And ye Shall Know the TRUTH and the TRUTH Shall Make You Free, saith the Lord! John 8:32
By Prophetess/Evangelist Harris
Many churches and ministers are praying for the Lord to abolish error in the Body of Christ. Well, today the Lord is answering your prayers with this corrective teaching that he has commanded me to bring forth to the women in the Body of Christ. I did not take this upon myself, nor was it of my own will. This was commanded me by the Holy Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord is such a wonderful, faithful God that he always gives an opportunity for us to come UP out of error. For this to happen, we must agree to abide by and live by the Holy Scriptures once the error is revealed to us. The first thing we have to do is admit error comes about because we do not know the scriptures as we think, Mark 12:24. It’s going to take a collective committed effort to seek the Lord for the TRUTH and to walk in the TRUTH so the Body of Christ may be unified in TRUTH, as declared in Ephesians 4:13-15.
John 10:4-5 declares, “And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.” In addition, John 7:17-18 declares, “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is TRUE, and no unrighteousness is in him.” It is those that are doing their own will who will not receive the TRUTH concerning the Word of God and they will not receive those who carry the Word of God in their mouth. If we truly belong to the Lord we will hear what the Spirit of the Lord is saying to the church, Revelations 3:22.
The purpose of this teaching is to search the scriptures concerning the TRUTH about titles, offices, and the authority the Lord has placed in the Body of Christ and in the earth. To start we will review the meaning of some titles in the Bible, and words that are incorrectly used as titles. Then we will explore the role of man and woman concerning these titles, and finally we will clarify the woman’s role in the Body of Christ in relation to man’s (her husband’s) role in the Body of Christ. It is going to take humility on my part in teaching these TRUTHS and even greater humility on your part to receive the TRUTHS that will be taught, 2 Timothy 2:24-26.
Defining Titles
Elders
Elder in the Vines (p. 195, note 1) is defined as an older man, is used of age, whether of the elder of two persons or more, the eldest of a person advanced in life, or a senior. The feminine of the adjective, mothers, is used of elder women in the churches (1 Timothy 5:2), not in respect of position, but in seniority of age.
In the churches it is referred to those who, being raised up and qualified by the work of the Holy Spirit, were appointed to have the spiritual care of, and to exercise oversight over, the churches. To these the term “bishops” or overseers is applied. Elders (S.C. 4245 Gk.) –1 Timothy 5:1-2 – older, a senior, specifically an Israeli Sanhedrist (also figurative of a member of the celestial council) or Christian presbyter, according to 1 Timothy 4:14 (S.C. 4244 Gk.). Furthermore, the word elder in the Vines (p.195-196, S.C. 4244) is defined as an assembly of aged men; the elders or Bishops in a local church (Luke 22:66 and Acts 22:5). In addition, the S.C. (4244 Gk.) further defines elder as the order of elders, again specifically Israeli Sanhedrin or Christian presbytery (estate of elder(s), presbytery). The Sanhedrin consisted of the chief priests, elders, and scribes (Matthew 16:21). Furthermore, elder in the S.C. is (4850 Gk.) – 1 Peter 5:1– is co-presbyter, presbyter, also an elder. Presbyter in the MWCD (p. 981) is comparative of presbys, old man, elder; a member of the governing body of an early Christian church; a member of the order of priests in churches having episcopal hierarchies that include Bishops, priests, and deacons. Clearly elder is a male title.
Reverend
Now we will discuss using “Reverend” as a title. Many denominations use the word “reverend” as a title or position of authority in the church. However, since it is not used as a title or position of authority in the Bible, let’s explore its true meaning. The word reverend is used only once in the Bible, in Psalms 111:9c, declaring “... Holy and reverend is his name.” Reverend in this passage of scripture is (S.C. 3372 Hb.) to fear, to revere, cause to frighten – affright, be afraid, make afraid, dreadful, put in fear, put in fearful, put in fearfully, and put in fearing, be had in reverence, terrible act, terribleness, terrible thing. According to the Strong’s Concordance it is clearly not a title. The definition in the MWCD for reverend is worthy of reverence, revered, of or relating to clergy, being a member of the clergy – in the latter two definitions it is used as a title. Since this word is defined as a title in the MWCD and it is not in the Bible, we have to look deeper at its true meaning.
