Were Women Apostles in the New Testament? Women in Ministry part 5

[@matthewterry9413]

Best Bible teacher on KZbin. You won’t get a more unbiased presentation with all the arguments and sides laid bare.

[@torieboshears9072]

I am more appreciative than I know how to put in words for the exhaustive studies. I’m a discipleship training teacher for teens ages 13-16 and a stay at home wife and mother. I deep dive into apologetic studies in my free time lol. But I am busy and it’s hard to have lots of books and papers laid out sometimes when my 3 yr old son wants to run into the room and shuffle all the papers lol. Being able to listen to this while running errands or doing chores is SUCH a blessing!!!! I love this Women In Ministry series but I also love all of your content! Very thankful!! Keep doing what God leads you to do because you’re making a huge difference in the lives of people you don’t even know!

[@justsobritish]

"For those of you who cannot wait for the next in-depth analysis" *double checks notification bell and timezone for next video*

[@thebookworm5048]

I like your acknowledgement that just because Biblical women most likely ministered to other women more than to men would not have been seen as a negative thing in their time. Rather, as women themselves they had many advantages in gaining access to converse with other women and being able to minister to them. Ministering to women in Biblical times was a job that could best be accomplished by a woman.

[@nancylancaster5457]

The lack of "talk about Junia" doesn't bother me. The other Apostles of Christ, beside of Peter, James, John and Pau,l are not mentioned at all. Yes Phillip is mentioned but no one else. They would have been "one of the Apostles".

[@MsQiu-ks8lm]

I really appreciate this Pastor Mike. I appreciate the effort. Praise God for presenting both sides and yet not leaving it there hanging.

[@karenreynolds349]

Enjoyed Part 5 -Pastor Mike you gave me a lot to think on!!! I was raised in a culture where this was never an issue - Men and women shared EQUAL roles no difference made between the two!!! Nothing EVER taught on a distinction between men and women roles in church!!!

[@PicturingOurPast]

Thank you so much for your time and investment into your ministry, Mike. I am a green-on-the-vine kind of Christian, and having a wonderful time learning. I appreciate your logical and scriptural rigor, and admission of bias and presumption where they exist; with scriptural reference points! Bless you and your ministry, Mike. Bless you and go with God, reader!

[@williamragle1608]

Mike, I love these videos and your ministry. Your goal, to have people think biblically about everything is so helpful. I'm from an IFB background and there are many subjects that you have challenged me on, and changed my mind on, not because you believe it, but because you showed me from the Bible how God wants me to think. May God bless your ministry.

[@brendawilson3390]

I am currently hungry to know the whole truth on this subject. I literally wait on the edge of my seat every Monday to see when you post...then I usually listen in its entirety on Tuesday. Thank you SO MUCH for the work you have done to present this series!

[@DW_Kiwi]

Sort out as to which is the most authentic version of the bible. see my post above

[@curtiseisenbeis2484]

The bread is just so delicious LOL!!!!!! It's just so Biblical!!! We love you Mike!

[@Gonexxxxxx11111]

Love this. The point of a female missionary that ministers to women, "the wife can have access to the women's areas, which would not be generally accessible to the husband," is so true. I have been on mission to villages deep in the mountains of Central America, and there were times and places, men were not allowed. We had to bring women with us that were willing and capable to minister.

[@AdianBlack]

Hey Mike! Keep doing what you're doing! Actual scholarship and in-depth study are things a lot of the church have given up on and only be supporting a greater understanding of God's word will be able to speak to world and culture in the present day. Thank you for pushing us to think more and for providing the resources many of us "armchair scholars" need!

[@Brokenhill42]

Thank you for doing this series. My wife and I have been in "conservative" Church of Christ circles since we were young and have been re-evaluating our beliefs recently, and one of the topics we both wanted/needed to study more deeply was women's roles in the church. We are both complementarian but also believe that in CoCs women are much too limited in their abilities...and though we may not be as 'soft' as you may be as complementarians, this series will definitely help us to be softer and be able to respect opposing views better. Thanks again.

