice of
child sacrifice (Deuteronomy 12:29-31). When the Israelites entered the promised land, Joshua said, Choose this day whom you will serve (Joshua 24:14-15)

Pagans sacrificed their children for some personal gain. 
 
Similarly, most people get abortions to make their lives easier financially or emotionally, offering a baby's life to be free of the consequences of irresponsible, unprotected sex. 

Sadly, some professing Christians promote this child sacrifice. 

1. Some vote for pro-abortion candidates to gain some promised benefit. Some vote based on a candidate's lifestyle instead of on his/her platform that will affect the lives of unborn babies.

2. Some remain silent about abortion for fear of offending others. This includes pastors who never preach on this important biblical topic, which contributes to point 3:

3. More than half of those who get abortions identify as Christian (source).
 
When someone does any of these things, they are valuing some personal gain above the life of an unborn human being. They are taking a bribe against innocent babies.

“Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others; who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the Lord; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind; who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bribe against the innocent. Whoever does these things will never be shaken.” Psalm 15 

Our priorities in life reveal the true treasures of our hearts (Matthew 6:19-21).

Paganism is alive and well. Choose this day whom you will follow.
 
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Note 
Please examine this proabortion claim biblically and logically: 
“We have compassion for women. Pro-lifers only care about the baby.
 
Proabortion groups offer one option for women: kill their babies, an option that can lead to lifelong trauma, physical problems, and always ends in the murder of a child. 

Pro-life groups care for both mother and child. Crisis pregnancy centers typically provide counseling as well as physical and financial help to needy pregnant women. And they provide ultrasounds to help a woman make an informed choice, something proabortion groups fight against. Pro-life groups also offer counseling to the many women who suffer regret and emotional problems called post abortion syndrome, a problem that most proabortion groups claim doesn't exist.
 
My prayer is that my posts about abortion will warn men and women against these things which will seriously damage their souls. And my heart's desire is to prevent the murder of unborn babies. 

I encourage you to read The judge Stands Before the Judge because one day each of us will stand before the Judge. 

And please read the devotions in The Value God Places on Human Life so you will better understand how to address this subject. Let's speak up! 

 
A common way that people take a "bribe against the innocent."

A common way that people take a "bribe against the innocent."



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Partial Obedience

The deadly consequences of partial obedience are illustrated in the life of King Saul.

God gave him very specific instructions.

He carried them out … sort of … almost … not exactly.

He didn't think it made sense to do exactly what God commanded. And his friends agreed. 

I'm talking about King Saul's behavior in 1 Samuel 15 when God told him to destroy the Amalekites and all of their possession. But Saul decided to save the best livestock and take the king prisoner. 

If we're not careful, we can fall into this same trap, obeying God's commands … sort of … almost … not exactly.

And our culture is always ready to give us "good" arguments for ignoring God's commands. 

When Samuel confronted King Saul after his "partial obedience" to God's instructions, Saul lied and made excuses. Eventually, he repented, but only because he didn't want Samuel to embarrass him in front of his men. 

We can do the same when we apologize if our only regret is getting caught.

After Saul's partial obedience, he never walked with God again. 

This situation in God's Word is an important warning. What will we do when confronted with temptations? Will we make excuses to disobey and make insincere apologies if caught? Will we walk away from the true and living God to be king in our own little world? 

Let's obey God's commands carefully and wholeheartedly. They are given to bless us.

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I encourage you to do the Bite Size Study for this devotion. We can learn some valuable lessons from King Saul's life.

https://www.amazon.com/Wisdom-Life-Devotional-One-Minute-Reflections/dp/1087775760

I also encourage you to check out the Wisdom for Life Devotional. It contains 100 one-minute devotions to challenge, encourage, instruct, and inspire your love for God's Word. Read the story behind Wisdom for Life HERE. Find out about the two free Bible studies with purchase HERE. You can read the first four devotions in the book by clicking "look inside" on Lifeway or AmazonIn addition, you can buy the book in Kindle format on Amazon and as an ebook on other sites. And if you're not already a subscriber, please sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes HERE. 

 
The deadly consequences of partial obedience are illustrated in the life of King Saul.



The deadly consequences of partial obedience are illustrated in the life of King Saul.


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3 Things God Has Taught Me in Facing Difficulties

3 Things to remember when you feel overwhelmed with all of the difficulties in your life.

The last six months, my husband and I have faced a series of challenges—difficulties in our move across the country, plus minor surgery, a dog bite, and acute hearing loss in one of my ears, etc. And recently, I took a painful fall while out walking.