First, let’s understand the definition and purpose of the dictionary. According the MWCD, the word dictionary means a reference source in print or electronic form containing words usually alphabetically arranged along with information about their forms, pronunciations, functions, etymologies, meanings, and syntactical uses (how the word is used to form phrases) and idiomatic uses (peculiar to a particular group, individual or style). Keep in mind the meaning for the word dictionary would change over time to include innovations, and advancements, like technology. Also, the dictionary would change to include new words and the associated definitions and eliminate words no longer used in common language. The dictionary doesn't define whether usage of a word is right or wrong.
Since the word reverend is not a title in the Bible, the authority that goes along with this word cannot possibly be defined, and the Lord doesn’t have to back the title because it is man-made. According to the “online etymology dictionary,” www.etymonline.com, reverend was first documented during the 15th century, and it meant “worthy of respect” from Middle French (the French language as written and spoken between the 14 and 16 centuries). In Classical Latin (the Italic language of ancient Rome until the 4 century) the word Reverendus was used, meaning “he who is to be respected.” It was used as a form of address to clergymen. In history, the word was used as such: “Reverend John Doe.” It was not used as a title for clergymen, but it was an admonishment to treat and handle clergymen with respect and honor.
Let’s go a bit deeper in looking at the word reverend. The words revere and reverence are a part of the Strong’s Concordance definition for reverend (S.C. 3372 Hb.). Both words are gestures of respect and honor due someone, yet again these words are not titles, and therefore is not a position of authority in the Kingdom of Heaven. Think of reverend in light of its synonyms: hallowed, sacred, revered, and venerated. It describes the honor and respect due to the Lord God and should not be attributed to man. Furthermore, venerated in the MWCD is to regard with reverential respect or with admiring deference; and to honor as an icon or relic with a ritual act of devotion. The synonyms for venerated are: adore, deify, glorify, worship. To deify in the MWCD is to make a god of; to glorify as of supreme worth, to take as an object of worship. Synonyms for deify are: to adore, idolize, worship. So when someone says: "Reverend John Doe," in essence they are saying deify John Doe, worship John Doe with a ritual act of devotion, adore John Doe, idolize John Doe, make a god of John Doe, etc. Using this word as a title brings to mind a passage of scripture where the Apostles refused man’s worship, Acts 14:12-18. We can go on and on chasing these words, yet the message is clear, reverend is a word that is not to be attributed to man or woman, BUT ONLY TO THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY!
Five-fold Titles
The first title and Office we will explore is the Apostle. This title was used of Christ’s first hand-picked disciples. The definition of disciple (S.C. 3101 Gk) is a learner, pupil. The Word Apostle was first used in Matthew 10:1-4. The title Apostle in the Strong’s Concordance (S.C. 652 Gk.) means a delegate, specifically an ambassador of the Gospel, officially a commissioner of Christ with miraculous powers, messenger, he that is sent. Apostleship (S.C. 651 Gk.) means commission, apostolate. One must see Jesus to be an Apostle, according to 1 Corinthians 9:1, yet to see Jesus is not enough because many saw him and they were not all Apostles. Those who see him and are told by him they are his Apostle are TRUE Apostles. This is critical because TRUE Apostles, even today’s TRUE Apostles, must be witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection and must be chosen by him, according to Acts 1:21-24. It is not about the number of gifts a person has or a level of anointing that makes one an Apostle. In addition, in Matthew 10:5-6 the Lord sent forth his Apostles; man cannot send forth, ordain, or anoint an Apostle into an apostolic office. It was the same when the Lord chose Moses, one likened unto an Apostle in the Old Testament because he saw the Lord face to face, so it is today that the Lord Jesus holds the same responsibility to choose his Apostles and to impart special wisdom, knowledge, and revelation of the scriptures to them, Galatians 1:1 and 1:11-12, as he did Moses concerning the Pentateuch.
One reason Christians think man can ordain or anoint someone into the office of Apostle is because of the misinterpretation of Acts 13:1-4. In verse 2d the Holy Ghost said, “Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.” After fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them away, verse 3. In essence, the men laid (S.C. 2007 Gk.) - (imposed in a friendly sense, adding unto them, putting on) their hands (S.C. 5495 Gk.) – (power: the ability to act or produce an effect, physical might).
