03/09/2007 Sabbath Meeting Transcript

Last week I shared part 1 of a study which examines the role of women in the assembly. Tonight will begin part 2 of this study.

If you have not read part 1 of the study, you may not fully grasp what is being spoken of tonight. So I would encourage everyone to read part 1 beforehand. It lays the foundation for everything the following study will be expounding on, and can be found at http://www.eliyah.com/transcripts/

In last week's study, we examined Yahweh's purpose in creating woman and we established that any role she would have in the assembly would need to be understood in light of the purpose for which she was created: to be a 'help' to the man.

We saw that she was not created to be the man's authority figure or spiritual guide. Rather, it was Adam's failure to spiritually lead and Eve/Chawah's desire to rise up out of the place that Yahweh created her to be which resulted in the sad condition we see the world in today.

It was these failures that brought the need for Yahushua the Messiah to come into this world and suffer greatly so that we could be redeemed. We were bought with a price as His bride, and in the same way we are subject to Him and we are owned by Him, so does a husband his wife and she is to be subject to Him.

In the same way a man and woman can be a light to their children when they are following their roles which mirror that of the Messiah and the assembly, so can men and women in the assembly be a light to the world when they are each following their roles. When each are doing their part in the body, it is the best environment for spiritual growth in the assembly.

We cannot separate the role of the man & woman in marriage from the role of each in the body of Messiah. Yahweh created woman with certain gifts that would best enable her to be a 'help' to man. Yahweh created man with certain gifts that would best enable him to lead and have dominion.

These do not change when it comes to the assembly. These gifts compliment each other in the assembly and any efforts to reverse their roles will ultimately result in the same disaster seen in the garden of Eden. An assembly is simply a group of men and women. If a role reversal resulted in disaster between one man and one woman, how much more so in a large group of men and women? Why would anyone think anything different?

Possibly the biggest reason women are not willing to accept this is because of fear of getting hurt in some way. There is often a fear of consequences if the man makes a mistake or error in judgment.

But we must realize that it is a natural consequence that when one in the leadership position makes a mistake, all who are under their authority will suffer.

For instance, when Adam and Eve made their mistake, we (their children) continue to suffer for it. All that was in their dominion suffer to this day. The animals, birds and fish are out there killing each other and suffering every day because of it. The whole earth groans because of it.

Today, when parents make mistakes, the children always suffer for it. It is just the way it is, and we cannot change that. The same is true when a husband makes a mistake. His wife and his children will suffer for it.

In fact, as a brother pointed out last week, a man will also suffer when his wife rejects his authority and tries to rise up against him

So rather than walking in fear, we are called to walk in faith. The wife should not try to take over the lead. The solution is for the wife to pray for her husband, that Yahweh would lead him to make the right decisions. Two wrongs do not make a right. Yahweh is in control and the woman needs to step aside and allow the Spirit to lead her husband.

She should not "play Holy Spirit" and she should not murmur against her husband. Yahweh is working on him so when she complains she is complaining about Yahweh's work in him. Yahweh is working in each one of our lives.

Now this is not to say a wife can never humbly make an appeal, for even Yahweh allows us to appeal to Him to change His mind about something. Moshe appealed to Yahweh many times and Yahweh heard his prayer of intercession. But it was always done in humility and Yahweh's final decision was always accepted without argument. An appeal is never an argument. There is a huge difference.

At the heart of everything is the need for each of us to have a relationship with Yahweh that causes us love Yahweh so much we do not want to fail Him when it comes to what He desires of us.

If each person loves Yahweh as they should, neither will blame the other for their failure to do what Yahweh says

We are each accountable to Yahweh in the end for what we are called to do

Now if a woman is walking in submission to her husband at home, and He is leading according to Yahweh's leading, it will carry over into the assembly as well. If there is a lack of order in the home, then that can also affect the assembly. This is especially true when everyone is gathered together. One example of this is found in the following verse:

1Corinthians 14:34 - Let your women keep silence in the assemblies: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.

1Corinthians 14:35 - And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the assembly.

1Corinthians 14:36 - What? came the word of YAHWEH out from you? or came it unto you only?

1Corinthians 14:36 - What? came the word of YAHWEH out from you? or came it unto you only?

1Corinthians 14:37 - If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of YAHWEH.

This is one of the more controversial passages in scripture. The reason it is so controversial is because it is so contrary to our culture of "liberated" women and weak men.

It isn't controversial at all if we understand why Yahweh created woman to begin with. It isn't controversial at all if we just look at what is said in this verse and accept it.