When I face a series of disappointments and distractions like these, I usually start by asking God why he’s allowed them. But then I remember people who have far greater challenges than I have and far greater faith. That helps me adjust my attitudes, but if I stop there, I still end up struggling. 

I also need to remember these truths:
 
1. Even when I feel forgotten, God is with me (Deuteronomy 31:6). He cares deeply about me and knows every detail of my life, right down to the number of hairs on my head (Matthew 10:29-31). This truth has special meaning for me. Read about it HERE.
 
2. God has a message or purpose in each difficulty. This doesn’t mean He causes all of our problems, but He uses them if we’re willing to trust Him (Romans 8:28). This verse also has special meaning in my life. Read about it HERE.

3. He’ll give us the strength we need to face our difficulties (Philippians 4:13; Psalm 46:1-3). Many times, I have been reminded that I can't rely on my strength alone. See 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 and an interesting way God reminded me of that truth HERE

 
3 Things to remember when you feel overwhelmed with all of the difficulties in your life.

3 Things to remember when you feel overwhelmed with all of the difficulties in your life.


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Who Did Christ Forgive from the Cross?

Who did Jesus mean when He said, "Father forgive them..." on the Cross?

What did Jesus mean when he spoke these words from the cross: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34)?

Please read Matthew 27 and note that the religious leaders inspired the crowd to demand Christ's crucifixion. These leaders were motivated by jealousy and hatred, mocking Jesus as He hung dying (verses 41-43). The people who cried "Crucify Him!" were filled with hate and ignorance (see verse 25!). And the soldiers mocked and abused Jesus (verses 27-31). 

When Christ asked the Father to forgive all of these people, He knew that many would continue in their unbelief. He wasn't offering unrepentant unbelievers salvation. But He knew that some of those present would later come to understand the gospel, and they'd be devastated by the part they played, realizing Jesus had died for their sins.

We know that one of the soldiers present, a centurion, probably came to faith because seeing the way Jesus died, he said, “Surely this was a righteous man” (Luke 23:44-47).

Imagine how this soldier and others like him would feel when they realized the gravity of their actions in Christ's crucifixion. They'd probably assume such a sin was unforgivable. Then they'd remember Christ's words from the cross.

And Christ's words also have meaning to us. He wants us to know that no sin disqualifies us if we turn our lives over to Him. And He wants us to forgive others as He's forgiven us (Colossians 3:12-13).

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For more inspiration, see Christ's 7 Final Statements and My Favorite Friday.

 
Who did Jesus mean when He said, "Father forgive them..." on the Cross?

Who did Jesus mean when He said, "Father forgive them..." on the Cross?

 
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Passover Whispers

Be encouraged by these wonderful "clues" of Christ in the Passover. #BibleLoveNotes #Devotions

Most Jews who celebrate the Passover have no idea it has Jesus "written all over it."

The Passover was instituted when God brought ten plagues against the Egyptians because the pharaoh refused to set God's people free from slavery. The final plague was the death of each family's firstborn child (Exodus 11-13).

But God commanded each Jewish family to kill and eat a lamb without defect and smear the blood of that lamb on the doorframes of their houses. If they did this, they would be saved from the plague. This was an important reminder that forgiveness of sins requires the shedding of blood (Hebrews 9:22 & Leviticus 17:11).

It is one of many proofs God gave His people to show He had the power of life and death and He could rescue them.

Jesus is our Passover lamb, a lamb without defect, slain for our deliverance. He's the fulfillment of God's plan, and He has the power to rescue believers from our sins.

When we ask Jesus to be our Savior, we symbolically smear His precious blood on the doorframe of our heart. 

This Sunday we celebrate our Passover, our deliverance, and our rescue from sin. May we never forget the price that Christ paid.

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship." Romans 12:1

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Please remember that God warned the pharaoh of each plague, giving pharaoh many chances to repent. 

See Romans 12:1-2: Grateful and Transforming and 7 Important Truths about God's Love.
 

The Seder supper celebrated by Jews at Passover has some wonderful symbols of Christ, even though many who celebrate Seder are unaware of these symbols. See Jesus the Messiah in the Four Cups of Passover.


Be encouraged by these wonderful "clues" of Christ in the Passover. #Easter


 
Be encouraged by these wonderful "clues" of Christ in the Passover. #BibleLoveNotes #Devotions


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Precious Predictions of Christ

This devotion about the amazing prophecies of Christ is from the devotional Wisdom for Life by Gail Burton Purath.

Today I'm sharing a devotion from Wisdom for Life. I pray it will bless you as you prepare to celebrate Christ's resurrection!  Gail

Precious Predictions of Christ

I love how God whispered clues about Christ’s coming throughout the entire Old Testament. These wonderful prophecies prove the supernatural and purposeful actions of God in human history. 