Appropriate synonyms for this passage of scripture are energy and strength. According to the Strong’s Concordance, this was not an ordination, a commission, or a promotion to an Apostle for Paul or Barnabas, but it was for their strengthening in the Lord because the work they were called to was great, and came with great suffering for Apostle Paul, Acts 9:16. Furthermore, the Vine’s Dictionary declares that the laying on of hands was an appointment or an act of identification. Appointment in the MWCD means an act of appointing: designation; the designation by virtue of a vested (fully and unconditionally guaranteed as a legal right, benefit, or privilege) power of a person to enjoy an estate; a non-elective office or position (not chosen or filled by popular election). Designation means the act of indicating or identifying; appointment to or selection for an office, post, or service; a distinguishing name, sign, or title; the relation between a sign and the thing signified. In other words, those in Jerusalem were openly declaring they recognize Apostle Paul and Apostle Barnabas as chosen Apostles of the Lord. Again, Verse 4 declares they were sent forth by the Holy Ghost. Furthermore, Apostle Paul declared in Galatians 1:1 that he was not made an Apostle by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father. It is the same as it was millenniums ago in the Bible as it is today. The Lord Jesus still chooses his Apostles personally. The standard to be chosen as his Apostle is that he must select him, call him an Apostle (Luke 6:13) and he must be a witness of the Lord’s resurrection. It takes TRUE HUMILITY to step down from an exalted position that the Lord did not call us to or place us in.
Now let’s carefully consider whether there were any women Apostles in the Bible. There has been a lot of controversy concerning the name Junia in Romans 16:7. Junia as a Christian acquaintance of Paul, whose name (S.C. 2458 Gk.) means Junias in Latin and Christianity. When looking at this passage of scripture, one finds two key words that indicate Junia was not a woman: kinsmen and fellow-prisoner. Kinsman in the (S.C. 4773 Gk.) means a relative by blood, a fellow countryman, cousin, kinfolk. Kinsman in the MWCD means relative, specifically a male relative. In addition, when the Bible refers to women that are kin, it clearly declares “kinswoman,” as in Leviticus 18:12-13. Kinswoman in the (S.C. 7607 Hb) means kindred by blood, near kinswoman. Kinswoman in the MWCD means a female relative. Furthermore, fellow-prisoner in the (S.C. 4869 Gk.) means a co-captive and fellow-prisoner. Fellow in the MWCD means comrade, associate; an equal in rank, power, or character: peer; one of a pair: mate; a member of a group having common characteristics; MAN, BOY; which is a word set aside for males.
The five-fold offices declared in Ephesians 4:11 are all positions of headship, yet there are three positions which can be also occupied by a woman: the Evangelist, the Pastor (as co-Pastor), and the Teacher. The Evangelist (S.C. 2099 Gk.) is a preacher of the Gospel. A Teacher (S.C. 1320 Gk.) is an instructor, doctor, master. The Pastor (S.C. 4166 Gk.) is a shepherd. The Vines Dictionary defines Pastor as one who tends herds or flocks (not merely one who feeds them). According to Acts 20:17 and 28, it is a service committed to elders (overseers or Bishops), exercising the oversight. Women are to co-Pastor, keep the sheep by assisting in their nurturing. Women must have a covering, for example in Genesis 29:6-10, Rachel was a shepherdess who kept her father’s flock and went to the well to water them. A man was needed to roll away the stone so that the flock could be watered, the man Jacob. Likewise, in Exodus 2:16-19, Zipporah was a shepherdess who kept her father’s sheep. When she was attacked by some male shepherds, she needed a man to stand up and protect her and the sheep, the man Moses. In both cases, each of the women cared for their natural father’s sheep. They did not have sheep of their own. Furthermore, after Jacob (Genesis 30:29-31) and Moses (Exodus 3:1) met their espoused wives, the men cared for the sheep from that point on. The Lord will give a woman grace to tend to a flock that belongs to someone else until he sends a husband or another man who is supposed to take over the job. The Lord never intended for a woman to Pastor her own flock.
