Can women be deacons? Romans 16:1 Explained!

[@davidvartanian]

What is an “office” though in this context? Because we’re talking about the first generation church that was not highly structured and hierarchical. Leaders of the church are servants and slaves. Those are the premiere descriptors of leaders in the NT. So there’s something significant about Phoebe being described as “a servant of the church” and a “helper of many.” She was distinguished within the congregation. What is an office if not a role filled by someone recognized by the community as a reliable and faithful servant? This whole chapter highlights women who are talked about in the same way as men for their hard work and service for the Lord, which is consistent with church history. Women were recognized as deacons for centuries in the early church.

[@JonathanDavidBand]

Thank you so much for taking us into the world and culture of the early church. I see your point and agree that the word diakonos is generally used to describe a servant and not the office of Deacon.

[@thomasioslo]

8 Feb is the International Septuaginta Day. We all know that LXX is actually the Hebrew text Google translated. If I would start looking at LXX - where do I start ?

[@robertsirico3670]

Hi Darryl. Love the channel as usual, but I think you miss the point about Deacons because you’ve restricted your analysis to what’s written in “the Bible”. Before everyone labels me the Antichrist, let me start by saying that you are at least halfway correct. The word for Deacons, meaning servant did apply to men and women BUT their roles were vastly different. You have referenced the office of Deacons several times and this was a LITURGICAL role with a different praxis from the women who were tonsured as deaconess (to use the English word for distinction) … The Didache briefly mentions deacons alongside bishops, emphasizing their virtuous character: Didache 15:1 "Appoint for yourselves, therefore, bishops and deacons worthy of the Lord, MEN who are meek and not lovers of money, and who are truthful and proven; for they also perform the service of the prophets and teachers." The Deacon’s job was to liturgically assist the Bishop at the Altar during Divine Liturgy, but the female deacon was to assist the female catechumens during baptism preparation, as well as to visit female only spaces, i.e. proto-convents. st John Chrysostom in his Letter on the Priesthood even mentions the sacerdotal ministry assigned to consecrated virgins who hold an office. St Clement of Rome highlights the role of deacons in the orderly structure of the Church: 1 Clement 42:4-5 "The apostles have preached the gospel to us from the Lord Jesus Christ; Jesus Christ has done so from God. Christ, therefore, was sent forth by God, and the apostles by Christ. Both these appointments, then, were made in an orderly way, according to the will of God. Having, therefore, received their orders, and being fully assured by the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, and established in the word of God, with full assurance of the Holy Ghost, they went forth proclaiming that the kingdom of God was at hand. And thus preaching through countries and cities, they appointed the first-fruits [of their labors], having first proved them by the Spirit, to be bishops and deacons of those who should afterwards believe." These writings emphasize the deacon's role in serving the community, maintaining Church order, and ministering in the name of Christ. St. Paul addresses the role of women in the church in a few key passages, which have historically been interpreted as prohibiting women from preaching or exercising authority over men in the assembly. The most commonly cited verses are: 1. 1 Timothy 2:11-12 "Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence." This passage is often understood as a directive for women not to hold teaching or authoritative roles over men within the context of worship (Divine Liturgy). Paul provides theological reasoning in the subsequent verses, referencing the creation order and the fall of Adam and Eve (1 Timothy 2:13-14). You lesson was very informative about the word for deacon, but without a mention of the witness of the Apostolic Fathers and the Catholic Church (not the Roman Vatican Institution sadly loathed by many), it misses the distinction ascribed by the ancient church. Ignatius of Antioch (c. 35-107 AD) in his letter to the Smyrnaeans 8:1 says "Let no man do anything connected with the Church without the bishop. Let that be considered a valid Eucharist which is celebrated by the bishop, or by one to whom he has committed it. Wherever the bishop shall appear, there let the multitude also be; even as, wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church. It is not lawful without the bishop either to baptize or to celebrate a love-feast; but whatever he shall approve of, that is also pleasing to God, so that everything that is done may be secure and valid." This letter is from Antioch to Smyrna in a pre-papal Roman monarchical model which demonstrates catholicity (universal beliefs) and orthodoxy (right practices). The deacons were with the bishops (on their right sides at the altar, just as they still are today in Eastern Orthodox Divine Liturgy) … when the communities grew and spread and the bishops couldn’t be everywhere, he appointed his “deputies”, which becomes the priesthood, who still needed their OWN deacons to minister… ie take communion to the sick etc…. The females did not participate by standing at the altar with the bishops/ priests, just a there were no levitical priestesses. I hope this reply stimulates an interest to read the Apostolic Fathers (in Greek!) as well as the Patristic Father to resolve questions on the practices of the Ancient church…