Psalm 22 is one example. It contains vivid descriptions of Christ’s crucifixion: “I am poured out like water, and all my bones are disjointed; . . . my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. . . . They pierced my hands and my feet. . . . People look and stare at me” (vv. 14–17).

Look at these stunning comparisons below:

Psalm 22:1: “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”
Matthew 27:46: “About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out with a loud voice, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ that is, ‘My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?’”

Psalm 22:7–8: “Everyone who sees me mocks me; they sneer and shake their heads: ‘He relies on the Lord; let him save him; let the Lord rescue him, since he takes pleasure in him.’”
Matthew 27:39, 43: “Those who passed by were yelling insults at him, shaking their heads. . . . ‘He trusts in God; let God rescue him now—if he takes pleasure in him!’”

Psalm 22:18: “They divided my garments among them selves, and they cast lots for my clothing.”
Matthew 27:35: “After crucifying him, they divided his clothes by casting lots.”

Beginning in Genesis 3:15, God planted “clues” about the coming of our Savior. He wants us to know that all along He had a plan to turn our darkness to light and our death to life.

Thousands of years before Christ came to earth, Psalm 22 told us about His sacrificial death for our sins. Isn’t it wonderful to know that God’s love for us is present in every detail of His revelation?

For Further Thought

Enjoy this prophecy of Christ’s eternal sonship and priesthood: Psalm 2:7; Psalm 110; Acts 13:33; and Hebrews 5:1–10.

To see two other Wisdom for Life devotions posted on Bible Love Notes:

Uploading and Reloading

Are You Listening to the Sky?


 
It's a great time to buy Wisdom for Life because of the great sales on LifewayAmazon, and CBD.




This devotion about the amazing prophecies of Christ is from the devotional Wisdom for Life by Gail Burton Purath.


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Remembering Christ's Sacrifice on Good Friday

This short devotion offers a unique way to remember Christ's death.

Some things are best forgotten.

Others must be remembered. 

In the Old Testament, God repeatedly told the Israelites to remember they'd been slaves in Egypt before He freed them (Deuteronomy 15:15). When they forgot, they turned away from God.

Remembering is important.

Like the Israelites, we also were enslaved…to sin and death. When Christ died on the cross, He set us free. Once we believe, remembering keeps us headed in the right direction. 

There are many ways to remember Christ's love throughout the year, and ways we can highlight His love during special seasons like Easter.

I sometimes carry a nail in my purse or pocket a few days before Good Friday to remind myself of Christ's pain and my gain.

I encourage you to do something to keep your mind focused and your heart engaged with the real meaning of Christ's death and resurrection. 

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Have you ever heard of the concept of stones of remembrance? Stones of Remembrance explains the concept, and What Are Your Stones of Remembrance? offers practical ways to create reminders of God's faithfulness.

https://www.amazon.com/Wisdom-Life-Devotional-One-Minute-Reflections/dp/1087775760

I encourage you to check out the Wisdom for Life Devotional. It contains 100 one-minute devotions to challenge, encourage, instruct, and inspire your love for God's Word: Wisdom for Life. Read the story behind Wisdom for Life HERE. Find out about the two free Bible studies with purchase HERE. You can read the first four devotions in the book by clicking "look inside" on Lifeway or Amazon.
 
I also encourage you to sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes HERE.


This short devotion offers a unique way to remember Christ's death.

This short devotion offers a unique way to remember Christ's death.


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What Does It Mean to Take Up Our Cross?

This 1-minute devotion explains what it means to "take up our cross and follow Christ."

Jesus said, “Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.… Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Matthew 10:38, 16:24

What does it mean to take up our cross?

It means following Christ's example: 

“He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” Philippians 2:8  

We may not be called to suffer physically, but we are called to “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit,” humbly submitting our will and desires to God (Philippians 2:1-7).

It means crucifying worldly desires:

“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” Galatians 6:14

“Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” Galatians 6:8    

It means sharing God's truth even when we're rejected:

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18  

We must never be ashamed of God's truths (Romans 1:16).

Taking up our cross means recognizing God's wonderful mercy and offering our whole being as a living sacrifice to our Lord (Romans 12:1).

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You'll be blessed to read this one-minute devotion about the story behind the hymn The Old Rugged Cross.


I encourage you to take a look at Easter Decorations for some ways I've tried to make my Easter decorations more Christ-centered.

 

This 1-minute devotion explains what it means to "take up our cross and follow Christ."

This 1-minute devotion explains what it means to "take up our cross and follow Christ."

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