First, let it be noted that in the Lord men and women are equal. (Galatians 3:28) But let us not disregard the fact that they have different roles and responsibilities.
Men are the head of women just as Christ is the head of man and the head of the Church. (Ephesians 5:23, 1 Corinthians 11:3)
Woman was made for man. (Genesis 2:18, 1 Corinthians 11:9)
Woman (wives) should submit and be in subjection to Man (husband) in everything, just as the church is subject to Christ. (Ephesians 5:22, 24, 1 Peter 3:1, Genesis 3:16, Colossians 3:18,Titus 2:5, 1 Peter 3:5)
Man (husband) should love woman (wives), even as Christ loved the Church, and gave himself for it. Husbands should not be bitter towards their wives. Men ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. (Ephesians 5:25, Colossians 3:19, Ephesians 5:28)
“…let every one of you in particular love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.” - Ephesians 5:33
Women should be “keepers at home.” (Titus 2:5)
Women should not adorn themselves outwardly, but inwardly by a “meek and quiet spirit”, with holiness and faith and with good works. (1 Peter 3:2-4, 1 Timothy 2:9-10, Proverbs 12:4, Proverbs 11:22)
In a Church woman should not be in a position over a man, in a position to teach a man, or in any way usurp authority over a man. (1 Timothy 2:12)
Now consider the following two verses;
“Let the woman 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.” - 1 Timothy 2:11-12
“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. What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.” -1 Corinthians 14:34-38
Now I spent at least an hour today (11/22/2010) trying to find a way to prove that these verses mean something other than what they say. I have in the past intentionally avoided these verses because I do not like what they say. I am certainly no feminist, but even these verses seemed a bit harsh. I find no way to go around them, they must simply be accepted as the commands of God, for that is what they are.
Notice what Paul says. He says that any man who is spiritual or a prophet must accept it as a commandment of the Lord. The Holy Spirit would not allow me to interpret these verses as meaning anything other than what they say (and yes I studied the original Greek words involved). Although I do believe that when it says a woman cannot speak in Church that it refers to the Church service, and that a women cannot speak as a leader or teacher, but that certainly she could whisper words to her children sitting next to her in the pew. Certainly she could participate in Sunday School discussions, though even at that time and always God’s order should be remembered. (1 Corinthians 11:3)
Man, as head of the family unit must bear the responsibility for providing for his family. (1 Timothy 5:8) He is responsible for governing his family in a manner pleasing to the Lord. (1 Timothy 3:5) The wife is to be supportive of her husband, and a helper to him. (Genesis 2:18)
Notice that I used the word “should” when I summarize what the holy scriptures say on this subject. Let it be clearly known that these were not given by the Apostles as recommendations. These were given as, and are commandments. Let us heed them as such.
No where in the Bible are there women priests, apostles, bishops, evangelists, or preachers. These are only positions for men. However, there are both male and female prophets, and male and female judges. Although “judge” is not a position in the Church today. Also, deacons can be female (Romans 16:1), but are generally male (1 Timothy 3:8-13). Deacons are servants. The same Greek word is translated as deacons, ministers or servants in the KJV and the word itself means servant. Let it be noted that the definition in the English language for deacon or minister is not the same as the Biblical definition, study it yourself if you don’t believe me! Preachers, evangelists, bishops, priests and apostles are never described as females in the Bible. Elders are usually described as male, but occasionally as female. There is no description in the Bible of females leading, overseeing, or preaching in a Church, only males do this. See John 3:2, Romans 2:20, I Timothy 2:7, 2 Timothy 1:11, 2 Peter 2:5, I Timothy 3:1-2, 2 Timothy 4:22, Titus 1:7, 1 Peter 2:25, 1 Timothy 5, 1 Peter 5, 2 John 1:1, 3 John 1:1. Female prophets are mentioned in Luke 2:36, and Acts 21:8-9 and in the Old Testament at various places.
Remember that Jesus Christ was not an ordinary person. He was and is and forever will be the Son of the Living God. Do not think that Jesus merely chose men as apostles because it was culturally acceptable at the time. The Power of God is not limited! God chose apostles and Church leaders as men because from the beginning those were roles acceptable for men and not acceptable for women. Women and Men in our society have believed the lie that power somehow is that thing which is to be desired above all else. And so women desired to unlawfully take on the role of men so they could have power. At the same time men flee from responsibility, in many cases because of laziness (sloth). This has lead to the destruction of the God ordained family unit.
In the Holy Scriptures we can clearly see the roles and responsibilities of men and of women. Often we see men who fail to be responsible and we see women who take authority they do not rightfully have, both of these are against the commands of the Lord and are therefore unrighteousness and sin.
Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. - Psalm 25:4