Does the Bible Support Women in Ministry? | Episode 77 

In regard to Romans 16:7, around the 10 minute 10 second mark of this video, in reference to the two people mentioned in this verse, which brother Bernard says one was a woman, brother Bernard says that the scripture teaches they were “notable apostles.” Brother Bernard is in error regarding this matter. The King James version of this particular scripture says, “…who are of note among the apostles.” The scripture does not say as he claims, that they were notable apostles. Read it for yourself in the KJV. In the NIV version it states, that they were “outstanding among the apostles.” In the amplified Bible the scripture reads as, “held in high esteem among the apostles.” In the new living translation it reads this way, “they are highly respected among the apostles.” There is no scripture from Matthew to Revelation that states any woman was an apostle. What brother Bernard has done with Romans 16:7 is to try to make it say something that it does not say. Even commentators on this scripture bring out the facts that this scripture is referring to these two individuals as being held in high esteem, or respect, among the apostles. They were not apostles and we should not be changing the scripture to fit what we may believe in regard to women in ministry.

Incredible man of God! Not on board with Oneness but have heard him debate his stance and he definitely holds his own!

it amazes me how some men can sound so eloquent and knowledgeable as they deny the word of God. THE BIBLE SAYS, I DO NOT PERMIT A WOMAN TO TEACH PERIOD

God is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore!!!!! He says I change not!!!

its amazing to me when people explain that Gods word really dosent mean what it says

I've resettled with this topic for a long time, I've attended Churches who had women preachers, and one Church who has a women Pastor, as a Pastor myself, I read different comments, listen to different opinions, and most importantly study the word of God, and it seems the more I do this, the more I lean to the authority and leadership is that of us men, not degrading women, for we are to love them as Christ loved the Church, and gave his life for it, my wife is a gold mine, and she understands the role we both play as a married couple, as Christian's, and as me a Pastor, and her a Pastors wife, Eve was created for Adam, and not Adam for Eve, man from the beginning was given the authority, but we have to be careful, and not downplay the rolls women have, they are to keep the home, teach younger women, and so on, I'm like a lot of other people, I take 1 Tim literal, it's kinda cut and dry, but we sometimes, ( like a lot of doctrinal debates ) study scripture to prove our point, instead of what the point means.

12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 1st Timothy 2:12 KJV

This question is not to be contentious but what if a husband’s wife is a pastor? Does he submit to her as a pastor or does she submit to him as her husband?

where the bible said presella was a pastor?not because her name was mentioned first it mean that

David K Bernard is a very renowned respected teacher of the bible, however I am very disappointed with this explanation. Answering a new testament instruction from the Apostle Paul who was sent to the GENTILES with odd rare, old testament scriptural occurances was suprising. Incidently outside of the role of prophetess there are zero example to contradict the Apostle Paul. It almost like saying David a man after Gods own heart (in the old testament) had many wives, so Gods not really opposed to us having more than 1 wife today!! His New testament arguments against what Paul said was largely based on maybes...not scriptural fact. Paul in his final letter gave a clear instruction in relation to teaching or upsurping Authority over the man. If it was about women teaching false doctrine as was said, surely that would apply to the man also ? Paul gives creations order and fall as the reason. Its Gods Divine order.

Correct when you say woman can be a prophetess, but prophesying is not preaching, big difference, people just don't want to except GOD'S word like it is,

It has been said men will do all sorts of gymnastics to justify their errors and this is a case in point.

I believe that the Holy Spirit is the best teacher and interpreter of Scripture. I am not fully convinced that the explanations concerning women, as preachers in a Church congregation set up has been fully exhausted. I'm one of the people who still feel that the Apostle Paul meant what he stated in simple terms.

6:00 Being a prophetess and being a preacher and teacher of God's Word is completely different things. Poor example use.

Rev Bernard, can you please do a video on whether or not Russia is Magog. I’d really appreciate it!

I will watch this for sure

Clearly said brother!

A woman does not have the authority to teach a man to be a man because he was created first, but she can teach him to be a good man. That is what mothers are for!

But is there a difference between being ordained in an office and just having a gift and operating it without an office Sir?

Hello Bishop Bernard, in the light of this women ministry, can you please put up another episode about "the true meaning of women's head covering" mentioned in 1 Corinthians 11:5-6? Thank you, God bless you.

This was a great breakdown, logical reasoning.