Numerous explanations have been offered to try and fit this verse into our culture. Some have suggested that because men and women were on opposite sides of the room in those days, a woman would need to ask her husband from a distance and end up disrupting the meeting.

But archaeological discoveries confirm that this was not the custom of that time. In the article entitled Sepphoris Synagogue Mosaic of the Sept/Oct 2000 Biblical Archaeology Review it states, "By now it is widely accepted among scholars that synagogues from the early centuries of the Common Era did not have a separate women’s section."

Others claim there was a "shrieking problem' in the assembly so Paul decided that women should just just to keep quiet. Still others have said that Paul just didn't like women so he wanted to keep them quiet.

Of course, none of these things are mentioned in the verse itself. The truth is, we don't have to look far to find the reason why Paul said what he said. He gave us the reason! Let's look again:

1Corinthians 14:34 - Let your women keep silence in the assemblies: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.

The reason that women are to keep silent in the assembly is because they are "to be under obedience" or as the KJV reads "to be submissive"

So a woman speaking in the assembly is simply not being submissive to the man. For a woman to speak in the assembly is an act of independence, not submissiveness.

The mindset of this generation does not understand how this could possibly be. But remember that from the beginning of creation Yahweh appointed the man to be in a leadership position. The man has the role of guiding the spiritual direction of the family and the assembly.

When a woman asks a question, she is taking it upon herself to guide the assembly with her question. The direction of the assembly from that point will center around her question rather than the assembly being directed by those whom Yahweh Himself appointed to lead, the men.

A woman can actually control the entire group with her questions and take up the entire time of fellowship by asking one question after another. I have personally witnessed this numerous times. All things are to be done decently and in order. If a woman speaks in the assembly, she is either directing the conversation or she is teaching men with her words.

Adam and Eve were perfect and blameless at one time. They were completely without sin. But even then, Eve was tempted and deceived by the serpent. It was Eve's deception and Adam's choice to "hearken/listen unto the voice of his wife" that brought Adam, Eve and all of us to ruin. Should we not learn from this mistake? Men need to stand up and be men.

Men need to fulfill their calling and lead the assembly, their families and indeed all the world into understanding and following the will of Yahweh. 

1Corinthians 14:20 - Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

Remember also we read last week in Numbers that a husband has the authority to annul even a vow spoken by his wife.

Suppose she would have a question that he would prefer not being asked, or make a statement in the meeting that disagreed with his leadership?

That would make for an awkward and disorderly situation

Now it is true that men are also subject to error (of course!) but for one reason or another Yahweh chose men to lead, and we should accept that decision

Ultimately, it is Yahweh that should be leading each one of us

Thus, we men ought to be especially sure that we are in tune with Yahweh's will in all things

1Timothy 2:8 - I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

1Timothy 2:9 - In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

1Timothy 2:10 - But (which becometh women professing reverence) with good works.

These principles need to be heeded today. We need the humility and meekness to pray in faith and without anger or bitterness toward others.

If a woman has a humble heart, it will often manifest itself in the way she dresses.

If she dresses in any way that says, "Look at me!", whether it be through fancy hair and flashy clothes or clothes which draw any attention to the areas of her body that only her (then or future) husband should know about, humility is probably lacking in her heart.

Rather, a humble woman will have a meek and quiet spirit which isn't looking for attention, but would rather be in the background... quietly fulfilling the role that Yahweh has told her to fulfill. Therefore, the next verse says:

1Timothy 2:11 - Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.

1Timothy 2:12 - But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.

1Timothy 2:13 - For Adam was first formed, then Eve.

1Timothy 2:14 - And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.

1Timothy 2:15 - Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.

And again..

1Corinthians 11:8 - For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man.

1Corinthians 11:9 - Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.

These verses confirm everything we have examined up to this point. We didn't need the above verses for us to come to this understanding already. It was evident from the very beginning of creation.

Therefore, the "new testament" writings simply point us back to creation, to temptation and the fall of man in the garden of Eden to prove the point.

A woman can serve and bless the body of Messiah in many wonderful ways, but teaching and leading men is not to be one of them.

This was not and is not her role. In the same way a man was not created to bear and nurse children, a woman was not created to lead or teach men.

It says a woman is saved in childbearing for a reason. It is one of the things Yahweh desires out of woman. Yahweh wants a seed of Elohim and He has blessed woman with the task of bearing that seed and nurturing the little ones into knowing they are loved and Yahweh is love.