[@jeffreybrannen9465]

In addition, Pliny the Younger wrote to the emperor Trajan regarding directions for dealing with Christians in AD 112. Because he was unfamiliar with Christian teachings and practices, he had placed a general ban on private associations. “… So I thought it the more necessary to inquire into the real truth of the matter by subjecting to torture two female slaves, who were called ‘deacons’; but I found nothing more than a perverse superstition which went beyond all bounds.” (F.F. Bruce, *The Spreading Flame* p. 170) At the same time the Didache is written identifying the Deacon with a liturgical role alongside the Priest, Pliny is torturing female “deacons” who are obviously not wealthy patronesses. My question, what kind of deacon are these women?

[@GizmoFromPizmo]

One who receives "benefit" is called a "beneficiary". That's from my old days in Life Insurance. One who supplies benefit is a benefactor. You're welcome 🙂

[@manriquesanchez171]

CONTEXT always determines the actual meaning of words and NOT vice versa.

[@ClayOfTheMaster]

Excellent video. Your explanation makes sense. Thank you.

[@philtheo]

Please do Rom 16:7 as well! 😊

[@joshuajohansen1210]

Yes

[@ClayOfTheMaster]

Yes please. We need a video on Romans 16:7

[@bma]

Are you asking specifically about my views on ἀπόστολος?

[@philtheo]

@@bma Thanks, Darryl! ☺️ Yes, please, I'd love to hear your views on ἀπόστολος and specifically if you think ἐπίσημος ἐν is better translated as "well known to" or "outstanding to" the apostles vs. "well known among" or "outstanding among" the apostles? Basically it's the debate over whether Junia (Ἰουνιᾶς) was a female apostle, which in turn plays into the debate over complementarianism vs. egalitarianism. Personally I favor how (for example) the ESV and the LSB translate it, and I am a complementarian, as well as a Calvinist. But I am not a Greek scholar as you are, just a working layman struggling to learn Greek on my own, let alone a biblical scholar. And I grant I may be biased by my Calvinism and complementarianism. In fact, I used to attend MacArthur's church (which I still love) and I have a couple of good friends who graduated from TMU/TMS as you did, I think. Thanks in advance!

[@jeanettef.chaplin4326]

Very informative. I first began to puzzle over this passage when I read it in Spanish, where it's translated "diaconisa." Would the same logic apply to "elder" in James 5:14?

[@PeymanSalarPodcast]

Read Philip Payne’s masterpiece, Man and Woman, One in Christ: An Exegetical and Theological Study of Paul’s Letters, to delve into a wealth of information from primary sources, reception history, and modern scholarship-particularly regarding Romans 16:1 and its implications for understanding Phoebe’s role in the early church.

[@ADMD33]

Enjoyed the video though the link to the article took me to the getting started webpage. I entered my email on that page to see if that would give access to the article. It didn’t.

[@ADMD33]

In the text of the link at the end is a * which is also in the link. It works correctly with that removed.

[@roberttrevino62800]

Good video brother. Thank you for defending the truth

[@rickchase6990]

Ya, I agree

[@nathanielotto258]

Thanks for the video. I appreciate your context focus in this passage specifically.

[@jtalks5]

I think its probably safe to say that pheobe was what we would call a nun today.

[@jcheco59]

The matter is not should be, but can be. I think your just overcomplicating and I don't think the Bible was written for academics but for regular christians, if we need nothing more than explaining the of the scripture like Nehemiah, then the path is not for general edification.

[@arroyoruy]

You make a clear argument that the word is not necessarily meant the office of a deacon when it comes to Phoebe, but can you elaborate why a woman would be excluded from the office?

[@seanramdeholl3469]

1 Tim. 3:12 Deacons must be husbands of one wife, managing their children and their own houses well.

[@Szpak-123]

Jesus taught about equality. Paul taught about hierarchy. Men over women. Men over men as well. Judges 4 and 5.