[@karlhenderson1908]

Much respect to you. I really appreciate your gracious and humble approach. God bless you.

[@Brokenhill42]

@@karlhenderson1908 Thank you!

[@kyliecarter3450]

Hi there, I too have grown up in very conservative coCs my whole life. As a woman I am finding it very difficult to find a place or even full understand what my role is as a woman and as a new wife. I know this comment was a couple years ago, but do you have any advice?

[@Brokenhill42]

@@kyliecarter3450 Hi Kylie, generally speaking there is a lot to be said about being a godly example as a supportive wife... Helping your husband stay on course, trying to cut out before worldly distractions in life as you try to grow. Getting involved with teaching kids classes is a big deal too, since children are the future and need caring, knowledgeable teachers. In scripture we know Timothy was brought to Christ by his mom and Grandma I think. Also, hospitality is big... One thing my wife and I have historically tried to do is invite people from the church to our home for food and games (you could do new members, people you don't know to well, elders, whoever). Also, sending cards of encouragement or regularly texting people to encourage them? I hope this helps.

[@brysonorosa632]

Yeah Churches of Christ can be a little funny on certain details. Like this, the whole "we're not a denomination" thing, and their strange idea that instruments in worship is sinful. They can be a little stubborn... A lot of them don't know any better to be honest, since they were always taught those specific ways. It can be hard to be open to new perspectives on stuff like this, especially when your community prides itself in how conservative it is. But they can be really good churches! I'd just recommend considering that if these details are becoming a significant burden, remember it IS okay to join a new congregation that can minister to you better and that you can minister in better! Despite what some CoC people might strangely say, you'd be no less of a true believer if you do so, and if they call your faith into question that is quite frankly their problem that they should know better than to do. Do everything you can to promote unity, but sometimes, it is better to find a more helpful congregation if the problems run deep enough.

[@Nighthawkinlight]

Great series. Thanks for the hard work. I've come to the same conclusions about deacons for the same reasons, in particular the biblical and extra biblical references to active deaconesses. Granting that as the case does make Paul's instructions concerning role qualifications a little muddy to read though. I'm still lacking a bit of satisfaction in the solidity of my understanding.

[@Mrsleepy93]

Dude, I’ve watched your videos for a while and was surprised and glad to see you watching along with us! Mike does great work!

[@fabianmoreno3030]

That’s because this guy doesn’t give solidity. He doesn’t give you a complete review. In my opinion he is after appeasing both isles. In essence.

[@Nighthawkinlight]

@@fabianmoreno3030 If you have a complete review then please publish it and settle the issue for all of us. Otherwise I will be appreciative of those with the humility to present both their opinion and it's potential flaws side by side.

[@fabianmoreno3030]

@@Nighthawkinlight that would be nice wouldn’t it, for everyone else to do the work while the consumers of the church sit back and gobble it up. Give me some time and I’ll point out the obvious for you. While you wait do your research.

[@Nighthawkinlight]

@@fabianmoreno3030 You disparage learning from the work of others so you are not here to learn from Mike, and you resent being asked for your own opinion so you are not here to teach. What's left? Only a purpose of criticism and division. Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. (Titus 3:1-2)

[@OliverToal]

Thank you for making this incredible series, despite knowing that it's not going to be super popular. I've always been on the complimentarian side, but this is extremely helpful to learn what is biblical and what is simply "man-made tradition" when it comes to women in leadership.

[@lmartinson6963]

I watch a lot of long KZbin videos, and this series is notable among them. Thanks for this deep dive!

[@brysonorosa632]

I see what you did there 😆

[@malvokaquila6768]

Thanks for the update. I agree with your conclusion. My research was 15 years ago. We do not invalidate clear scripture with debatable scripture.

[@JessicaMcColloch]

I can’t thank you enough for your efforts with this series! It’s been extremely helpful. God bless you, brother!

[@angelbianchi4786]

Thank you pastor Mike! Can you please have a Q&A specifically for this series?