We base our pattern in Tabernacle Plan.there is no priestess in the tabenacle.thank you

Could you discuss laying on of hands? And, more specifically, is it Biblical for women to do it?

How are we to understand 1Timothy3:1-14 where the Apostle Paul is instructing Timothy on the prerequisites for the ministries of bishops and deacons. Why does he speak only of men?

I left my church because our co-pastor was a woman. I'm an ordained Elder, and she made me feel like a boy. She spoke to me authoritatively, and showed no respect for my manhood. I couldn't stomach the idea of being totally submissive to a woman as my pastor.

For those who don’t know, the upci will license anyone with their pastors approval. If you want a ministerial license to clean the church, you can get it. It’s different from other Christian movements with regards to licenses and ordination. The real question that needs to be answered is this; can a woman be a Presbyter or senior pastor?

In the book of Timothy it also says to preach this in season and out of season whatever was going on seems to still stand as to women teaching elsewhere

Well said. I agree. Also, in that 1 Timothy 2:12 , Paul does not say that God said women ( plurar ) should not teach men, he ( Paul ) said that he does not permit it.

This guy is also a “Oneness” teacher….. where there’s smoke there’s fire folks!

Jesus picked 12 apostles and he didn't pick one woman why? The 11 apostles had to draw for the 12th and they didn't pick a woman either why? Jacob had 12 sons but he also had 1 daughter why didn't she get a tribe?

What are your thoughts on head coverings? I know this is a Jewish custom, but does it apply now and to gentiles?

Wow,thank you for this 🔥🔥🔥

A dissapointing, plain scripture-evading presentation. And Priscilla certainly wasn't a pastor as he said but was merely assisting her husband to explain the Word as 'co-workers' in their home.

The Word of God proclaims, “A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent” (1 Timothy 2:11-12). In the church, God assigns different roles to men and women. This is a result of the way mankind was created and the way in which sin entered the world (1 Timothy 2:13-14). God, through the apostle Paul, restricts women from serving in roles of teaching and/or having spiritual authority over men. This precludes women from serving as pastors over men, which definitely includes preaching to them, teaching them publicly, and exercising spiritual authority over them. There are many objections to this view of women in pastoral ministry. A common one is that Paul restricts women from teaching because in the first century, women were typically uneducated. However, 1 Timothy 2:11-14 nowhere mentions educational status. If education were a qualification for ministry, then the majority of Jesus’ disciples would not have been qualified. A second common objection is that Paul only restricted the women of Ephesus from teaching men (1 Timothy was written to Timothy, the pastor of the church in Ephesus). Ephesus was known for its temple to Artemis, and women were the authorities in that branch of paganism-therefore, the theory goes, Paul was only reacting against the female-led customs of the Ephesian idolaters, and the church needed to be different. However, the book of 1 Timothy nowhere mentions Artemis, nor does Paul mention the standard practice of Artemis worshipers as a reason for the restrictions in 1 Timothy 2:11-12. A third objection is that Paul is only referring to husbands and wives, not men and women in general. The Greek words for “woman” and “man” in 1 Timothy 2 could refer to husbands and wives; however, the basic meaning of the words is broader than that. Further, the same Greek words are used in verses 8-10. Are only husbands to lift up holy hands in prayer without anger and disputing (verse 8)? Are only wives to dress modestly, have good deeds, and worship God (verses 9-10)? Of course not. Verses 8-10 clearly refer to all men and women, not just husbands and wives. There is nothing in the context that would indicate a narrowing to husbands and wives in verses 11-14. Yet another objection to this interpretation of women in pastoral ministry is in relation to women who held positions of leadership in the Bible, specifically Miriam, Deborah, and Huldah in the Old Testament. It is true that these women were chosen by God for special service to Him and that they stand as models of faith, courage, and, yes, leadership. However, the authority of women in the Old Testament is not relevant to the issue of pastors in the church. The New Testament Epistles present a new paradigm for God’s people-the church, the body of Christ-and that paradigm involves an authority structure unique to the church, not for the nation of Israel or any other Old Testament entity. Similar arguments are made using Priscilla and Phoebe in the New Testament. In Acts 18, Priscilla and Aquila are presented as faithful ministers for Christ. In verse 18, Priscilla’s name is mentioned first, suggesting to some that she was more prominent in ministry than her husband. (The detail of whose name comes first is probably inconsequential, because in verses 2 and 26 the order is reversed from that of verse 18.) Did Priscilla and her husband teach the gospel of Jesus Christ to Apollos? Yes, in their home they “explained to him the way of God more adequately” (Acts 18:26). Does the Bible ever say that Priscilla pastored a church or taught publicly or became the spiritual leader of a congregation of saints? No. As far as we know, Priscilla was not involved in ministry activity in contradiction to 1 Timothy 2:11-14. In Romans 16:1, Phoebe is called a “deacon” (or “servant”) in the church and is highly commended by Paul. But, as with Priscilla, there is nothing in Scripture to indicate that Phoebe was a pastor or a teacher of men in the church. “Able to teach” is given as a qualification for elders, but not for deacons (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:6-9). The structure of 1 Timothy 2:11-14 makes the reason why women cannot be pastors perfectly clear. Verse 13 begins with “for,” giving the “cause” of Paul’s statement in verses 11-12. Why should women not teach or have authority over men? Because “Adam was created first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived” (verses 13-14). God created Adam first and then created Eve to be a “helper” for Adam. The order of creation has universal application in the family (Ephesians 5:22-33) and in the church. The fact that Eve was deceived is also given in 1 Timothy 2:14 as a reason for women not serving as pastors or having spiritual authority over men. This does not mean that women are gullible or that they are all more easily deceived than men. If all women are more easily deceived, why would they be allowed to teach children (who are easily deceived) and other women (who are supposedly more easily deceived)? The text simply says that women are not to teach men or have spiritual authority over men because Eve was deceived. God has chosen to give men the primary teaching authority in the church. Many women excel in gifts of hospitality, mercy, teaching, evangelism, and helping/serving. Much of the ministry of the local church depends on women. Women in the church are not restricted from public praying or prophesying (1 Corinthians 11:5), only from having spiritual teaching authority over men. The Bible nowhere restricts women from exercising the gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12). Women, just as much as men, are called to minister to others, to demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), and to proclaim the gospel to the lost (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; 1 Peter 3:15). God has ordained that only men are to serve in positions of spiritual teaching authority in the church. This is not because men are necessarily better teachers or because women are inferior or less intelligent (which is not the case). It is simply the way God designed the church to function. Men are to set the example in spiritual leadership-in their lives and through their words. Women are to take a less authoritative role. Women are encouraged to teach other women (Titus 2:3-5). The Bible also does not restrict women from teaching children. The only activity women are restricted from is teaching or having spiritual authority over men. This precludes women from serving as pastors to men. This does not make women less important, by any means, but rather gives them a ministry focus more in agreement with God’s plan and His gifting of them.

