Cheryl Schatz

Martin #26,

I’m just wondering why Paul didn’t mention women in particular in verses 1-7.

The question then is why would Paul mention women in verse 11 but not in verses 1 – 7? I don’t know why Paul waited to put women into verse 11, but I do know that women were to be “likewise” which means that the qualities of these women were to be the same as what was listed previously under overseer. Paul could have left the mention of women out altogether and it would not have changed the fact that “anyone” may desire the work of overseer. Apparently Paul made some distinction between the men (who were the only ones who were forbidden to be polygamists since a woman could not be married to more than one man) and the women (who were told not to be malicious gossips – apparently a special problem for the women). The placement of women in verse 11 does not exempt women from being an overseer or a deacon. It truly is amazing that Paul even mentioned women here in the context of leadership since the Jewish standard held by much of the nation in their oral tradition did not offer women places of leadership nor have I ever seen in any of their oral traditions a list for characteristics of godly women leaders.

Another thing to note is that there is nothing in the Greek that would render verse 11 as “the wives of the deacons” as the possessive form of women is not there. Also these women are not told to be “respectful” as if they are to be under another, but the term is dignified which means worthy of respect.

of persons, that which in a human being calls forth veneration and respect from others honorable, of good character, worthy of respect (1T 3.8); (Vol. 4: Analytical lexicon of the Greek New Testament. Baker’s Greek New Testament library (347). Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Books.)

transcendent beings worthy of reverence, august, sublime, holy
Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., & Bauer, W. (2000).

In the Shepherd of Hermas, the same term is translated “reverend” and is used for divine beings.

The very use of this term (one that is only used four times in the NT) shows that these women are to be respected and worthy of being looked up to just as the men. The placement of women in verse 11 does not stop women from being overseers. Does this make sense?