[@jacquelineoneill2395]

I very much like this idea!!!

[@raining_trees]

That would be an amazing idea yes!!!!

[@nicolesmith4365]

Thank you for this video!! As a woman, your comments in this video made me feel more inspired and confident than any of the egalitarian arguments you quoted!

[@rhogston8405]

Thank you Mike for this series. I appreciate all you do to bring truth and understanding. God Bless your Ministry

[@reneeemigree9004]

Excellent example of important syntax, Michael, which completely changes the meaning: ‘You are my only friend’, vs., ‘You are only my friend’. The syntax, placement of words, language structure, in linguistics completely changes the meaning of the word, meaning, by the word placement, linguistic syntax. Exactly, Ty. THIS IS IMPERATIVE FOR THE CORRECT INTERPRETATIONS OF THE SCRIPTURES! Ty.

[@republiccooper]

Good and thorough analysis. I love how no valid argument on either side is avoided. Thanks.

[@tianapen2958]

I’m still with you Mike! Looking forward to the next one! Thanks for doing this.

[@sherrieasdon8766]

Enjoying your thoughtful study and analysis. And humility to give voice to your limitations. Keep up the great work.

[@MikhailShakoorov]

Thank you Mike! Such a needed resource! Thank you for not presenting only one side of the argument, but both views!

[@GunShyGymnast]

This is definitely a series that is a blessing. Given much to think about and look into. ♥️ 🙏

[@TheRealQuartKnee]

Considering the times we find ourselves in, I’m so grateful for this series. There seems to be a war on womanhood these days, and if a woman wants to submit to the word of God, and not the world, we are considered weak in mind and spirit. At the end of the day, I want to glorify God, and be in complete obedience to his word. Thank you for all your hard work, Pastor Mike!

[@karl323]

Mike, appreciate you taking the time at the end here, to briefly respond to one of our previously posted questions (re Deacons) from part 4. Top man!🙂

[@onemanworshipband1435]

Mike, thank you for this series. I too have struggled with others using all these egalitarian arguments, while ignoring the problems with other scriptures. You are so correct that many can't think biblically about this subject. I am with you being a soft complementarian after studying this subject over many hours.

[@elissabellajoy]

Thank you, Mike. It's been very refreshing to think through the topic of women. May the Lord continue to bless you, your little crew and your family. 🙏😊

[@davidlobianco203]

Hi Mike, from Brisbane Australia and thanks for all the hard work you do as you research each subject it must truly be a labor of love. I have been blessed in many ways in my life and ministry with God because of your work. Fyi I'm very much looking forward to your Hebrews series! God bless you and yours mate!

[@danielnewman4876]

Amazing insights on bible teaching and text interpretation , God bless you for your hard work, i totally agree

[@sheilacockerham5822]

Omgosh. Mr... Pastor? Matt. I have been a Christian all my life. I have lead worship. I grew up AG and Four Square. I have never been a good theologian. I am at a moment in my life I am hungry for the word and the truth of the word. This is a subject that had come up for me since I have lack of church options and am attending a wonderful Baptist church I love to my core. But it has also spurd me to find out why I believe what I believe and if it is biblically founded. I have never really learned how to study the Bible. But I am learning. So thank you for these in depth, exhaustive commentaries. I live for all the nuance. I love the references to the Greek and Hebrew. And I love all that you bring into these! It is good for chewing on my personal beliefs and making sure I am can line my beliefs up with what the word actually says. Thank you, thank you.

[@erinperryman1323]

Thank you so much Pastor Mike. This series is something I have been thinking about for a long time. I appreciate your hard work. Thank you for working to further the kingdom of God. All the glory to God!

[@Rallaylam]

Thank you Mike for your constant gracious study. I am learning lots and appreciate all your hard study given to this. God bless you.

