Mark

Thanks Craig,

But Cheryl appears to be making more out of the ‘likewise’ than it has to mean. This is not un-common though when arguing her position as it needs to push for more from the simple conjunctions in the greek.

I wouldn’t be happy to push the greek conjunction in this way. It is simply trying to manipulate the simplicity of the word.

I agree that a ‘deacon’ may therefore become an elder or vice versa, but the two offices are clearly distinct.

Anyway, my issue is not with the conjunction, that is a simple and moot point. My issue is if verse 1 and following are gender inclusive, why the need to switch to ‘gyne’ in verse 11. To simply say Paul needs to address “a group within the whole” is again making more out of the text than what is there. The natural progression in Paul’s argument is clearly seen i think, he beings with overseers, then deacons and then discusses women deacons or wives for 1 verse in 3:11. Paul gives no indication that he needs to address a group within the whole, this is an interpolation into the text.