Prophet in the Old Testament, (S.C. 5030 Hb.) is an inspired man, prophecy, that prophesy. In the New Testament a Prophet (S.C. 4396 GK.) is a foreteller, inspired speaker, a poet. A Prophetess in the Old Testament (S.C. 5031 Hb.) is an inspired woman, poetess; by association, a Prophet’s wife. In the New Testament, a Prophetess (S.C. 4398 Gk.) is a female forteller or an inspired woman. According to Strong’s definition (5031 Hb.) a Prophetess by association is a Prophet’s wife, meaning, a woman that is a Prophetess, if married, must have a husband that is at least a Prophet. However, the definition for Prophet doesn’t declare that a Prophet’s wife has to be a Prophetess. A Prophetess who has a husband in a lower position than hers cannot properly cover her because he is in a position beneath her office. In these cases, the couple is unequally yoked, even if only for a season. Examples of this would be the woman suffering illnesses, car accidents, physical injuries (falling down the stairs is common), mind battles, and spiritual battles outside of the will of God. A Prophetess is the greatest level of authority a woman can have in the Body of Christ and in the earth and what a great position of authority it is.
False Apostles
2 Corinthians 11:13 shed light on the condition and state of false Apostles.
"For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ."
The scripture text and word for word breakdown in underlined parenthesis, from the Strong’s Concordance, is as follows: “For such (truly of this sort – to denote character or individuality, like, such an one) are false (a spurious apostle, pretended preacher, false teacher) Apostles (delegate, specifically an ambassador of the Gospel, officially a commissioner of Christ –with miraculous powers, messenger,he that is sent), deceitful (guileful) workers (a toiler, a teacher, a labourer, worker-men) transforming (a transfigure or disguise, figurative – to apply by accommodation transfer) themselves (himself or herself; their normal, healthy, or sane condition) into (into indicates the point reached or entered, backward, among, perish) the Apostles (spurious Apostle, pretended preacher, false teacher) of Christ (anointed, the messiah, an epithet of Jesus).”
Looking up certain words in the dictionary will bring clarity to what this scripture actually declares. A false apostle is defined as one who is spurious. Spurious means of illegitimate birth: bastard; outwardly similar or corresponding to something without having its genuine qualities: false. Pretended means professed or avowed, but not genuine. Backward means in a reverse or contrary direction or way, toward the past, toward a worse state. Perish means to become destroyed or ruined: cease to exist, to cause to die, destroy, and weaken. False means not genuine, intentionally untrue, adjusted or made so as to deceive, intended or intending to mislead, based on mistaken ideas, inconsistent with the facts (a synonym of false is faithless).
“Transforming themselves into” expresses motion from one place or point to another. It indicates a shift or change in the spirit realm where a person may have once been in a righteous state, then they enter into an unrighteous state by calling themselves Apostles and Prophets and clearly the scripture reveals they are not. These become false teachers in the doctrine they teach, after their transformation from light to darkness. The doctrine becomes false because the office is false. Some of the doctrine that these false teachers disagree with is scriptures that declare: wives obey your own husband, wives submit to your husband, the woman is the weaker vessel, and man is the head of woman. These false teachers will teach and declare that women have also been called to the genuine Offices of Apostle, Prophet, Pastor, Bishop, Elder, and Deacon.
False Prophets and False Teachers
False prophets in Mark 13:22 show signs and wonders to seduce if possible the elect. According to 2 Peter 2:1-2, there will be many false prophets who shall follow their pernicious way, speaking evil of the way of truth. These false prophets and false teachers will speak against the things clearly written in scripture.
"But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction."
The scripture text and word for word breakdown in underlined parenthesis, from the Strong’s Concordance, is as follows: “But there (in or at that place) were false prophets (spurious prophet, pretended foreteller or religious impostor) also (indeed) among (openly, outwardly, about) the people (one’s own populace), even (likewise) as there (in or at that place) shall be false teachers (spurious teacher, propagator of erroneous Christian doctrine) among (before, by) you, who (which some) privily (be here present) shall bring (to lead aside, introduce surreptitiously, privily bring in) in damnable (pernicious ways) heresies (a choice, specifically a party or disunion, sect), even (moreover) denying (to contradict, disavow, reject, abnegate, refuse) the Lord (a husband; an absolute ruler - depot, master) that bought (to go to market, to purchase, specifically to redeem, buy) them and bring (to super-induce, inflict - an evil – charge - a crime) upon (on, thereafter, thereon) themselves (her own-self, himself) swift (curt, impending shortly) destruction (ruin or loss - physically, spiritual or eternal - die, perdition).
Again, Spurious in the MWCD means of illegitimate birth: bastard; outwardly similar or corresponding to something without having its genuine qualities: false. Pretended means professed or avowed, but not genuine. Impostor means one that assumes false identity or title for the purpose of deception. These false prophets are seated among the brethren pretending to be prophets and the Lord has not called them. Surreptitiously means to snatch secretly, done, made, or acquired by stealth: Clandestine. Pernicious means highly injurious or destructive: deadly.