Can someone explain to me why Paul says in Philipians 4:2-3 "2I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. 3And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life." If ALL women aren't allowed to teach or preach, why were they laborers with Paul in the gospel?

Hi, praise the Lord! Around 14:50 Bro. Bernard mentions the qualifications for women in ministry and I'm not sure if I understood it correctly. In order for women to be in ministry they must be married? I appreciate the clarification. God Bless :)

1 Timothy 3 King James Version 3 This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) So this rules a “women” out.

Prophesying and praying are TOTALLY different than teaching or preaching! Take the word of GOD for exactly what it is! I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, -Revelation 22 : 18

Why are so many men preachers afraid of women preachers. Get with the program.

Yes. Sadly, however, many cannot read and so do not understand what the word learn means.

Nowhere in scripture does it call any woman a Prophet. It always call them a Prophetess meaning female. Because no female was in the 5 fold ministry, all men. Romans 16:7 says kinsmen and fellowprisioners. So two men, not a woman like Bernard trying to make a woman an Apostle. Servants meaning the women served in people's needs, not in ministry. No woman was called a Pastor in the bible. Because a woman testified to a man or tells what she knows to help someone does not make her a minister. And there is no co-pastor nonsense that they make up. The wife of a Pastor is just that. No first lady nonsense or co-pastor idiotic stuff to elevate her above all the other women in the assembly.

There are several times you intertwine the words prophecy and preach. There is a distinct difference between the two. I’m going to have to disagree with this assessment.

In the name of Lord Jesus Christ!

This is such a great video!

He's adding to the scripture.

