{"id":47680,"date":"2016-03-17T19:11:00","date_gmt":"2016-03-18T00:11:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/?p=47680"},"modified":"2022-05-27T19:16:05","modified_gmt":"2022-05-28T00:16:05","slug":"does-the-new-testament-authorize-deaconesses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/does-the-new-testament-authorize-deaconesses\/","title":{"rendered":"Does the New Testament Authorize Deaconesses?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\tby Carrol R. Sutton
\nvia\u00a0Guardian of Truth<\/em><\/a>, November 16, 1989\n

The question under consideration in this study is one about which scholars are divided. Some do not hesitate to say that deaconesses are authorized in the New Testament. Others say that it is questionable and still others suggest that there is no authority in the New Testament for deaconesses. We cannot answer this question by appealing to scholars since scholars do not constitute New Testament authority. They are divided as to what the New Testament teaches on this subject.<\/p>\n

We cannot settle this question by appealing to “historical evidence” because it does not constitute New Testament authority. Neither is it conclusive as to what existed in the first century relative to deaconesses.<\/p>\n

The practice of present-day churches does not constitute divine authority on this or any other subject. Neither should our preferences, likes, or dislikes be considered authoritative.<\/p>\n

In an effort to determine what is God’s will relative to deaconesses, our appeal must be to the Word of God. The Scriptures are sufficient to instruct us in righteousness that we might be “furnished completely unto every good work<\/em>” (II Timothy 3:16-17, ASV). In the Scriptures, we have “all things that pertain unto life and godliness<\/em>” (II Peter 1:3). The law of liberty is “perfect” and by it, we shall be judged on the last day (James 1:25; 2:12). Only God’s revelation as given in the Scriptures can produce “faith” in our hearts (Romans 10:17).<\/p>\n

The primary passage used by those who advocate deaconesses is\u00a0Romans 16:1. It reads as follows:<\/p>\n

“I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea<\/em>” (KJV).<\/p>\n

“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deaconess of the church at Cenchrea<\/em>” (Revised Standard Version).<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

In this passage, the word diakonos<\/em> appears in the Greek text and is translated as “servant” in the King James Version and “deaconess” in the Revised Standard Version. It is also translated “servant” in the American Standard Version, New American Standard Version, New King James Version, New International Version, and Diaglott as well as some others. Among those that translate diakonos<\/em> to mean “deaconess” are the following translations: Williams, Moffatt, Macknight, and Living Oracles. It also appears in the margin of the ASV as “deaconess.”<\/p>\n

The word\u00a0diakonos<\/em> appears in the New Testament about twenty-nine other times. It is translated “minister” twenty times, “servant” six times, and “deacon” three times. Of the twenty-two translations I checked, Romans 16:1 is the only passage in which some of the translations rendered\u00a0diakonos<\/em> to mean “deaconess.” In some other translations,\u00a0diakonos<\/em> is translated “minister,” “helper, ” “worker, ” etc. in Romans 16:1. It is obvious from this (and other evidence that could be given) that a word may have different meanings as used in different texts and contexts.<\/p>\n

If (and this is a big if) diakonos<\/em> should be translated “deaconess” in\u00a0Romans 16:1, it would not necessarily follow that “deaconess” means a female “deacon” in the sense of a “deacon ” as used in\u00a0I Timothy 3:8-13\u00a0and Philippians 1:1. It could (and probably would) mean nothing more than a female servant or helper. Please keep in mind that the “servants” at the marriage feast in John 2:5,9, the “ministers” (Paul and Apollos) of\u00a0I Corinthians 3:5, the “minister” (Tychicus) of\u00a0Ephesians 6:21\u00a0and\u00a0Colossians 1:7, the “minister” (Timotheus) of\u00a0I Thessalonians 3:2, the “minister” (civil ruler or rulers) of Romans 13:4, the “ministers” (false apostles) of\u00a0II Corinthians 11:15 and the “minister” (Jesus Christ) of Romans 15:8\u00a0are translations of diakonos<\/em>. Question: Would any scholar or serious student conclude that all these were “deacons” as mentioned in\u00a0Philippians 1:1 and\u00a0I Timothy 3:8-13? Surely not! Note: It is obvious that\u00a0diakonos<\/em>\u00a0does not ordinarily mean “deacon ” as used in\u00a0I Timothy 3:9-13\u00a0and\u00a0Philippians 1:1. The context (as well as the word) determines its meaning.<\/p>\n

The fact that there is “historical evidence” that “deaconesses” in an official sense may have existed by the second or third century is not evidence from the New Testament that such are authorized.<\/p>\n