The Word of God declares in Matthew 13:25-30 that while men slept, the enemy sowed tares among the wheat. In order to sow tares among the wheat, the false prophet and false teacher would have to be in the midst of the brethren abnegating (denying and renouncing) the sound Biblical teachings and doctrine that comes forth in a ministry. These false prophets and false teachers propagate heresies, which cause disunion in the Body of Christ. Propagate means to cause to spread out and affect a greater number or greater area: extend. Disunion means to separate. For this reason swift destruction shall be super-induced upon them (to introduce as an addition over or above something already existing). These false prophets and false teachers already have judgement pending, yet they add sin to sin, which brings it upon them in a greater measure. Curt in the MWCD is marked by rude or peremptory (putting an end to) shortness; shortened in linear dimension (like an abrupt or sudden shortened life span) and perdition is utter destruction, loss, eternal damnation, hell. It’s time for Christians to commit to living by sound Bible doctrine. Again, it is most important that we search the scriptures and line our lives up with the Word of God and make our calling and election sure, 2 Peter 1:10.
Another thing we need to discuss is there is no private interpretation of scripture, 2 Peter 1:20-21 and all scripture is for instruction in righteousness, 2 Timothy 3:16-17. There is only one Holy Ghost and when he is our teacher he is going to teach us with one accord the TRUTH, John 16:13-14.
Bishops and Deacons
1 Timothy 3:1-2 gives a clear description of who can be a Bishop.
"This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;"
According to this passage of scripture, there should be no questions as to whether women can be Bishops. This is a unique passage of scripture that can be taken at face value. However, we will use the reference tools to review additional definitions for the terms Bishop, man, and husband. The word Bishop (S.C. 1984 Gk.) means inspection (for relief); by implying superintendence (the act or function of superintending or directing: supervision); specifically the Christian episcopate (the rank or office of a Bishop or term of as a Bishop), bishoprick (the office of Bishop), visitation (an official visit as for inspection). In the MWCD the word Bishop means overseer (supervisor, superintendent); one having spiritual or ecclesiastical supervision; any of various Protestant clerical officials who superintend other clergy.
The word man (S.C. 5100 Gk.) has a lot of meanings that don’t all apply. I list them here anyway to make a point that definitions have to be applied in context, whether it is a Strong’s, Vines, or Merriam-Webster definition. In the Strong’s Concordance, the word man means some or any person or object, a kind of, any man, anything at all, certain thing divers, he (every) man, one thing, ought, some man, somebody, something, somewhat, that nothing, whatsoever, wherewith, whomsoever, whosesoever. Again, it is obvious that one cannot use all these words to describe man – only he and every man applies to this verse of scripture.
Husband (S.C. 435 Gk.) means a man, fellow, sir. Man in the MWCD is human being, male human. Husband is a male partner in a marriage. This definition is directly in line with the text of scripture in the Bible that declares a Bishop is to be the husband of one wife. To clarify, a male is defined as an individual that produces small usually motile gametes (spermatozoids) which fertilize the egg of a female. According to 1 Timothy 3:12, Deacons are also the husband of one wife. Husband in this passage of scripture is again (S.C. 435 Gk.), meaning man, fellow, sir. Titus 1:5-11 again declares Elders and Bishops are titles and positions reserved for men. Based on the information discovered in the Bible and its associated reference tools, we can conclude that a female is not a husband, a spermatozoid producing male in a marriage, and therefore cannot be called to the Offices of a Bishop or a Deacon.
How did these egregious, (distinguished, conspicuous, conspicuously bad, flagrant), errors of women taking on illegitimate titles, positions, and levels of authority come about? Flagrant means fiery hot: burning; conspicuously offensive, especially so obviously inconsistent with what is right or proper as to appear to be a flouting of law or morality. Flouting means to treat with contemptuous disregard: scorn; jeer. Jeer is to speak or cry out with derision or mockery; to deride with jeers. Deride is to laugh at contemptuously. This flagrant error comes about because a spirit that is not of God comes in through an open door. The spirit comes in when the woman refuses to submit to headship or doesn’t see the importance of a covering. This spirit comes in when a woman is experiencing liberty in Christ and the thought that it is bondage is frequently entertained and is finally spoken out of her mouth. Apostle Harris has taught us that the devil doesn’t know where you are until you open your mouth. Situations in life come up, especially in marriages, and the enemy illuminates and magnifies how those in the world live and asserts that the world is living in freedom. Christians think doing their own thing or doing things their way is freedom. The truth is the world is experiencing bondage. If women would obey the Word of God, spirits from the enemy would not be able to come in and attack them and those in their households.
