2 my dear sister Selene, GINOLJC,
The Greek word for Deacon has more than one meaning. You are correct that the Greek word could also mean "servant." In the case of Phoebe, she was a "Servant" and nothing more than that. The office of Deacon, however, is a male position because these men are there for the priesthood.
first of all I ask you to benefit from this posting, and be edified. let not personal beliefs, man made doctrine, religious dogma blind you from the truth. change is hard, especially in the religious world. but I remind you, that your religious beliefs was taught to you by some man or woman. all I'm asking you is to just look at the facts. even the LORD GOD almighty said, "come let us reason together". I ask the same thing. can you at least objectively look at the reasoning without your beliefs getting in the way.
and two, you're right, she is a "SERVANT". did you not read the definition of the "SERVANT" of GOD?. let me post it again for you. it's the Greek word, G32 ἄγγελος aggelos (ang'-el-os) n.
1. a messenger
2. (especially) an "angel" of God
3. (of evil, Satan) a demon
4. (by implication) a person carrying forth a message from God, i.e. a servant (a disciple, pastor, elder, prophet, etc.)
5. (also, by implication) a thing or event carrying forth a message from God, i.e. a hardship (pestilence, wind, etc.), or an animal (donkey, locusts, etc.))
[from aggello "to bring tidings" (possibly derived from G71)]
KJV: angel, messenger
Compare: G34
See also: G71
did you see the implication, a Person, (and by the way, the Lord is no respecter of PERSONS). a Person carrying forth a message from God. did you notice the one who carries the message. take note, a "SERVANT" and it specify the kind of SERVANT that carries God message. #1. a disciple, #2. a pastor, #3. an elder, #4. a Prophet, and the rest of the ministry offices and gifts, see the ect.... at the end meaning more are to be listed. so look at definition #4 again, all of these office holders are called "SERVANT". see the list Selene, another thing. our Lord and Saviour said this, Matthew 20:28 "Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many". and you do know what that word "minister", means here?. G1247 διακονέω diakoneo (dee-ak-on-eh'-o) v.
1. to be an attendant, to wait upon (menially or as a host, friend)
2. (figuratively) to serve as a teacher
3. (technically) to act as a Christian steward (deacon)
[from G1249]
KJV: (ad-)minister (unto), serve, use the office of a deacon
Root(s): G1249
when one is in these positions, they minister, or administrate, supportive scripture, 1 Corinthians 12:4 "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord". look up the word adninistration and see what it means. oh yes there are differences of administrations
but it's the same Lord. and did not our lord teach, and preached the Gospel also?. Matthew 4:17 "From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand". was not our Lord an attendant, "SERVANT". just as our sister Phebe followed in his foot steps, a "SERVANT". we need to humble our selves, and follow in his foot steps. maybe we need to wait on a few tables and people, before we get to see the light. instead of putting people down just for their gender, we ought to be servant first, before we can tell our brother to get the mot out of their eyes, and serve. in the spirit of our Lord, let us see correctly first.
In the same way, the English word "President" also has different meanings. When a person is called a "President" that does not mean they are a ruler of a country. The word President also mean the officer of a club or a leader of a company. The President of a business is not the same as the President of the United States.
#1. is the president "over you", as an "overseer" of the entire country?. yes, and have not he been put over us by God?. scripture, Romans 13:1 "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing". these are "civil authority". this is not about religious leaders. AND TAKE NOTE: verse 4 "For he is the minister of God to thee for good". and you know what that word "minister" means here right. since we have different meaning of the word.
#2. is he not the "LEADER" of the country?. and as been said, "the leader of the free world". is he not in "authority"?.
so this play on words want work either. again, I ask re-read the opening post and go into prayer and ask the Lord for wisdom to understand this, see I said please.
be blessed, and edified.
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DEACON JESUS. you have never see the Lord in this light before have you. and get this he didn't have a wife. there are many hidden mysteries of the bible, just waiting to be unlocked. but one must have the key holder to open the lock. and the one who have the KEYS is the Lord, or may I say DEACON JESUS. is it not true that a DEACON, 1 Timothy 3:9 "Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience". how many deacon you know that are Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience?...... not many. there is more to an office that just holding the title. maybe we need to start a topic on offices and titles vs the spiritual gifts. it might just open some eyes.
to all who follow this topic, Greeting from the Lord Jesus the Christ.
to those who made a valiant, or stout-hearted effort to HOLD ONTO OLD TRADITIONS OF MEN CONCERNING WOMEN IN THE "MINISTRY" ESPECIALLY IN LEADERSHIP. I thank you for your effort. you brought out many good point that I haven't encounter before. but they was all good and I thank you for them. but the Lord Jesus always prevails in the end, and I hope with the information discussed here on this topic will also make you overcomer with scripture to stand on in the face of opposition concerining women in leadership in the Church. for this topic was for our EDIFICATION, at least it edified my limited understanding of Spiritual gifts and offices within the Church body. may the Body of our Lord Jesus the Christ stand together in harmony in future matters concerning this topic of "Female Pastors", or females in general when it comes to the things of the Lord.
May the only TRUE and LIVING GOD bless you all richly.
P.S. Happy Mothers Day to all
Love and Peace