How about deaconesses?
Introduction. Phebe was said to have been a "servant of the church...." (Rom. 16: 1). The Greek word servant in Romans 16: 1 is diakonon, accusative case. As you can see, "deacon" is applied to Phebe. Some scholars believe the qualifications of 1 Timothy 3: 11 (the Greek is literally, "the women") are alluding to female deacons (see also 1 Timothy 5: 9 ff.).
There is no doubt that Phebe was a female deacon of the church. However, what meaning do we assign to this fact? Was Phebe simply a female servant (meaning of diakonon), without any intended thought of being appointed by the local church to serve after the same manner as the male servants or deacons in 1 Timothy 3? It does appear especially in view of the strict distinctions between men and women in the First Century that women of spiritual caliber were needed to minister to needy women.
If Phebe were a deaconess. If Phebe were a deaconess (in exactly the same official sense as the men who met the qualifications of 1 Timothy 3: 8-13), it must still be remembered that even deacons (males) have no delegated authority such as the elders have (1 Tim. 3: 1-7; Tit. 1: 5 ff.). Restrictions imposed by the scriptures would still apply to such female servants (1 Tim. 2: 8 ff.). Perhaps the reason more is not said in the scriptures regarding "deaconesses" is because it was a needed function especially in the culture of the First Century and was not necessarily meant to be present in order for the local church to be fully organized (see Phili. 1: 1).
Women leaders? Some of the present interest in "deaconesses" is being prompted by the move to involve women in leadership roles in the church. Regardless of the truth taught regarding "deaconess," such does not change or negate the role of women taught in 1 Timothy 2: 12-15.
There is no doubt that Phebe was a female deacon of the church. However, what meaning do we assign to this fact? Was Phebe simply a female servant (meaning of diakonon), without any intended thought of being appointed by the local church to serve after the same manner as the male servants or deacons in 1 Timothy 3? It does appear especially in view of the strict distinctions between men and women in the First Century that women of spiritual caliber were needed to minister to needy women.
If Phebe were a deaconess. If Phebe were a deaconess (in exactly the same official sense as the men who met the qualifications of 1 Timothy 3: 8-13), it must still be remembered that even deacons (males) have no delegated authority such as the elders have (1 Tim. 3: 1-7; Tit. 1: 5 ff.). Restrictions imposed by the scriptures would still apply to such female servants (1 Tim. 2: 8 ff.). Perhaps the reason more is not said in the scriptures regarding "deaconesses" is because it was a needed function especially in the culture of the First Century and was not necessarily meant to be present in order for the local church to be fully organized (see Phili. 1: 1).
Women leaders? Some of the present interest in "deaconesses" is being prompted by the move to involve women in leadership roles in the church. Regardless of the truth taught regarding "deaconess," such does not change or negate the role of women taught in 1 Timothy 2: 12-15.