When Yahweh was looking for one to bear His only begotten Son, He chose a very humble woman in Miriam/Mary. Let's look at her response to this blessing:

Luke 1:38 - And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of YAHWEH; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

And later she said:

Luke 1:46 - And Mary said, My soul doth magnify YAHWEH,

Luke 1:47 - And my spirit hath rejoiced in Elohim my Saviour.

Luke 1:48 - For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

Miriam/Mary considered herself Yahweh's handmaiden. The Greek word used here means "a female slave". She regarded herself to be Yahweh's slave.

She knew that Yahweh looked upon her "low estate" and decided to bless her.

And Yahweh knew that He didn't have to be concerned with her pride getting in the way of His glory.

She was in her place, loving her role as Yahweh's handmaiden. For this reason she was chosen to be probably the most blessed woman to walk the face of this earth until now.

O women of Yahweh, what blessings does Yahweh have in store for you? Seek to be His handmaidens. Female slaves have no choice, they have to do their master's bidding because they are slaves.

Acts 2:17 - And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith YAHWEH,I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

Acts 2:18 - And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:

So many proud women today claim to have his Spirit and because of this they choose to lead men in the assembly. But it is upon the humble handmaidens who know their place that Yahweh will give it.

You never saw Yahushua's mother taking the role of a teacher and claiming "Look, I was chosen to be Yahushua's mother...you should hear what I have to say". No, she knew very well her place and that is one reason why Yahweh chose to bless her. 

So many will ask at this time, what about Deborah the prophetess?

This generation seeks to justify "women's lib" movement in the assembly by quoting one of the few instances in scripture where Yahweh chose to make a prophetess out of His handmaidens. The most common one referenced is Deborah.

Of all the judges in the book of Judges, none were prophets. But she was a prophetess. For this reason, people who had issues could come to her and she could declare "Thus saith Yahweh" to them.

Let's look at one example of that:

Judges 4:4 - And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time.

Judges 4:5 - And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in mount Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment.

Judges 4:6 - And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedesh-naphtali, and said unto him, Hath not YAHWEH Elohim of Israel commanded, saying, Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun?

Judges 4:7 - And I will draw unto thee to the river Kishon Sisera, the captain of Jabin's army, with his chariots and his multitude; and I will deliver him into thine hand.

Now some have had this idea that in the "Old testament" Yahweh only worked through men, but the "new testament" ushers in a new era where Yahweh will now pour out His Spirit upon both men and women (and not just men).

This is a clearly a false notion. As we can see, Yahweh used women as prophetesses before the "new testament" was written.

Correction..

But the role of a prophet is not necessarily to teach and have authority. The role of a prophet is to speak "Thus saith Yahweh" as the Spirit gives utterance. Deborah informed Barak what Yahweh had spoken, and Barak listened and assembled the army of ten thousand at his command.

However, the lack of faithful men at that time is revealed here when Barak lacks the confidence to go without Deborah:

Judges 4:8 - And Barak said unto her, If thou wilt go with me, then I will go: but if thou wilt not go with me, then I will not go.

His unmanly fears and threat to not go without her seems to indicate a lack of confidence in Yahweh's words. And so Deborah informed him of the consequence:

Judges 4:9 - And she said, I will surely go with thee: notwithstanding the journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honour; for YAHWEH shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman. And Deborah arose, and went with Barak to Kedesh.

So Deborah submitted to Barak's decision and went with him. However, she let him know that Yahweh was going to give the honor of victory to a woman.

In light of Barak's demand that a woman go with him, it seems appropriate that Yahweh would take away any honor of victory from him and give it to a woman. However, that woman was not Deborah; it was a woman by the name of Jael.

If you continue to read the story, you'll see that Jael ended up killing Sisera with a tent peg while he slept. Nevertheless, Deborah was joyful that Barak was at least willing to go and fulfill Yahweh's word. For when the victory was complete, Deborah sang:

Judges 5:2 - When leaders lead in Israel, When the people willingly offer themselves, Bless Yahweh!

Judges 5:3 - Hear, O kings! Give ear, O princes! I, even I, will sing to Yahweh; I will sing praise to Yahweh Elohim of Israel.

Judges 5:4 - Yahweh, when You went out from Seir, When You marched from the field of Edom, The earth trembled and the heavens poured, The clouds also poured water;

Judges 5:5 - The mountains gushed before Yahweh, This Sinai, before Yahweh Elohim of Israel.

Judges 5:6 - In the days of Shamgar, son of Anath, In the days of Jael, The highways were deserted, And the travelers walked along the byways

Judges 5:7 - Village life ceased, it ceased in Israel, Until I, Deborah, arose, Arose a mother in Israel.