The Bible declares in 1 Corinthians 11:1-3 that the head of the woman is the man. The scripture text and word for word breakdown in underlined parenthesis, from the Strong’s Concordance, is as follows:
"But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God."
But (on the contrary) I would (to determine) have (maintain as a possession, privilege, or entitlement) you to know (to see, be aware, consider, have knowledge, understand), that the head (in the sense of seizing, the head – as the part most readily taken hold of) of every (any) man (fellow, husband, sir) is Christ (anointed, the messiah, an epithet of Jesus Christ); and the head (in the sense of seizing, the head – as the part most readily taken hold of) of the woman (specifically a wife) is the man (fellow, husband, sir); and the head (in the sense of seizing, the head – as the part most readily taken hold of) of Christ (anointed, the messiah, an epithet of Jesus Christ) is God (the supreme divinity, magistrate).
Again, the word head in the (S.C. 2776 Gk.) means in the sense of seizing; the head (as the part most readily taken hold of). In breaking down the true meaning of headship, one will understand with greater clarity the restraint a husband must have in relation to his wife. Seizing in MWCD is the cord or lashing used in binding or fastening. The word bind is to make secure by tying; to confine, restrain or restrict with bonds; to put under obligation to constrain with legal authority; to wrap around with something so as to enclose with cover; to cause to stick together; to protect, strengthen; a position or situation in which one is hampered, constrained, or prevented from free movement or action. Fastening is to make fast and secure; to fix firmly or securely; to secure against opening [as if to secure the woman from being used by the enemy to open a door for attack]. Cord is a moral, spiritual, or emotional bond [as in the husband and wife are one flesh, Matthew 19:6]. Lashing means something used for binding, wrapping or fastening. In other words, the man is the restraint, the life-saver of the woman who is subject to re-position herself. Likewise, the Lord is the cord or lashing used in binding or fastening the man to keep him in position and the man is the cord or lashing used in binding or fastening the woman to keep her in position. The more a woman doesn’t apply self-restraint, the tighter the binding, the secure the fastening, shorter the lashing, and the more sure the cord has to be.
Again to make it plain, the more a woman does not apply self-restraint and wisdom, the tighter the confinement, restraint or restriction; the tighter the constraint by legal authority – the marriage covenant; the tighter the cover; the tighter the sticking together; the tighter the protection, the tighter the strengthening; the tighter the position or situation in which one is hampered, the tighter the prevention from free movement or action; the more secure the doors must be locked to the enemy; the shorter the binding that holds the woman in position; and the surer the moral, spiritual, and emotional bond has to be between the man and his wife.
Understanding this relationship between husband and wife is the key to understanding Galatians 3:26-28. In this passage of scripture, the word Jew (S.C. 2453 Gk.) means Judean, i.e. belonging to Jehudah. The word Greek in the (S.C. 1672 Gk.) means a Greek speaking person, especially a non-Jew, Gentile. Bond in the (S.C. 1401 Gk.) means a slave (literally or figuratively, involuntary or voluntary; frequently therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency. The word free (S.C. 1658 Gk.) means unrestrained (to go at pleasure), i.e. as a citizen, not as a slave (whether freeborn or manumitted) or generally exempt (from obligation or liability), free-man, free-woman, liberty. The word male (S.C. 730 Gk.) means (as stronger for lifting) and in the MWCD it means an individual that produces small usually motile gametes (spermatozoids) which fertilize the egg of a female. Female (S.C. 2338 Gk.) means woman and in the MWCD it means the sex that bears young or produces eggs. Galatians 3:28 is used incorrectly by many to substantiate why females are able to take on male titles, male roles, and male positions. However, the correct interpretation of this scripture is for the purpose of validating a woman’s right to have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. In looking at the context of scripture, women were not allowed in the synagogues. So Jesus was clarifying that females have a right to have a relationship with him and can be used by him, yet not in positions of headship. One cannot nullify one scripture to honor another scripture.