[@__.Sara.__]

It made me feel better to hear that you're somewhat unsure on some issues about the Greek, but I think you explained the material about Junia really well! There were so many things that were difficult for me to understand once I started reading about the Greek during my own research and I felt bad about it 😅

[@dc_rocker]

Thank you for your commitment to the Truth and sharing your findings and beliefs regardless of what may be unpopular in today's culture. My thought processes in my faith have become so much more nuanced and biblically-informed since I discovered your ministry.

[@stevenvargas3100]

Great study! I can’t wait for the next part! I drive alot for work, so these studies help me to use all this drive time sitting on my work truck to keep learning and grow in knowledge! Thank you for that, Gby brother

[@stratisconstas1315]

Great series Mike. I recently discovered your channel. My church is discussing the topic too and that's how I found your channel during my personal study. I appreciate the study that you have done and explanations. I do have a comment about something about the Apostles. What about Acts 1 where we see the choosing of the Apostles? They stated the requirements of what was needed to be chosen. There were women present in the upper room praying when the requirements were stated and no one said anything. I am also assuming there were women in the 120 believers that could have been part of the pool of candidates. Out of all these women in attendance none of them were considered to become Apostles. Well, it is just a thought anyways.

[@nickshh7500]

commenting for the algorithm, because this is a great series and should be seen.

[@CarolCMcLaren]

This is such a great study. Thank you for the hard work you are doing to make our views more biblical on this important topic that is fraught with cultural questions.

[@elizabeths5896]

Great work Mike. Been thirsty to understand God's whole truth in this particular matter. You have given me a lot of great information to weigh out. Thank you!

[@pagegallimore1833]

Thank you for this latest analysis, Mike. God bless you, your wife, and your ministry for Jesus our Lord.

[@Gregoire0]

Thank you for all your time and effort, not many teachers willing to go so deep in to the God's word. Bless you brother Mike. Greetings, love and prayers from Poland 🇵🇱

[@raining_trees]

1:16:00 THAT'S ME!!! I'm obsessed with this series my soul is so thirsty for the biblical TRUTH on this!!! Thank you Pastor Mike for doing the hard work for us all😭🙌🏻🙏🏻💖✨

[@dawnmcknight3890]

if you want Biblical truth got to the Bible not a man

[@dawnmcknight3890]

John 6:45 Hebrews 1:1

[@Leticia.melo6]

To be able to explain in such detail is so important for this topic! Thank you so much for this amazing work, Mike.

[@braedenh6858]

This is the topic - Junia - that I was really interested in hearing, thanks Mike. You raised some interesting points. I'll read Burer's papers asap

[@waynebirch139]

Yes Pastor, this is helping immensely. Having it done like this, everything exposes trends in the narratives, and am so shocked to see the blatant lies in some cases, just because they are relying on people not checking their references or cross checking them. I always thought people tried to make the Bible subservient to their agenda. I have also allowed what you have taught to change my mind, particularly about deacons.

[@traciehigginsChaCha]

That was good! I’m going for the notes and will wait patiently 😊thanks for clarification on 1Timothy 3:11 it makes sense to me now when you explained their. This has been so helpful for me. 😊

[@joshuahepner9637]

You are truly a blessing to me. This subject is going through my father’s church right now and is causing a stir. Thank you for your research. I too have a passion for deeper knowledge of the Bible but I did not go to seminary. But I will do the best with what I have. I will be praying for you and your church have a blessed day.

[@8784-l3b]

I have some information, as an egalitarian. Reply if desired.

[@DW_Kiwi]

Mike extends so much Grace to the Egalitarians its unbelievable. Thank you Mike for your amazing effort. I certainly do not have anyway near the same amount of patience with these severely mislead people that would distort the word of God

[@DrDoerk]

Honestly... it inspires me to be more patient with those around me

[@lexiesnewdream]

Thank you SO much for your exhaustive work on this topic!! This series is definitely for me. Your work does not go unappreciated and has on the contrary, been a huge blessing in my life. The part you mentioned about women being deaconesses was brand new to me and something the church I was raised in definitely does not approve of so it was interesting to get your take; one I would hold to myself now :)

[@karlhenderson1908]

One thumbs up to your comment didn’t cut it for me so 👍👍👍👍

[@rosapederson722]

I'm one of those you did this series for. Just want to know what the Bible says about this very relevant topic. Thanks Mike, for all the sweat you put into it. May God bless you for it.

