Man and Woman, One in Christ 2
Chapter Two: Women Paul Names as Ministry Leaders
Philip Payne begins his second chapter:
“For centuries, the apostle Paul has been castigated as a stone-faced misogynist with a particular dislike for women. Yet reading his letters reveals, instead, a man deeply invested in relationships with both men and women. He accepts women as ministry leaders and respects and honours women who labour for the Lord, not as his subordinates, but as his partners and equals.”
The writer then considers the Scriptural data about several NT women:
- Phoebe (Rom 16:1-2). Payne contends that rather than “servant” (NIV) in v1, diakonon should be translated as ‘deacon’ as per Rom 13:4 (twice); 15:8. Further, he argues strongly that in v2b “a great help” (NIV) [from prostatis] should in fact be translated as ‘leader’ (see Rom 12:8).
- Priscilla (Rom 16:3-5). The writer looks at Priscilla’s ministry to Apollos and the unusual word order used when referring to her and her husband.
- Junia (Rom 16:7). Payne interacts with Eldon Epp’s study, Junia: The First Woman Apostle. He argues that the name clearly refers to a woman. More than that, she and Andronicus must have been revered by the churches and had authority as ministers of the Gospel.
- Other women, such as Mary, Tryphena, Tryphosa, Peris (Rom 16:6, 12); Euodia and Syntyche (Phil 4:2-3) are reviewed.
Payne concludes: “The extent of Paul’s affirmations of women in his circle of ministry stands in stark contrast with the typical attitude toward women in Paul’s day.”