WOMEN PREACHERS

A quotation from ‘Studies in the Sermon on the Mount. Vol. 2.

Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones

“In many ways the root trouble, even among good Evangelicals, is our failure to heed the plain teaching of Scripture. We accept what Scripture teaches as far as our doctrine is concerned; but when it comes to practice, we very often fail to take the Scriptures as our only guide. When we come to the practical side we employ human tests instead of scriptural ones. Instead of taking the plain teaching of the Bible, we argue with it. “Ah, yes”, we say, “since the Scriptures were written, times have changed”. Dare I give an obvious illustration? Take the question of women preaching, and being fully ordained to the full ministry. The apostle Paul, in writing to Timothy (1 Tim. 2.11-15) prohibits it directly. He says quite specifically that he does not allow a woman to teach or preach. “Ah, yes,” we say, as we read that letter, “He was only thinking of his own age and time; but you know times have changed since then, and we must not be bound. Paul was thinking of semi-civilized people in Corinth and places like that.” But the Scripture does not say that. It says, “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”. “Ah, but that was only temporary legislation,” we say. Paul puts it like this: “For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.” Paul does not say that it was only for the time being; he takes it right back to the Fall and shows that it is an abiding principle. It is something that is true, therefore, of the age in which we live. But thus you see, we argue with Scripture. Instead of taking its plain teaching, we say that times have changed – when it suits our thesis we say it is no longer relevant.”

(Then, after dealing with how to preach the gospel, he goes on to say-)

“If you want to avoid terrible disillusionment at the day of judgment, face the Scripture as it is. Do not argue with it, do not try to manipulate it, do not twist; face it, receive it and submit to it whatever the cost.”