[@CintyM.Marquez]

This video has brought so much clarity on this subject in my life. I had many questions in my heart and I am so grateful that the Holy Spirit led me to your channel.

[@donnapearson466]

Thank you, Mike, for doing the deep research and sharing it with us!

[@mackenzielizotte2333]

Thank you for this series, Pastor Mike! It may not be a popular topic, but I, like so many others, am learning from your teaching and figuring out what I believe about this subject. I can't wait for the next video!

[@aimeeeverson4855]

Thank you for these videos. I felt it all didn’t sit well with me and you’ve done a great job describing everything. Can’t wait for the next video

[@wethepeoplesvoice6174]

Thank you for this!!!! Just this morning I saw a service from a church I frequently visited. They were referring to the pastor and his wife as “apostles” and it really threw me a curve ball! As I have been searching hard for my mission that I KNOW God has for me. I respect everyone there so much. At the same time I want to spiritually continue the path I’m on with the upmost reverence for God. At the same time not wanting to be misled. I’m looking into doing jail ministries for women and female youth. At the same time I don’t want to leave out our young male teens. I have to do this right and don’t want to do it in ANYWAY that could be displeasing to our Father.

[@andrewwoode]

Honestly, the very moment you announced women in ministry, I have been trying to prepare spiritually and emotionally, reading scripture and hearing other on the matter. While I was more egalitarian due to my own ignorance, the emotion barrier I had to confront was: I/we are subjecting women to hardship or less freedom if we are not egalitarian. But as I walked more in humility before God and read the Bible more, especially Jesus's example, I found that I/we are also subjected - before God. And in Him, there is freedom. We live daily in obedience to God, denying ourselves and rather seek first the kingdom. When we obey God, we love Him with all our heart, soul, and mind. In walking with God, I myself will humbly obey Him here as I also should obey him in all areas of my life. I am corrigible, correctable/humble, and in need of wisdom; I will take the evidence as it lands and work in my own self. I am a guy, yeah. I empathize with women on this issue. Deeply. But we all are submitted to God. And regardless of me being male, I will serve Him as I am, and where I am - serving God to honor Him. Even... despite the cultural and emotional pressures I have or once had when egalitarian... Being worldly in my stance, however, is a new issue to watch out for and submit to Christ in. The series is a pleasure, and it is well appreciated. Rest well, Pastor Mike - thank you!

[@kristyleavitt8007]

Thanks Mike! I’m really enjoying this series and finding it helpful in bringing biblical clarity on the topic of women in ministry. Thank you for investing hours of study into this topic and communicating it in a clear way 😊

[@missysmessage722]

*I'm absolutely loving this! Thank you Pastor Mike for all the hard work you put into such a divided topic. Greatly appreciated!*

[@lorigalena8330]

We really appreciate all the research and detail you are putting into these. Thank you.

[@wendylang2360]

Hi again Mike Another verse -Matt 19:29 - some translations include husbands leaving wives but not wives leaving husbands. Felt this has relevence to this discussion. Thanks again for all the research you do as we all seek God's truth.

[@estherdaflucas6511]

This series is VERY helpful.

[@jamiejswagga]

Can’t wait for the next one pastor Mike! Love it! Very thorough.

[@DanMowry]

Brothers and sisters, please join me in prayer… Heavenly father, thank you for Pastor Mike, please protect him and give him strength each day to meet the responsibilities required of him. Protect him from evil and distractions, grant him the focus and strength for all things expected and unexpected that he may continue to serve you well in his ministry as he gives so generously of himself to us in service of you, Lord. Protect Mike and his family and thank you, Lord, for giving us this man, his helpers, and his gifts that bring us closer to you. In Jesus‘s most precious name, we give thanks and pray, amen.

