Part 6 of 12 of the theme 'Answers to Questions' by Gijs van den Brink
We read that God at the creation says in Gen. 2:18, "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make a helper make for him that suits him.'
The word "helper" is a general word that does not indicate a higher or lower position. Woman and man complement each other and have an equal position.[1]
Because of sin, power and domination have come into the world. Domination of men and subordination of women are a result of sin.
We already read that Gen.3:16, "To the woman he said: ... You will covet your husband, and he will rule over you.'
We see this all over the world. Where sin reigns there is domination and oppression of women.
But not at Jesus Christ. He tells his disciples that God does not want this for men to oppress their wives and send them away whenever they want. He says "this is not how it was intended by God from the beginning of creation."
For Jesus, men and women are equal. He eats with men and women together. He holds meetings with men and women together. Women are also allowed to go with him and help him when he goes to preach in other villages.[2]
More female followers are present at his crucifixion than men[3]. And when Jesus has risen from the dead, He appears first of all to some women at the empty tomb. They must go and tell the apostles that He has risen.
Also for the Holy Spirit poured out at Pentecost, men and women are equal.
On the Day of Pentecost, the prophecy from Joel is fulfilled, Peter says in Acts 2:17-18. God says: Then I will pour out my spirit on all people. Then your sons and daughters will prophesy, ...[4]
Both women and men are given gifts and a task by the Holy Spirit.
For example, several times in the NT we read about married couples leading a congregation, such as Prisca and Priscilla.
And even we hear about single sisters who lead, like Febe in the church of Kenchreeen in Greece.[5]
And then Paul. Sometimes people think Paul is saying something else. It isn't.
The letters to Timothy and Titus are no longer about leadership in house churches. There it is about governing all the churches in a city or province.
That public leadership Paul wants to limit to men[6]. Paul does not want to give offence in a situation where outside the church only men lead.
But the principle of equality that Jesus taught and preached, Paul also teaches. He says this very clearly in Gal.3:28,
In Christ there is "no more Jews or Greeks, slaves or free, men or women - you are all one in Christ Jesus."
[1] (cf. Gen. 3:12);
[2] Luk.8:1-3
[3] Mat.27:55-56
[4] Acts 2:17-18
[5] Rom.16:1
[6] 1 Tim.2:11-12
Next time: Part 7 of the series 'Answers to questions' is entitled 'How can I be sure the Bible is not twisted? '
Also see: Part 5 of 12 of the theme 'Answers to questions‘ How does my relationship with God change when I sin?
Author: Gijs van den Brink
From: Study Bible Magazine
This is part 6 of 12 from the theme "Answers to Questions' Some of which we will be posting online in the near future. We hope this will help you understand the Bible better!
Download the Study Bible App FREE via Play Store or App StoreEnter this login code (BLOGCVB2021) in order to have 45 days of FREE access to the Study Bible Solomon package (the most comprehensive package).
