This is one of the most frequently asked questions in Christianity today, and there's a lot of confusion about what the Bible really says about women teaching and preaching in a mixed assembly of believers as opposed to public ministry and evangelism. You're not alone if you've wondered about this - many sincere believers are seeking biblical clarity on this important topic.
The Common Objection: Should Women Really Be Evangelizing?
Some extreme groups argue that women should remain completely silent out in public and never witness or tell others about Jesus Christ. They point to verses like 1 Timothy 2:11-12: "Let the women learn 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."
But here's the problem - they're taking these verses completely out of context.
Understanding the Biblical Context
When we examine 1 Corinthians 14, we also see the context is clearly about the corporate assembly of believers - the church gathering. Look at verse 33: "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints."
The chapter repeatedly emphasizes "when ye come together" and references the "church" specifically. 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 states: "Let your women keep 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 any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church."
This context is specifically about women not preaching during the corporate assembly when believers gather together. It has absolutely nothing to do with women being silent outside of that context.
So, let's answer the question 2 ways:
Can women teach/preach?
NO - not in a mixed assembly of men and women, when the church comes together for corporate worship.Can women teach/preach?
YES - if it's only to other women or children; or out in the public area sharing the gospel to lost people.
Biblical Examples of Women in Active Ministry
Priscilla: A Teacher of God's Truth
In Acts 18:24-26, we see a powerful example: "And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus... And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly."
Here we have a woman pulling someone aside and teaching them the truths of God - and the Bible presents this as a good thing! Ladies, if someone comes to church and it becomes evident they're not saved, it's perfectly appropriate for you to take them aside and expound the ways of God more perfectly.
The Woman at the Well: Citywide Impact
John 4:39 reveals something remarkable: "And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did."
An entire city was affected by one woman's testimony! This shows the powerful role women have in evangelism.
The First Gospel Preachers Were Women
After Christ's resurrection, who did Jesus personally commission to share the good news? Women! Luke 24:10 tells us: "It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles."
The first ones commanded to go out and tell others were women. Ladies, you need to go out and tell others!
Women Called to Prophesy
Acts 21:8-9 shows us: "And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven, and abode with him. And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy."
What does it mean to prophesy? 1 Corinthians 14:3 explains: "But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort."
Prophesying means forth-telling God's truth - teaching Bible truth to edify, exhort, and comfort. This is exactly what happens when you teach someone biblical truth.
The Great Commission Includes Women
Acts 1:8 records Jesus saying: "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
Who's going to be witnesses? Just men? No - women too! This commission is for everybody.
Acts 2:17 prophesies: "And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams."
Women are called to prophesy - to forth-tell the truth of God's word in public ministry.
Practical Ways Women Serve in Ministry
Providing Places for Prayer and Fellowship
Acts 12:12 shows us: "And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying."
Mary opened her house for prayer meetings, providing a place for Christians to meet and pray. This is another powerful example of women's active role in serving the Lord.
Financial Support for Gospel Work
Luke 8:1-3 reveals: "And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him, And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance."
These women gave financially to support Gospel work - literally giving up their possessions for the furtherance of God's kingdom.
The Clear Biblical Truth
Women can absolutely be active in public evangelism, and they should be! The Bible gives countless examples of women:
Teaching others about God's truth (like Priscilla)
Sharing their testimony (like the woman at the well)
Being the first commissioned to preach the Gospel (like Mary Magdalene)
Prophesying and forth-telling God's truth
Supporting ministry through prayer and finances
The only restriction is that women shouldn't preach during the corporate church assembly when the body of believers gathers together. Everything else is wide open!
Women can teach other women, teach children, and are absolutely commissioned to go out and preach and teach the Gospel. Why? Because the world outside the church is part of our mission field - we are the body of Christ, and we're called to reach everyone.
A Call to Action for Women in Ministry
Ladies, although your role is never to be a Pastor or Co-Pastor of a church, nor has God given you the authority to teach or preach in a mixed assembly of both men and women, you DO have a vital role in God's kingdom work. Whether it's:
Opening your home for prayer meetings
Going out and sharing the Gospel one-on-one
Teaching children in Sunday School or Good News Clubs
Supporting Gospel work through your giving
Taking someone aside to explain God's truth more perfectly
There are countless ways for women to be used in the furtherance of the Gospel. Don't let anyone tell you that you don't have a role - the Bible clearly shows you do, and it's a mighty important one! The question is: are you context with the biblical role God has given you?
The church needs women actively engaged in biblical evangelism and ministry. When we understand the proper biblical context, we see that God has given women a complete open door to forth-tell His truth and spread the Good News of Jesus Christ.
🎧 📖 Want to hear the complete message with full expository preaching and verse-by-verse Bible teaching? Listen to the entire sermon for deeper insights into women's biblical role in evangelism and ministry. This comprehensive verse-by-verse Bible teaching will strengthen your understanding of God's calling on women's lives. [Listen to Full Sermon Here]