[@jayw8768]

Thanks for all the research and time you've put into breaking this down. Good series Pastor.

[@joshuahiggins5313]

Thanks mike I appreciate all your videos working through all the videos now.

[@sarahentwistle554]

Wonderful! Thank you again (from England) for doing this. I’m definitely in that category of eagerly awaiting the next episode - EVEN MORE than when an entertaining fiction series we’re enjoying is due!!

[@wynelleu]

Thank you for all your hardwork on this subject. I appreciate the kind of detail like in dativ(sp?) vs genative(sp?) ... no apologies for that explanation needed!

[@AngieThornton]

Hi Mike! Also, if I'm remembering correctly, this is the episode in which you discuss the women who were remunerated in the church as "true widows" in 1 Timothy. I appreciate the way you dealt with this question from the text. But I believe it might have been beneficial to consider the witness of church history. Widows who ministered in the early church were not merely a financial burden, but developed into a class of women who did, in a sense, serve "on staff" at the church. So much so that, over time, the term widow came to refer to women who were on the church payroll. They then had to make a clarification in the early church between these "widows" (who were not all formerly married women whose husbands had passed away) by adding a further explanation as to their actual marital status. This, of course, does not prove egalitarianism, of course. In fact, I'd share my source for what I've just mentioned, but it was a French complementarian podcast hosted by a friend of mine (I'm a missionary in the French-speaking world, living in Montreal, Quebec). You don't have to be an egalitarian to argue for women widows being remunerated for ministering to women. It fits well with your own soft comp position on female deacons and the like - a position I share with you. Blessings, and thanks again for this great series!

[@johnsonjr_26]

Thank you for being a unique gift to us. I love these.

[@TheNinjaInConverse]

Awesome! Enjoying this while building a shelf.

[@dhfocus7]

Great series, lots to chew on. Thank you!

[@SoulDeepZim]

Love these videos. Thought-provoking

[@julesngoni6788]

Thank you for your teachings brother Mike ❤

[@missymillie]

Wow thank you for your faithful dedication to examining the Scriptures so intently! Bless you.

[@gamerChau]

Thank you Paster Mike Winger for all your time and effort and labor.. for God’s glory.. your rewards are laid in heaven. There will always be God’s chosen Apostles.. and then.. there will be men’s chosen apostles.. Stay faithful to God breathe scripture. We are not perfect but we will be made perfect.. if scriptures doesn’t say so, for me, I would rather say “I don’t know” than stretching the truth.

[@rmandbd2]

I love it when u get into the Greek. It’s the best way to know what was being said

[@Mrsleepy93]

Really enjoyed the linguistic study “among/to the apostles” great stuff

[@danielmclean3227]

Great stuff Pastor Mike, have really enjoyed the study.

[@MonicaRibeiroC]

Listening to this series for the 2nd time! ❤❤

[@reneeaugur9808]

You make me laugh Mike, I love your humor. I love your spirit and like you, I want to know only the truth of God's Word. Thanks for all the hard work you do putting up with all the push back. Praying for you brother. Keep up the good work!!

[@johnsonjr_26]

He is simply the best!!! Unbiased teacher who does his research!!!

[@stingray4540]

Thank you for valuing proper biblical study over KZbin views. I wish more Sunday morning services were the same. We can’t live on milk our entire lives.

[@SimpleAmadeus]

Part 1: 268K. Part 2: 160K. Part 3: 129K. Part 4: 90K I guess you're right about the decreasing views. Since I'm eagerly waiting to absorb all the information you're putting out each episode, it seems a bit strange to me that someone would watch the first two parts and then just stop. Thank you for all your work, Mike.

[@karlhenderson1908]

Absolutely. Thank you for the summary of the numbers. I understand the diminishing stats but it’s sad. There’s so much need for as much knowledge and wisdom across all the body of Christ on this subject. God bless.

[@katmcneff9326]

Thank you so much Pastor Mike for all of your hard work and sharing these things with us

[@arepaisa23]

Thank you Pastor I thoroughly enjoy your videos!

