Women in the Church: Biblical and Historical Perspectives

by Everett Ferguson

Dr. Everett Ferguson has made substantial revisions in this second edition of Women in the Biblical and Historical Perspectives. In chapter one, he writes in detail regarding the New Testament texts concerning women's roles in the assembly of the church. In chapter two, Dr. Ferguson explores the evidence from early church history concerning these same roles in the assembly. In chapter three, he addresses doctrinal considerations in light of the New Testament texts and the witness of early church history. Items completely new to the second edition include the Foreword by Dr. Ron Highfield, Endorsements by five others, and a Scripture Index. Note the additional Endorsement from Dan "Dr. Everett Ferguson’s scholarship is always a blessing to the church, but this revised edition of Women in the Church is a special gift. At a time when many are reevaluating the roles of women, his book provides careful biblical guidance and comprehensive historical perspectives. I pray it will find a wide reception."Dan Williams, Ph.D.Vice-President for Church RelationsHarding University

Genres: Church History

131 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Shane Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short 125 page 3-chapter read, is thorough, engaging, and convincing. Ferguson explores the biblical teachings of the New Testament on the widely criticized Scriptures regarding the role women play in the worship assembly of church.

The scriptures are absolute in defining what a women can and cannot do within the worship assembly. Ferguson spends the first chapter examining 1 Corinthians 11, 14, and 1 Timothy 2:1-15. The second chapter is devoted to the historical context and evidence regarding how women were viewed in the culture. As a bible student, I found chapter 2 to be the most fascinating because I had the wrong preconceived notion that women were looked down upon by men, viewed as inferior. Ferguson demonstrates that some conservative view points of women did exist among the Jews (e.g., Plutarch, Josephus), but Pagan cults/religions, and Roman government allowed women to seek and hold leadership roles. Taking the position that Paul was prescribing women to be “silent” during the worship assembly because women had no voice during the 1st century is not true. I no longer find the argument that the culture oppressed women to be a convincing argument for why the New Testament Scriptures forbid women to lead the church. The 3rd chapter are Ferguson’s doctrinal recommendations based on the evidence and exegesis study of chapters 1 and 2.

The Bible clearly affirms the spiritual equality of men and women - Galatians 3:28 demonstrates we’re all equal in Christ Jesus. However, it defines different roles and functions for men and women. Just liked the created order exists with Adam created first and Eve from Adam, so the church has an order that follows from the beginning with men leading the congregation in worship. Women are extraordinary evangelists, missionaries, martyrs, and servants in Christ church. Men must help and assist them in continuing this legacy.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is primarily for an audience in the noninstrumental Churches of Christ, although it is a useful resource for other Evangelical churches. Ferguson defends the view that St. Paul did forbid women from taking a leadership role in the assembly of the church in the relevant passages in I Corinthians and I Timothy (assuming it was written by Paul--that should not matter since it has been received by the church as canonical and thus authoritative). Ferguson notes that there was ample precedent in Greco-Roman culture for women as priests, thus it was significant that St. Paul was actually being countercultural in opposing such roles for women. To ascribe St. Paul's opponents' views to Paul himself, as is the fashion in "modern" hermeneutics, twists Paul's language to the limit in trying to squeeze him into contemporary egalitarian ideology. Jesus' choice of male apostles was significant in light of the Hellenistic world's acceptance of females in high religious offices and suggests, as Ferguson says, that this was an intentional choice.

I highly recommend this book for its intended audience, and even traditional Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, and continuing Anglican Christians can profit from reading it.

[Adrian & Sandy Rankin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rankinstein

This is definitely a controversial issue in the church, and this writing does a great job in anticipating the questions manyask, and is very clear in how it answers them. The points presented are short and simple, making it easy to see the writers points clearly.

[Ben · Rating 1 out of 5]

Overall, I think the book has a bad view of women, does not take modern hermeneutics seriously, and makes a misguided, definitive judgement on the issue far too quickly--this book is less than 100 pages on an issue that deserves more attention. Nevertheless, if you're looking for a book that assures you of your own convictions, this is for you.