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WHAT JESUS DID, VERSUS WHAT PAUL SAID

    Many areas of modern life are barely touched upon in the Scriptures.  This can cause disagreements among those who depend on literal Biblical commands for their doctrines.  The role of women is such an issue and it’s especially significant in today’s world when gender equality is becoming evident in businesse and political life.  So, in this regard, let’s consider the overall attitudes and actions of Jesus as compared to the few words of Paul, which have been over-emphasized at times.

    First, the only recognized earthly connection Jesus had was of Mary.  Since half of his DNA was derived from her, this immediately elevated the status of women from that of being a mere “incubator” in the birth process.

    Then Jesus had numerous faithful female followers.  In fact, they remained steadfast even after the apostles deserted him.  “Many women were there . . . They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs” (Matt.  27:55);

    “The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it” (Luke 23:55); and
    “On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb” (Luke 24:1).

    Jesus never made a difference in his treatment of men and women.  He often complimented women, even those who were non-Jewish.  He told the Syro-Phoenician woman, “You have great faith! . . .” (Matt.  15:28).

    Surprisingly, Jesus broke with tradition when he took Mary’s side against Martha’s when Mary  chose to discuss theology rather than to fulfill the customary role of house-keeping.  “Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:42).

    Jesus accepted prostitutes.  “When a woman who had lived a sinful life . . . stood behind him . . . weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair . . . When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, ‘If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.’  Then (Jesus) turned toward the woman and said to Simon . . . “I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair” (Luke 7:37-39, 44, niv).

    He forgave the woman taken in adultery.  “The Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “ ‘Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery.  In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?'  (He) said to them, ‘If anyone of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.’  At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time . . . (Jesus) asked her, . . . Has no one condemned you?’  ‘No one sir,’ she said. ‘Then neither do I condemn you,’ Jesus declared.  ” (John 8:3-5, 7, 9-11).

    He touched those women who were believed to be unclean.  “Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak” (Matt.  9:20).

    He defended the woman who broke rules to anoint his head.  “Jesus said . . . ‘Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me . . . Wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” (Matt.  26:10, 13).

    He actually revealed one of his deepest Spiritual concepts about worship to the sinful, pagan woman at the well.  In fact, she became a missionary and proclaimed the gospel to both men and women.  He said, “ ‘True worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.’  Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, ‘Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?’  Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony . . .” (John 4:23,28-29,39).

    Furthermore, he allowed the momentous resurrection message to be delivered by women rather than by Peter, James or John.  “It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles” (Luke 24:10).

    On the other hand, Paul only mentions the role of women in Christianity two or three times.  Once, he said, “Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says.  If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church” (1 Cor.  14:34-35).

    Now, there seemed to be serious worship problems in the church at Corinth.  In this passage, Paul discusses languages and general practices, as well as female participation.  Since women occupied the area at the very back of the synagogue, it would be difficult for them to interact and be heard.  So, “orderly worship” was probably the main issue here.  He said, “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace” (1 Cor.  14:33).

    Then in a personal letter to Timothy, Paul says, “A woman should learn in quietness and full submission.  I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent” (1 Tim. 2:11-12).

    Again, even though such a view of women was common in that day, pagan influences were also a factor.  In this same passage Paul dealt with dress and hairstyles because prostitutes who told fortunes in the temples wore ornate attire.  “I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes” (1 Tim.  2:9).

    Why don’t we hear sermons against braids, pearl necklaces and expensive clothes like we do against women teaching?  In both of these instances, Paul appears to be giving advice about local problems, not general commands, because he contradicts these absolute prohibitions in other Scriptures:  He approves and appreciates his female religious co-workers.  “Help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers . . .” (Phil.  4:3).

    He describes how both men and women should dress when they preach.  “Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head.  And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head . . .” (1 Cor.  11:4-5).

    He also declares that gender, as well as race, is a total non-issue in the Kingdom of God.  “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:28).

    In another Scripture passage, Priscilla is listed as the main teacher of a famous evangelist named Apollo.  “Meanwhile a Jew named Apollo . . . came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures.  He began to speak boldly in the synagogue.  When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately” (Acts 18:24-26).

    In an often overlooked verse, Joel indicates that in the future women will have full equality.  God says, “Afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy . . . Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days” (Joel 2:28-29).
    Later Luke quotes this verse from Joel indicating that now this time had come.  “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy . . .” (Acts 2:17).

    Indeed, this Scripture is fulfilled when Phillip’s four daughters did just that.  Luke says, “We . . . stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist . . . He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied” (Acts 21:8-9).

    For literalists, who keep quoting, “But the Bible says . . .”, let’s be honest.  Circumstances change and we don’t follow every admonition given in the Bible.  The Scripture says, “Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything . . .” (Col.  3:22).

    “Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear . . .” (Eph.  6:5).

    Now, if preachers insisted that people follow these clear commands of Paul today, they would be arrested.

    The Scriptures also say, “Obey your leaders and submit to their authority . . .” (Heb.  13:17).

    “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities . . . The authorities that exist have been established by God.  Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted . . .” (Rom.  13:1-2).

    “Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities . . .” (Titus 3:1).

    “Submit yourselves . . . to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors . . .” (1 Peter 2:13-14).

    But if a minister in Nazi Germany or Communist Russia or any other evil regime had advocated these Biblical precepts he would be considered a traitor. 

    Jesus gave several specific commands that aren’t obeyed.  He said, “Take nothing for the journey except a staff . . . Wear sandals but not an extra tunic” (Mark 6:8-9).

    But, we don’t carry staffs or wear sandals. 

    He said, “Sell your possessions and give to the poor . . .” (Luke 12:33).

    But, few religious leaders do that.

    The Scriptures say, “All the believers were together and had everything in common.  Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need” (Acts 2:44-45).

    But, in America, any politician who even hints at such a thing is labeled a socialist or a communist. 

    You see, it’s a different world today and we use common sense in most cases.  Why can’t we do the same concerning “women in the church?”

    So, based on all the evidence and especially on his own attitudes and actions, where do you think Jesus would come down on this controversial issue of allowing women full leadership positions in the 21st Century church?

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(WC1706)
Copyrighted 2009 by Miles and Maralene Wesner, Idabel, OK.  PLEASE FEEL FREE TO USE THIS MESSAGE IN ANY WAY YOU THINK IS APPROPRIATE.  The only thing we ask is that you give credit for original material in PUBLISHED works. 

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