[@megmorrill9600]

Excellent analysis Mike! I believe that besides all the arguments you mentioned, another potentially supporting text is Rev. 21:14 "And the wall of the city had twelve foundation stones, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb." So while apostles, is a term that includes: a messenger, one sent on a mission, apostle, this text along all those you pointed to, seem to make a clear distinction between all other possibilities and the exclusive12 apostles, which were all men, handpicked by Jesus, Who could have included at least a couple of women too, if He wished to do so. Thank you for not being presumptions, but honestly searching the texts carefully!

[@jimt3409]

Great stuff my brother well done logical exegesis. Thank you

[@kaseycorliss7282]

Hey pastor Mike! I think it's awesome that you are taking time to solve an answer that many men move on from because it doesn't affect them. Could you please share all the passages that you believe would indicate a woman should not preach?

[@notmyrealname2592]

I love this series Pastor Mike!

[@briansumner6801]

Love digging into these. Great topic at a relevant time.

[@daleneudorf5963]

Thank you , Mike, for all the work you've done to give such a thorough presentation! I appreciate your honesty and balanced views. I do question though- much of the complementarian view rests on 1 Timothy 3:2 "Let (overseers) be faithful to his wife..." and the references to males in general in vv 1-7, but the exact same words are used of deacons in verse 8 and yet deacons can be women.

[@johngavinmarshall]

With you for the long haul on this one, Mike. Well worth it.

[@IchigosBestFriend]

Thanks for doing these series videos

[@KingPriest]

Hello Mike Winger, (thanks for your greet contribution and I have learned a lot) Regarding 1 Timothy 3:8-13, I'd like to point out that verse 12 lacks an adjective. This absence creates a dependency on the context of verses 8, 9, and 13. If verse 11 were indeed discussing female deacons, the transition back to male deacons in verse 12 would necessitate the addition of an adjective (e.g "male" deacons ... the word "male" could have been used as adjective). However, the absence of such form of an adjective in verse 12 can be understood as a sign that the passage is focusing solely on male deacons, as verse 13 continues without needing an adjective due to the context. Also there are other instances in the New Testament where the word "diakonos" (Greek: διάκονος) is used: As you pointed out about Romans 16:1 Matthew 20:26-28: "It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Here, "diakonos" is translated as "servant." Romans 16:1-2: "I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well." 1 Corinthians 3:5: "What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each." Again, "diakonos" is translated as "servants." Here, Paul and Apollos are described as servants who played a role in the Corinthians' belief. 1 Timothy 3:8-13 (the passage you initially mentioned): This passage discusses the qualifications and conduct of deacons in the church. In this context, "diakonos" is translated as "deacons," referring to those who serve in a leadership role within the church community. Philippians 1:1: "Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons..." Here, "diakonos" is translated as "deacons." This verse acknowledges the roles of overseers (elders) and deacons in the church at Philippi.

[@AngieThornton]

Mike, thanks so much for this series. I've enjoyed it very much. I would comment more, but I listen on my phone (rather than watching on KZbin) while on the go. Your treatment of this question of female apostles was very thorough. Thanks! I thought it worth mentioning that early church fathers such as Thomas Aquinas (and not just N.T. Wright) called Mary Magdalene "Apostle to the Apostles." This doesn't necessarily mean that she held or exceeded their level of authority. But, as I understand it, it means that she was sent out, by your Lord himself, to the sent-out ones. You don't have to embrace egalitarianism to recognize the merit of such a title. Blessings! I look forward to listening to the rest of your series!

[@brianakortbein5082]

Thank you SO MUCH for all your hard work!!!!

[@meepmeep545]

regarding your final comments in this video, though im a few weeks too late, i just would like to say that it means a lot to me to have a scripturally grounded pastor to not only confirm the validity of my conclusions (based on piecing together various things that i've read and heard), but to clarify and to provide the scholarly stuff that are beyond me. thank you for your service to God. (naturally, any misunderstanding of what you have gone through is on my end)