The New Testament
Draws The Line Against
Women Preachers

By Pastor G. Reckart

The New Testament does not contain a single passage authorizing female preachers. There were no female Apostles.  No female wrote a book of the Old or New Testaments.  No female was an Elder, Bishop, or a Deacon.  There are no ministerial qualifications for females in the New Testament priesthood.  

In the Churches, Paul commanded that females be silent in matters of authority concerning prophecy and the Word of God.  His teaching was that they were to be in obedience as also "saith the Law."  Obedience implies subordination to a higher rule or authority.  This is first found in Genesis 3:16 where Eve and all females were to be "ruled over" by the male.  The female was led by the serpent to doubt God's Word and to seek knowledge not God-given, was in the transgression.  She used Adam's love for her to intice him to partake with her in her sin.  This same deception is used upon females today and like Adam many men are willing to partake in the female doubting of God's Word because of love or sympathy.  

The rule of Adam (male) over Eve (female) has never been canceled. This rule and authority places all females in a position of subordination. Child bearing was to be a public sign to all that the female remained under this Law of God.  As long as females are bearing children this Law of God remains in full power and effect.  Thus, the New Testament follows the pattern of that of the Law and the pre Law Patriarchs in prohibiting females from officiating at the altars of God as Ministers and leaders of authority.  

A female may sing, testify, and even prophesy (not preaching), so long as they remain subordinate to all males present and without any authority whatsoever over any male.  They may not instruct, teach, or preach, in the presence of a male in any public gathering of the Church in matters of faith, doctrine, or practice.  They may testify and by means of teaching instruct a male in Scriptural understanding at home as did Priscilla with her husband Aquila to Apolos, providing a male is present to whom she is under subjection.  If this is not the case, than a female may not teach a male even in a home setting.

The New Testament continues to draw the line against females in the Ministry.

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