There are some churches who have no problem with it. There are some who allow it with limits on what a woman can do, but never allow her to be equal in ministry with a man. And some who vehemently oppose the idea so fiercely that they will eat any woman for lunch who dares to claim that God has called her into the ministry.

Now there are a number of passages that shed light on this subject, and this is a powerful one right here. So I challenge you to set aside your preconceived position on this subject for a minute and let’s see what the Scripture actually says.

That this is an incredibly controversial subject is evident in the way that the translators translate this passage. Translators are human. And although they try to communicate what the original language intended, it is very difficult for them not to translate through their own doctrinal leanings.

Paul is speaking here about a woman named Phoebe. It’s hard to tell in our English translations, but he is calling her a minister. The word “servant” is the word “deacon.” Translating the word as “servant” is simply trying to sidestep the issue.

There are some translations that translate the word as “deaconess,” which tries to convey the idea that there is a difference in function between a male deacon and a female deaconess. This cannot be justified in Paul’s use of the word.

She is a deacon, just like Stephen and Philip were deacons in the book of Acts. These two were powerful preachers. Perhaps even more powerful than some of the apostles.

Stephen became the first martyr for his preaching. Philip was the cause of a massive revival in Samaria.

And Phoebe is called a deacon. Just like them!

Now it is evident that Paul has an incredible amount of respect for her and her ministry. He says that he “commends” her to them.

To “commend” means to “stand with.” He is lending his reputation to her and standing with her to let them know that they can trust her with the same trust that they trust him. Now THAT is what Paul thought of this female minister!

And he is using a continuous action verb here. He isn’t just recommending her and standing with her one time. He is saying that he will keep on recommending her and standing with her because she has a powerful track record.

This is the way in which Paul treated and interacted with a woman who was a deacon. A deacon like Stephen, whom he was responsible for killing before he had met Jesus.

A deacon like Philip who was powerfully changing his culture and was now being recognized as an evangelist.

She was a HELPER of many. And Paul in particular. This word means “a guardian, protector, and patron; someone who cares for the affairs of others and aids them.” Gadzooks! I think Paul is describing a pastoral ministry right here!!

Whatever you personally think about women in the ministry, Paul considered this woman a full colleague who was worthy of the full respect of the church in all the fullness of the ministry.

He told them to RECEIVE HER. This means, “to accept; to admit; to give access.” He is telling them to receive her with the same expectation as they would have if they were receiving him.

So that’s what Paul the Apostle thought about woman ministers.

So if you are one of those who has a problem with it, I think the real problem is with you. You are resisting God Himself when you resist His calling on the life of anyone whom He calls into ministry. And that certainly includes women.