“In the last days, God says,” “I will pour out my Spirit on all people.” “Your sons and daughters will prophesy.” “Your young will see visions.” “Your elders will dream dreams.” “Even upon my servants, men and women,” “I will pour out my Spirit in those days,” “and they will prophesy.” Acts 2:17‭-‬18 Are we living in the last days, and if we do, then the women must be appointed as shown in Act2:17-18

💯This is Who and What Women can teach.. ”The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; that they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,“ ‭‭Titus‬ ‭2‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

14:22 This is stuff i have believed since the beginning. This guy has put it all into words.

For a thorough theological discussion of this subject, please see He Called Her by Daniel J. Koren

“Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭14‬:‭34‬ ‭KJV‬‬ As also saith the law! You skipped that part Brother Bernard. This was not an isolated incident in which Paul was speaking. This was already in the law! This was commanded by God. Paul would also write that everything he had written in those epistles were commandments from God. It also says churches, plural, meaning more than one. This also shows it was not isolated. There is only one church so this is saying in all gatherings of the church. It is saying in every congregation of that one church.

1 Corinthians 14:33-38 KJV [33] For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. [34] Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. [35] And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. [36] What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? [37] If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. [38] But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

Excellent explanation and declaration from Dr. Bernard. I don't regularly post on social media but I take this subject personally. Let's take this to real world application(I'm deliberately not citing scriptures here...my neighbor quotes many scriptures but has not yet born again from water and Spirit). I know of a woman whose husband abandoned her many years ago. She raised all her children and decided to continue the work of God. God has used her tremendously; many have been saved, restored, and equipped for ministry. Many pastors and leaders have come out from this vibrant church which she pastors. Will you override what God can do? Don’t let your own interpretation and theology get in the way of God’s work. Let God, let go!!!

You are greatly skilled at laying out the facts and analysis. Thank you for your knowledge, technique, and leadership. Thank you for remaining true to the calling for which God has called you.

Praying for the upci

What if no one was saved, how would that affect God. Does God really need humans and the angels.

My goodness! Too many lost people on this forum. Most probably haven't received the Water and Spirit. John 3 :5, Acts 2:38. But trying to refute what this man of God is saying.

A woman can't be an elder or apostle those are men titles

I love your teaching !! Thank you Jesus for brother Bernard ❤

Listening to this guy here the scriptures are clear on this subject.where is God in all this wisdom cometh to those who seeks God's way and abide by his word.

How about 1st. Corinthians 14???

Greetings, Dr. Bernard makes a great, which is the most important point about the prophetess…Note that God did not focus on her gender but rather her gift or anointing, which incidentally, flows from vessels!!! Not genders…Jesus, “when the Spirit of TRUTH comes, HE, will lead…so, yes, the Holy Spirit uses women too🎉

Thank you for your wisdom with understanding! Praise Jesus

Why did time stop in the bible days?

I have been around UPC over 50 years Sis. Magnum of Louisiana is coming pastor There were a few back then What happened to them

No! Mr. Bernard is misleading God's people on this issue. A woman preaching to men is indecent, and is out of the order of God! (1 Cor. 14:34-40). The headship and order of God is found in 1 Cor. 11:3: God, Christ, man, woman. And the relationship of husband and wife is a type of Christ and the church (Eph. 5:25-33). Therefore we cannot have a woman preacher unless the church can preach to Christ! "Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak... , as also saith the law (Gen. 3:15-17; 1 Cor. 14:34). If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual... let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord." (14:37) The contents of Paul's epistles to the Corinthians cannot be limited to specific situations in the church at Corinth, or even to the first century church in general. In spite of attempts to do so on multiple topics (e.g., sectarianism, church discipline, litigation, divorce & remarriage, eating meat offered to idols, veilings, hair, communion, gifts of the Spirit, women preachers, the holy kiss, etc.), Paul said that his teachings to them have universal application to believers and churches in ALL places and at ALL times: 1 Cor. 1:2, "Unto the church... at Corinth, with ALL that in EVERY place call upon the name of Jesus..." 4:17, "...as I teach EVERYwhere in EVERY church." 7:17, "And so ordain I in ALL churches." 11:16, "And if any man seem to be contentious, WE have no such custom, neither the churchES of God." 14:33, "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in ALL churches of the saints." In 1 Timothy 2:11-15, Paul refers back to Eden, where the serpent deceived Eve, who in turn deceived Adam. Therefore because of her ability to be deceived more easily, God placed the woman in subjection to the man. (Gen. 3:15-17) Therefore Paul wrote that for a woman to usurp authority over men, either in a church setting or in the home, is inappropriate (1 Tim. 2:12-15). That is the spirit of Jezebel, which Christ rebuked in his letters to the seven churches of Rev. 2-3.

