”Women likewise reverent, not slanderous, sober, faithful in all things.”
-This could be referring to either women deacons or deacon’s wives. The word is interchangable, and commentators are divided as to which is a better translation - however, in the next verse the same word is clearly wife. If that means anything. The challenge of determining what Paul is addressing here stems from the fact that deaconesses as a class of official church leaders are not mentioned anywhere else in the NT, yet Paul takes the time in this verse to unpack qualities for women in the context of doing so for deacons. He did not do any such thing in the previous section for the wives of overseers, so it is reasonable to assume that he would not go on and do that for the wives of an arguably lesser office. Based on the available information however, it is probably not wise to take up a dogmatic position as to what Paul is referring here.
-The question is not whether women can and are allowed to serve in the church, as if there were no biblical precedent whatsoever. Scripture is full of wonderful examples of women serving in the church and in the family of God. Phoebe is cited as a prime example (Romans 16.1), where she is in fact actually referred to as a deacon, or servant. Paul in that same letter also mentions Prisca, Mary and Tryphaena as women who are serving the Lord (Romans 16.3, 16.6, 16.12). Remember, the word in the Greek (diakonos) can mean deacon or servant (or minister)(Matthew 20.26, 22.13; John 2.5; Ephesians 3.7; Philippians 1.1). Clearly, all those who are in the family of God are intended to serve and do their part (1Corinthians 12.5-7, Ephesians 4.12, 1Peter 4.10), so in one sense all believers are called to be “deacons”, at least to function as such. But the question could become whether or not there is a third class of church officers comprised of women (or perhaps merely a co-ed class of servant-leaders functioning under the headship of the overseers?), and is Paul listing some qualifications for them, or is he describing what should be true of the wives of deacons? Some fairly point out that Paul most likely would have said “their wives” if he was in fact thinking of their wives, and that possessive pronoun is missing. Which argues in favor of Paul addressing women deacons. And yet the return in the next verse to clearly addressing male deacons without thought of female counterparts then becomes awkard and would seem to suggest that Paul decided to simply focus some special attention on the wives of the deacons in this verse. Again, one can (and many do) make a case for either. Nevertheless, if all women who follow Jesus are to be equipped for the ministry of serving, the same as men, Paul’s thoughts here are still instructive... Maybe the real question then becomes, to which qualities should all Christian women aspire?
-Reverent. Same standard as for men (1Timothy 3:8). And for children (1Timothy 3.4). The same healthy respect and reverent fear of the Lord which comport with any and all who name the name of Jesus. Over and over again Paul has mentioned this quality as one which should be true of God’s people, every last one of them growing in the applied understanding that God is great and holy and should be treated and represented accordingly. Not to be trifled with.
-Not slanderous. The word is diabolos. Yes, the same word which is the name for the devil. I.e. don’t be a she-devil. It means to throw across. False accusations. Slander. Verbally critical of others in a way which tears them down or maligns their character. Are women more prone to this? Is that why Paul mentions it here? Men’s words apparently are more apt to be duplicitous (1Timothy 3.8), whereas women perhaps are more apt to be critical? But surely men and women alike are never more like the devil than when we hurl and hide in our interpersonal communication. Speaking the truth in love, Paul says (Ephesians 4.15). Let your speech always be with grace, he says (Colossians 4.6). Let no rotten word come out of your mouth, he says - only what is good for building up (Ephesians 4.29). And in truth, not only women but all those who profess to follow Jesus are under orders to bridle their tongue, that restless evil (James 3.8-10) - to bless and not curse (Romans 12.4).
-Sober. Same as for overseers. This again is the ability to say yes to the Lord and no to self, to the flesh, to the heart which wants something other than what the Lord wants. Yes, we all God’s people need to be able to say no to the world and the flesh, but this can look different for different folks, and perhaps for women as well? This is the opposite of intoxicated - where alcohol (or something other than) is in control and calling the shots, as it were. Anger. Depression. Need for control. Fear. Worry. Self-image and comparison. Riches and baubles and stuff - many are the things which can intoxicate a woman’s heart. And mine. Rather, let’s be intoxicated with Jesus...
-Faithful in all things. Infidelity, that stab in the back which cuts like no other. Let’s have none of that then. It’s like Samwise Gamgee - you are not getting rid of me, Frodo Baggins, come heck or high water. I am going to Mordor with you. Surely these daughters of Eve, the one who was designed to be the perfect partner, should and must express this best in how they remain faithful. Partners don’t leave. Partners don’t let you down. So, faithful in relationships - with the Lord, with each other, with their husbands and children. Faithful in responsibilities - in the home, in the church, in the workplace. Reliable. Trustworthy. Those who inspire confidence. It can actually have a passive meaning - trustworthy - or an active one - trusting. Always trustworthy, always trusting. Easy peasy! No pressure... :)
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