[@GizmoFromPizmo]

This video demonstrates the importance of context and how those who would distort the word of God ALWAYS abandon context. Always. It's easy to spot a deceiver.

[@stephenzhao5809]

TRRI (22 JAN 2025) SAYS: I assume Phoebe & Paul is one the unit for a visible universe after their resurrection. 9:46 ... here you have an explanation of who she is she is described down here as a προστάτις (#4368, helper, Hebrew: עֵזֶר, str#5828, Gen 2.18) Thanks be to God LORD who's called me to do this Amen, ...

[@jamesjyoon]

Great job! Can you do a video on the role of women in 1 Timothy 2? :)

[@oswaldumeh]

This is by far the best explanation of this passage that has seemed controversial in its interpretation. Makes a lot of sense, since Paul the Apostle would not contradict himself in acknowledging a "deaconess" in its technical sense. Thank you for your explanation.

[@studyologos]

Can’t download document without sharing email. Interesting and disturbing how you slipped your theological views in. Disappointed.

[@gmac6503]

Of course! That's what they do. There are scholars refuting his position and not concerned about having to support his position as an apologist. He's got to tow the line or get fired. Christianity is a cult. Best to learn from critical scholars. They do the same crap on daily dose videos. Gotta keep these women in check. I mean look at how they lied about Junia all those years! Apologists are slimy

[@connorboyer2606]

I’ve watched the video. He made a linguistic and historical case. I don’t see any evidence he allowed his theology to slip in.

[@TearingDownIdols]

Kinda tough to discuss the Bible without bringing theology into it, donchathink?

[@gmac6503]

@ he did. There are books on this topic to deal with it with the Greek. He has to fit his theology because he's an apologist. That's why it's best to learn even biblical Greek in a secular institution. I know that scares the Christians and they call secular institutions their enemies but that's because mostly they're childish and don't know better. It's like when you read certain places in the gospels and they have to add things like this is because Jesus is God and this shows the second person of the Trinity, etc. It's BS. You can still learn Greek but you gotta get rid of the bugs and just ignore the theology crap. They have it down pat. They are there to defend the gospel and they are not open to any other views except to debunk it because they're dishonest and their job is to make Christians by lying and deceiving people. Even when you learn Hebrew it's best to learn it from a rabbi because if you learn it from a Christian they're gonna add all kinds of BS to make it point to Christ so they have to lie there also. Apologetics!

[@gmac6503]

@ not if you're honest and admit that you're bringing theology into it. But they don't do that. So yes, you can teach a foreign language without lying and deceiving people so they believe things that are false. Just teach the language. Admit it's not in the text but say this is what we believe. It's very simple but you're not gonna find many honest believers. Because they have to make pretzels all day twisting to make it fit their conclusions. It's disgusting

[@ChrisAEvans]

Another fire vid. I really like the breakdown/exe! Moar!

[@thausmann7470]

Very helpful, thanks

[@Yallquietendown]

Deaconess is the wife of a deacon. Priestess/presbytress is the wife of a priest/presbyter. It doesn’t mean it’s own office

[@BiblicalStudiesandReviews]

I clicked fast but still wasn’t first 😂

[@jasonhutchcraft1805]

Is this important?

[@warrenmusselman6806]

Thanks for this. It provides a much-needed clarification. In your paper you refer to women being deacons early in the east and later in the west. Until the mid 20th century, I believe the office of deaconess (where it existed) was distinct, and not the same as deacon. Women were appointed to the office, but not ordained. At least not in the same sense as males ordained to the office of deacon. This is why use of "deaconess" is virtually forbidden in churches that purport to "ordain" female deacons, it is a different office.

[@CatholicWithaBiblePodcast]

It's so funny. I literally just read this less than hour ago.

[@brianshank9864]

I love good exegesis and examples of how it's done. I especially appreciate the emphasis on humility and grace. Thank you for demonstrating these things for us in this video.

[@barryallen119]

Amen, brother! Women can't be husband of one woman or lead their family. The deacons in Acts 6 were all men.

[@FromtheRootsUp]

Thank you so much for this Darryl. I appreciate your insights! Can’t wait to read your whole paper.

[@dailytheology1689]

She was not a deacon in the sense of office. 😊

[@drbill-r9f]

Thank you for your monograph and standing up against the continuing secularization of God's Word.