Man, mi love da teaching ya...! man, I love this teaching here...!

How do you explain, I John: chosen woman

What is the definition of word usurp?

Let's look at the wholeness of Scripture, so Bro. Bernard mentioned. This doesn't mean to go and find Scripture that has women speaking in some way to prove your point. This setting in Timothy and in I Cor.14:34,35, is very specific about women speaking and specifically in the gathering of the Saints (1Cor.14). The speaking is not just talking amongst themselves, but teaching and preaching according to the specific definition in the Greek. This English word, Speak or to Speak is used 295 times in the KJV and is used in 67 unique forms. And the Greek spelling, in context, is used in the same verses such as, Jo.7:46, Jo.8:30, Jo.12:50, Acts6:10, Acts11:15, Acts 14:1,9 plus others. The context is preaching/teaching. In Timothy specifically says, teaching, but you are told told that this is referring to a woman with false doctrine. But the Word doesn't say that does it? But it also says, nor usurp authority, which in context means for the Woman not to Govern, exercise dominion over the man. Pretty plain understanding when reading it in context, women in the church are not to exercise governing or teaching/preaching over a man but to silent in these matters! But Why? Verse 14 explains, For Adam was first formed then Eve! There you have it, but there is more, Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in transgression. This has nothing to do with prophecies, teaching Bible studies at home at work or talking in general, But everything to do with not to Pastor/Govern, Teaching/Preaching in the Assembly of the Saints. 1Cor 14 brings this out clearer in verse 34 when, Paul says not to speak (teach/preach), because the law commands this! Not the Mosaic Law, but the Law God put in motion at the fall in the Garden. They would die because they ate Man would work hard And women would suffer in giving birth But also she would be subject to her Man...... This Law, is what Paul was referring to. Why would Paul make this statement? For talking? Come on, this is pretty clear when its studied in Context

Solid analysis and conclusion. I appreciate your commitment to ministry.

So Paul was speaking from himself and not of the Spirit when he say woman should not preach?

This dear people still need to search the scriptures.what a mess o lord have mercy.every man is doing what is right in there own eyes.

My advice to you brother, say what the scriptures say and don't add or takeaway from it. You are safer that way.

Thank you kind sir for this teaching. 🙏 bless you.

We need sound doctrine sorry this is not it

Talk about acts 2:38 please

I can't believe the presiding Bishop is supporting women preaching...

Phoebe was not a deacon because a woman cannot meet qualifications of being a deacon, and again Paul when he was reffering to women he didn't use terms like fellow workers but he called them fellow soldier.

and if I am baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, is this baptism not valid?

Those women weren't preacher or have authority. They testify or prophecy of Jesus. It is a difference between telling someone about Jesus and having authority in the church.

A woman carried the word for 9months

This is a really good video!

That's why we worship in the spirit not the letter ♥️✝️

Heaven and earth will pass away but God word will stand.

1 Cor 14:34 The text is clear. More scripture less opinion :-)

This topic is one of the most debatable among Apostolic Pentecostal organizations

Very good question

PRAISE THE LORD..

As always, a great explanation! Thank you very much Brother Bernard! God bless!

Finally I understand that women are not forbidden to teach or expound on the scriptures. Thank you Dr Bernard for such a plain explanation.

Probably the only reputable source that single handily convinced me of multiple questions I had.. Thank you Dr. Bernard!

Your ignoring the plain text. To allow your interpretation of other verses.

There is a difference between preaching and teaching. Woman shouldn’t be preaching in front of the whole congregation. But they can teach the younger ones and to all the female congregation

God is good.❤

Very well-spoken and explained.

I am trying to be sexist but I am with Paul. However, when there is a need, God will appoint a woman to preach , prophesy, and lead. Are there not women who accepted the Lord before their husbands? Did they not lead their houses and put the affairs in order? God appointed them to be preachers over their households.

I wrestled with this topic for a very long time. As a Oneness Pentecostal I have always believed that women can preach and teach but I never knew how to defend and explain. GOD bless brother Bernard

And when the scripture say the elder must have a wife, should the woman have a wife?

Well said!

The Bible doesn’t say Pricilla was a pastor. 1 Cor 16:19 just states they had a Church in their home.