Judges 5:8 - They chose new gods; Then there was war in the gates; Not a shield or spear was seen among forty thousand in Israel.

Judges 5:9 - My heart is with the rulers of Israel Who offered themselves willingly with the people. Bless Yahweh!

Out of her own mouth Deborah rejoiced "when leaders lead" and that her "heart is with the rulers of Israel".

This proves that she was not the leader and ruler, for she declared that her heart was with those that were--and she rejoiced when they led!

So Yahweh's Spirit was upon this humble handmaiden of Yahweh who knew her place. In this case, it was in the role of a prophetess who spoke "thus saith Yahweh" so that the men would know what Yahweh had planned.

In this, it was not a woman teaching but it was Yahweh speaking. In this role, she is not repeating the mistake in the garden of Eden by questioning or casting doubt on Yahweh's words.

Rather, Yahweh's direct words are being spoken!

Speaking "thus saith Yahweh" is not the same as interpreting and expounding upon the scriptures, or leading an assembly in a certain direction.

Deborah was a humble handmaiden of Yahweh who recognized that the men were the ones appointed by Yahweh to be in the leadership role. She never rose up to be a leader or ruler over Israel but only spoke the word of Yahweh like a prophetess.

It was Yahweh that brought Barak to overthrow Jabin and it was Deborah who rejoiced when the leaders were willing to lead! 

Yahweh Himself declared how unfit it is for women to be in the leadership role:

Isaiah 3:12 - As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths.

Yahweh never intended women to be rulers any more than He intended children to be oppressors. Even so, many still seek out scriptures to support the opposite. 

A scripture commonly used to support the view that men and women can be co-teachers in the Assembly is when Aquila and Priscilla took Barnabas aside to teach him a more correct way of understanding:

Acts 18:24 - And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.

Acts 18:25 - This man was instructed in the way of YAHWEH; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of YAHWEH, knowing only the baptism of John.

Acts 18:26 - And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of YAHWEH more perfectly.

Aquila and Priscilla were a husband and wife team that proclaimed ministered in various ways. They were Paul's traveling companions (Acts 18:18) and at some point had an assembly in their house (1Cor 16:19).

In this instance they saw that Barnabas was in need of a more accurate explanation of the way of Elohim.

Is there anything in this verse which would prove that Priscilla did not walk in her role as a help-meet and support to her husband? Prominent Greek Scholar A.T. Robertson makes the following comment about the word translated "took him aside" (KJV "took him unto them") in this scripture.

Act 18:26 - They took him unto them (proselabonto). Second aorist middle (indirect) indicative of proslambanô, old verb, to their home and heart as companion (cf. the rabbis and the ruffians in 17:5). Probably for dinner after service. 

Note that it seems likely that Barnabas was invited to their home. Since correcting Barnabas would take some time to do, it seems reasonable to suggest that they met for dinner. The New International Version translates verse 24 the following way: 

Acts 18:26 (NIV) He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of Elohim more adequately.

In such a situation, it would only make sense that Priscilla prepared the meals and did other support duties while Aquila took on the role of teaching. They functioned together as a ministry to the saints and there is nothing here which proves that Priscilla was teaching or having authority over Apollos.

Yahweh gave special roles to the husband and wife and when both of them are walking in those roles as a ministry team it is a beautiful picture of exactly how things are supposed to be.

Another scripture commonly used by those who seek to justify the 'women's lib' movement in the assembly is Romans 16:7...

Romans 16:7 - Greet Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in the Messiah before me.

Some have said that this verse proves Andronicus and Junia are "among the apostles" with "Junia" being a female.

However, it does not say that they were apostles. Rather, it says they were 'of note' among the apostles. In other words, they were notable and highly esteemed in the eyes of the apostles.

The Greek grammar will also support this understanding according to various Greek scholars such A.T. Robertson (See Robertson's Word Pictures).

But even if they were apostles, it is unclear whether "Junia" (Grk. Junias) is a masculine or feminine name. 

Another scripture commonly quoted is:

Galatians 3:27 - For as many of you as were baptized into the Messiah have put on the Messiah.

Galatians 3:28 - There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in the Messiah Yahushua.

What is sometimes concluded from the above verse is a woman is 'equal' to men and can assume the role of the man in the assembly. But is this what it is really saying?

Since there is neither male nor female in Messiah, would it be okay for a man to behave as a female and put on pretty dresses?

