Kay

“You need to understand ‘elder’ in conjunction with ‘bishop’ (see for example Titus 1) to see that ‘elder’ and ‘bishop’ were synonymous for the same function/office within the Church.”
Mark,
I do understand that. Thing is – I do not approach the text with the presupposition that “women cannot hold certain offices.”

I’m glad you see my point about diakonos & presbuteros. Of course, my further point is: there is precious little in the context to render the comp. view unless one approaches these words with the presupposition that “women cannot be elders or deacons.” Especially in light of the priesthood of all believers.