347. May women serve in the pastoral office?
No. God's Word prohibits women from serving in the pastoral office. All Christians, both men and women, are gifted for service in Christ's Church, but each according to God's order, Word, and will.
1 Corinthians 14:33-36 For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints, the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church. Or was it from you that the word of God came? Or are you the only ones it has reached?
1 Timothy 2:11-14 Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor.
1 Peter 4:10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.
Note: Women have always served and continue to serve the Church in many different lay and professional vocations. As teachers or deaconesses, for instance, they often bring gifts that men cannot.
Eventual commentary
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