Or does Yahweh make it so that men can now bear children?

Obviously, the fact that we are all "one in Messiah Yahushua" does not negate the roles Yahweh has given each of us since creation. Men should still be men and women should still be women.

It is the warped and perverted minds of this generation that want to even go so far as to let men marry men and women marry women. I assure you that the acceptance of homosexuality and lesbianism is in many ways a product of the "women's lib" mindset.

So what was really meant when it says we are all "one in Messiah Yahushua?" 

Let's examine another scripture where 'oneness' is spoken of:

John 17:20 - Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

(That's Yahushua praying for us)

John 17:21 - That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

Yahushua prayed that we would all be one. Notice that He also prayed that we would be "one" as the Father is "one" with the Son.

In fact, He prayed that we would be "one" with the Father and the Son when He said "that they may be one in us."

Does our oneness with Yahushua and Yahweh mean that we are Yahweh and Yahushua's equal when it comes to authority? Does it mean that we can be their leader?

Are we living the role we were created to live if we chose to exercise authority over Yahushua or Yahweh? Of course not.

As the body of Messiah, our oneness with one another does not take away the purpose for which we were created. We are to be one in purpose, and will and thought... with Yahweh.

As the body of Messiah, our oneness with one another does not take away the purpose for which we were created. We are to be one in purpose, and will and thought... with Yahweh.

When we are "one" in Yahweh and in Yahushua, we are "one" with each other as well! We are all "one body". Each member of the body performs different tasks. The hand does not perform the same task as the foot. The fingers do not perform the same task as the legs.

Woman was not created to lead men any more than we were created to lead Yahushua.

The fact is, if a woman chooses to take over the role of a man, she is actually tearing down the oneness in the body. She is making the mistake of Eve in the garden and tearing down the order required for oneness to occur.

1Corinthians 11:3 - But I would have you know, that the head of every man is the Messiah; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of the Messiah is YAHWEH.

This is not to say that women are inferior to men. Let me repeat this, I am not saying that women are inferior to men! I am simply pointing out that it is unscriptural to say men and women have the exact same roles in the body of the Messiah.

Scripture simply does not teach this. I do believe that we are all spiritually equal to one another in the eyes of Yahweh, but men and women have different duties in the body of Yahushua. And they are all important if we only open our eyes and see the needs! The needs are great, but the laborers are few:

Luke 10:2 - Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Master of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

The need is great for laborers. And I don't mean just male laborers. Just as men are needed, the body of Messiah needs women who are willing to accept their role in the assembly and learn to walk therein.

Yahushua is looking for handmaidens who are meek, quiet, chaste, homemakers who are submissive to their husbands. He is seeking those who are willing to take the less visible role in the body that will be greatly rewarded at the resurrection of the just.

Women may ask, "What can I really do for others?" This is a good question! So let's examine some scriptures which may shed light into a woman's role in the assembly. Let's first examine the role of a woman in the assembly who is a "deaconess":

Matthew 27:55 - And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Yahushua from Galilee, ministering unto him:

You might be surprised that I said "deaconess". But the word translated "ministering" in this verse is indeed the same Greek word translated "Deacon" in other verses.

We can be sure that these women were not operating in the role of leadership over Yahushua the Messiah or the twelve disciples. Therefore, just because a woman might be a "deaconess" in the body of Messiah, it does not mean she leads or teaches the men. Paul also mentions women who are doing the same:

Romans 16:1 - I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the assembly which is at Cenchrea:

Romans 16:2 - That ye receive her in YAHWEH, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.

Sister Phoebe was a great 'help' to Paul and many others. We can be sure that she wasn't Paul's leader or teacher. Phoebe would have been ministering in various ways which would support and help the brethren in their work for Yahweh. What kinds of things would a deaconess be doing? Let's examine another verse which uses the same word "diakoneo/deacon":

Luke 8:1 - And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of YAHWEH: and the twelve were with him,

Luke 8:2 - And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,

Luke 8:3 - And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.

The same Greek (#1247 diakoneo/deacon) word is used here, which is translated "ministered". The word translated "substance" is #5224 which means possessions, goods, and wealth. It is also used in other verses such as:

Luke 19:8 - And Zacchehu stood, and said unto Yahushua; Behold, Rabbi, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.

It is translated "goods" in this verse. Another example:

Luke 14:33 - So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

These women were indeed forsaking what they had and using their goods to serve Yahushua. It doesn't give specifics but I'm sure they were providing clothing, food and whatever other needs there might be to support Yahushua in a manner that would be a 'help' to him. They were not teaching or leading men, for women were not created to lead men. 