Why I Reject Deaconesses<\/h2>\n

There are several reasons why I reject the idea that the New Testament authorizes deaconesses in an official sense. Here are some of those reasons:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. The word\u00a0diakonos<\/em> that is translated “deaconess” in Romans 16:1 in the RSV (and some others?) does not usually mean “deaconess” (or “deacon”). Ordinarily, it simply means a “servant” or “minister.” In the case of diakonos<\/em> being translated “deacon” in\u00a0Philippians 1:1 and\u00a0I Timothy 3:8-11, the context demands (or at least justifies) that such be done. Note: The context of Romans 16:1\u00a0does not demand (nor justify) that\u00a0diakonos<\/em>\u00a0be translated “deaconess.”<\/li>\n
  2. There are no specific qualifications given for deaconesses. If the New Testament does authorize deaconesses, we do not know which women should be selected and appointed to be deaconesses. Question: What “qualifications” would a woman have to meet in order to be a deaconess? Note: If someone replies saying that deaconesses must meet the “qualifications” of I Timothy 3:11 and I Timothy 5:9-10, let it be observed that neither of those passages mentions nor necessarily implies deaconesses. To say these passages refer to deaconesses would be presumption. I Timothy 3:11 says “their wives” (ASV says “women”), and I Timothy 5:9-10 says “a widow. ” Not a word is said in either passage about deaconesses!<\/li>\n
  3. There is no mention of “deaconesses” as a class or as a group although “the bishops and deacons” are mentioned with the saints at Philippi\u00a0(Philippians 1:1).<\/li>\n
  4. The feminine form of the word diakonos<\/em> does not authorize an official class or order of “deaconesses” any more than the feminine form of the word presbuteros<\/em> (translated elders) authorizes female elders. We have the feminine form in\u00a0I Timothy 5:2\u00a0where it says the “elder women.” One might also consider the “aged women” of Titus 2:3. Note: Women would violate the principles stated in\u00a0I Corinthians 11:3; I Timothy 2:11-12; I Corinthians 14:34-35; etc. if they endeavored to serve as “elders” (i.e. “bishops”) in view of\u00a0I Peter 5:1-4, I Timothy 3:1-7, 20:17,28; Hebrews 13:17; etc.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    How Did Women Serve In New Testament Times?<\/h2>\n

    We learn from Philippians 4:3 that certain women “labored” with Paul and others “in the gospel.” It is not specifically stated what they did in such labors. Mary “bestowed much labor<\/em>” on some. She worked hard\u00a0(see Romans 16:6). We are not told specifically what Mary did in such work. Mary, the mother of John Mark, provided her house “where many were gathered together praying” (Acts 12:12).\u00a0Lydia provided lodging for Paul and his companions\u00a0(Acts 16:14-15).\u00a0Priscilla and her husband Aquila were Paul’s “helpers in Christ Jesus,” provided their house as a meeting place and took Apollos unto them, “and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly<\/em>”\u00a0(Romans 16:3-5; Acts 18:26).\u00a0We learn from Acts 9:36-39\u00a0that Dorcas “was full of good works and alms-deeds which she did<\/em>.” We are also told that she made “coats and garments<\/em>.” Phebe was “a servant of the church at Cenchrea<\/em>.” She was a succourer (helper) of Paul and many others. We do not know exactly what she did in serving and helping many\u00a0(see Romans 16:1-2).\u00a0It was prophesied that some women in the last days would prophesy\u00a0(Acts 2:16-21). We learn from\u00a0Acts 21:9\u00a0that Philip “had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.”<\/p>\n

    In the first century, women were taught to place emphasis on inward, rather than outward, adorning although outwardly they were to adorn themselves “in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety<\/em>” and “with good works<\/em>.” Their works were to be such as “becometh women professing godliness<\/em>” (I Peter 3:1-6; I Timothy 2:9-10). They were to engage in such good works as rearing children, lodging strangers, washing the saints’ feet, and relieving the afflicted (I Timothy 5:10). The aged women were to be proper examples and “teachers of good things<\/em>.” Along with other things they were to teach young women to be sober-minded, pure, keepers (workers) at home, etc.\u00a0(Titus 2:3-5).<\/p>\n

    As women served in the first century they were to recognize man as the head of woman generally and specifically the husband was to be the head over his wife(1 Cor. 11:3; Eph. 5:22-25). In giving some instructions for women the apostle Paul said: “Let the woman team in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.<\/em>” The ASV says “quietness” instead of “silence” and “have dominion over” instead of “usurp authority over. ” In\u00a0I Corinthians 14:34-35\u00a0in addressing the church at Corinth and all saints everywhere Paul said: “Let your women<\/em>\u00a0(the women – ASV)\u00a0keep silence in the churches. for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women<\/em>\u00a0(a woman – ASV)\u00a0to speak in the church<\/em>.” Women were to learn and apply these restrictions and limitations as they endeavored to serve God.<\/p>\n