1 Corinthians 12:13 sums it in the best words: “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.” Ask yourself why women were not allowed in the synagogues? Look at what is happening right now in the Body of Christ! Women are exalting themselves above their head, and when they exalt themselves above their head, they exalt themselves above the Word of God.
Colossians 3:10-11 clarifies Galatians 3:28 and substantiates that it does not nullify the man’s position of headship. If that were so then all the scriptures about obedience and submission to one’s own husband would be nullified and we know that it is dangerous to start eliminating certain scriptures from the Canon. If a person doesn’t believe one verse of scripture, they can’t believe any of it. If a person believes a verse of scripture has been tampered with, then they have to conclude all verses of scripture have been tampered with and that the Lord God almighty is not as sovereign as we like to think. However, we know the Lord God almighty is a sovereign all powerful God who has preserved scripture through time and watches over it to perform it. Jeremiah 1:12 declares the Lord “hasten” his word to perform it. If it were tampered with it could not be fulfilled or performed. The word hasten in the (S.C. 8245) means to be alert, sleepless; hence to be on the lookout (whether for good or ill), remain, wake, watch, watch for. The Lord God is the Word and he cannot be tampered with. One example of this is when Jesus was crucified and an accusation was written in John 19:19-22 “Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews.” This was written by Pontias Pilate, a non-believer and a non-Jew.
The Bible declares we are all one in Christ Jesus. We all have access to salvation equally. We all have access to the Holy Ghost and his power. 1 Corinthians 12:12-30 declares, we all have our special place in the Body of Christ, yet we do not all have the same function, purpose, or role, (v. 15-17). The Word of God is not implying male and female roles are or have been eliminated or are not necessary. The Scriptures are clear that the woman is the weaker vessel and needs a covering, 1 Peter 3:7. The word weaker in this passage is (S.C. 772 Gk.) from the base of (4599 Gk.) meaning strengthless (in various applications, literally or figuratively and morally) more feeble, impotent, sick, without strength, weaker, weakness, weak thing). Impotent in the MWCD means incapable of self-restraint: ungovernable [meaning she is more likely to yield to the temptation of the enemy to reposition herself. An example would be Eve in the Garden of Eden, Genesis 3:1-6].
The word sick in the MWCD (p. 1156) is sickened by strong emotion; spiritually or morally unsound or spiritually or morally corrupt. The words more feeble mean markedly lacking in strength, deficient in qualities or resources that indicate vigor, authority, force, or efficiency; inadequate, inferior. The base S.C. 4599 Gk. refers to the man and means bodily vigor; probably akin to the base of S.C. 2476 Gk. which means to strengthen, confirm (in spiritual knowledge and power), strengthen in S.C. 4599 Gk. refers to the strength of the man, and the woman being the weaker of the two. The base of S.C. 2476 Gk. means to stand, establish, hold up, stand by, stand still, and stand up. The word vessel (S.C. 4632 Gk.) means specifically a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband. Why would the adversary attack the woman in the beginning? Apparently, the adversary knows something about the woman’s nature that the woman refuses to admit. Is it pride that keeps women from admitting they are the weaker vessel?
Lastly, 1 Timothy 2:12-14 uses three key words: usurp,deceived, transgression. These words are important in guarding the woman from attacks of the enemy. Usurp in the (S.C. 831 Gk.) means to act of one-self, dominate. In the MWCD it means to take possession of without legal claim or without right; to take or make use of without right; to take the place of by or as if by force: supplant; to seize or exercise authority or possession wrongfully. The word deceived in the (S.C. 538 Gk.) means to cheat, delude. Cheat in the MWCD is to deprive of something valuable by the use of deceit or fraud; to influence or lead by deceit, trick, or artifice; to elude or thwart by or as if by outwitting. Delude in the MWCD means to mislead the mind or judgement of: deceive, trick, frustrate, disappoint, evade, elude. Evade in the MWCD means to elude by dexterity or stratagem; to avoid answering directly: turn aside; to be elusive to: baffle. Elude in the MWCD means to escape the perception, understanding, or grasp of: to avoid adroitly: evade. Adroitly in the MWCD means having or showing skill, cleverness, or resourcefulness in handling situations. Finally, transgression in the (S.C. 3847 Gk.) means violation of breaking [Eve violated the Adamic Covenant]. Again, it is most important that we search the scriptures and line our lives up with the Word of God and make our calling and election sure, 2 Peter 1:10.
All definitions are from the Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary (MWCD), 11th Edition
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