    How May Women Serve Today?<\/h2>\n

    Today, women may and should worship God in the public assemblies along with men. Such passages as\u00a0I Corinthians 14:23-35; 11:20-34; 16:2; Colossians 3:16; Acts 20:7; etc. indicate that women could be and were in the assemblies. The fact that regulations were given specifically to restrict or regulate women in the public assemblies is proof that they had a right to be in those assemblies.<\/p>\n

    Not only do women have the right (and responsibility) to worship God in the public assemblies but they may and should serve God outside the assemblies in various ways and activities.<\/p>\n

    As far as I can determine, women today may serve God in the same ways and activities (in principle) that characterized women in the New Testament times. When women prophesied as in\u00a0Acts 21:9, if they did so by inspiration, although they may and should teach the inspired word of God, they can not do so now by direct inspiration. Of course, today, as back then, women must apply the restrictions and limitations that Paul gave in\u00a0I Timothy 2:11-12\u00a0and\u00a0I Corinthians 14:34-35\u00a0as they endeavor to teach and serve God in other ways.<\/p>\n

    Some Good Works Women May Do<\/h2>\n

    Here is a list of some things that women may do without violating the restrictions imposed upon her in such passages as\u00a0I Corinthians 14:34-35 and I Timothy 2:11-12.<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Along with her husband (if married) she may privately expound the way of God more perfectly to preachers who know “only the baptism of John<\/em>”\u00a0(Acts 18:26).<\/li>\n
    2. Teach others one on one and teach classes to women and children in the home or in a room at the church building (Titus 2:3-5).<\/li>\n
    3. Visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction\u00a0(James 1:27).<\/li>\n
    4. Provide lodging for those who preach the gospel.<\/li>\n
    5. Bake bread for the Lord’s Supper and assist in caring for the communion set.<\/li>\n
    6. Write letters to teach and encourage friends, youth and others.<\/li>\n
    7. Transport the sick and elderly to the grocery store, worship assemblies and various other appointments.<\/li>\n
    8. Provide a meeting place for the church.<\/li>\n
    9. Visit and encourage and exhort other Christians.<\/li>\n
    10. Distribute tracts and other literature that teach the truth.<\/li>\n
    11. Visit and help hospital patients and shut-ins.<\/li>\n
    12. Help in bulletin preparation, printing, and mailing.<\/li>\n
    13. Invite people to attend meetings of Christians. They may visit, call or write.<\/li>\n
    14. Prepare food and arrange for flowers in times of sickness and death.<\/li>\n
    15. Make contacts for others to visit and teach.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      This list is by no means exhaustive, but I trust that it may at least be suggestive of some specific ways that women may serve in the Lord’s church. Women certainly have the right to engage in any authorized work so long as they do not violate some scriptural principle in so doing.<\/p>\n

      I have no objection to women serving as women served in the church in New Testament times. If there is a special work to be done for which women are more suitable than men, then no one should object to women doing it. Of course, all of us should make sure that we do not encourage women to go beyond the limits God has placed upon them. Let us also be sure that we are not guilty of binding restrictions upon women that God has not bound.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      by Carrol R. Sutton via\u00a0Guardian of Truth, November 16, 1989 The question under consideration in this study is one about which scholars are divided. Some do not hesitate to say that deaconesses are authorized in the New Testament. Others say that it is questionable and still others suggest that there is no authority in the…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_seo_schema_type":"","footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[27],"tags":[1568,667,82],"class_list":["post-47680","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-article","tag-deacons","tag-organization-of-the-church","tag-womens-roles"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":32018,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/is-there-any-scriptural-evidence-of-deaconesses\/","url_meta":{"origin":47680,"position":0},"title":"Is there any scriptural evidence of deaconesses?","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"February 28, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"Question: Is there\u00a0any scriptural evidence of\u00a0deaconesses? Answer: The word \"deacon\" is a derivative transliteration of the Greek word\u00a0diakonos. The word is means a servant and it can be translated as servant, minister, deacon, or waiter. Typically translators try to use \"minister\" when\u00a0diakonos\u00a0is being applied to a preacher. \"Who then is\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Answer"","block_context":{"text":"Answer","link":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/category\/answer\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":56290,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/the-form-of-the-new-testament\/","url_meta":{"origin":47680,"position":1},"title":"The Form of the New Testament","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"November 26, 2010","format":false,"excerpt":"by Bob West The Milpitas Messenger, February 1996 \"Why isn't the New Testament written in legal form; i.e., broken down into encyclopedic categories and lists? 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