Another example of this is Simon Kepha's mother:

Luke 4:38 - And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house. And Simon's wife's mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her.

Luke 4:39 - And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them.

"She rose and served/ministered to them". I think we can be certain that she wasn't expounding on the scriptures and leading Yahushua and the apostles. She was serving in other ways such as cooking/preparing meals for the guests of her home. We can find other such examples in scripture:

Acts 9:36 - Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

Acts 9:37 - And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.

Acts 9:38 - And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Kepha was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.

Acts 9:39 - Then Kepha arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.

Dorcas was known and loved as a woman full of good works. We see that one of the evidences of this was the coats and garments made by her.

She gave of her time and of her substance, and much like the women who followed Yahushua, she was a blessing to the assembly. Even so it ought to be among us.

Women have an important and needed role in the assembly. Maybe the need for clothing-makers isn't as great today. But I can tell you from experience that there is a great need for women to make tassels (Tsit tsiyot). My daughter Kara is overwhelmed with requests for sets of Tassels.

There are many needs in the assembly if women would simply look for them and pray about what Yahweh would have them to do. Those that are still single (but desire not to be) might even find themselves a man of Yahweh to marry if they would make themselves useful in the body of Messiah. 

Women can minister in many, many ways. Let's take a look at another example:

1Timothy 5:9 - Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,

1Timothy 5:10 - Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.

A woman taking her role in serving the body of Messiah is so important, that she is not considered to be 'taken into the number' of those that are widows unless she is 'well reported for good works'. What are some of the works? Let's examine each of the ones mentioned here. 

The first one mentioned is bringing up children. You might not think of this is an act of service or ministry to the assembly, but again we cannot separate the ministry of family and the assembly. Your children are part of the assembly also, and the way they are raised will have a powerful affect on the assembly.

They are the first and most important ministry and should not take second place to others. Again, I say to you: Motherhood is a ministry to the body of Messiah!

Women have a very important role as mothers and without it, the home will most likely fail. When the home fails, the whole assembly fails. When the assembly is full of failed and broken homes, you have a failed and broken assembly.

Anytime an assembly tries to convey itself as having unity, while the homes in that assembly are full of women who do not submit to their husbands.. it is not true! Don't believe it for a second.

For if the homes aren't in unity, then neither is the assembly

And when a home is not in Yahweh's order of things, neither is an assembly of homes that is not in Yahweh's order.

But when an assembly is full of homes which are in order, dedicated to serving and loving one another...then you have an assembly of great power and glory.

Then you have an assembly that is an accurate and beautiful example of the Messiah and the assembly to all the world. The behavior of men and women at home affects the assembly because the assembly is simply the people therein!

Therefore:

Proverbs 14:1 - Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.

A woman can tear down or build up her home, and thus an assembly. She tears down by dishonoring her husband, fighting her husband, and trying to lead her husband. She builds up by being an example to her children of how to submit to authority, how to honor authority and how to live in humility when she honors, submits and remains humble before her husband.

The children can learn how to be a rebel against authority like satan, or how to be a child of Yahweh through her example. Daily, she has the choice of whether she will give into the same temptation as Eve or walk in the role that Yahweh created her to walk in.

There is much more to say regarding motherhood. A full study on this subject can be found at http://www.eliyah.com/family/mothers.html.

The second thing we see is "if she has washed the saints feet". Since we mostly ride in automobiles and mostly wear full shoes and even socks today, we don't really have this issue. However, washing the feet of someone is a very humbling thing to do.

Think back to the time they were living. Both people and animals traveled the roads in Israel. Because their feet would have been covered with dirt and animal dung, they would want to make sure their feet were washed before they entered a home.

This goes to show that that a woman must let go of her dignity and pride in order to fulfill her role in the body of Messiah. Even Yahushua Himself washed the feet of His disciples as an example of the kind of attitude we should have. 

The third thing we see is "if she has lodged strangers". Providing for others in this way can be a very self-denying and stressful activity. Keeping the visitors fed, the home clean, making sure they are comfortable and have all their needs met can all add up to a significant act of service. Here are a few examples:

Hebrews 13:1 - Let brotherly love continue.

Hebrews 13:2 - Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so [doing] some have unwittingly entertained angels.

The word translated "entertain" means "to receive as a guest". Lydia of Thyatira did this for Paul and those with him:

Acts 16:14 - And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped YAHWEH, heard us: whose heart YAHWEH opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.

Acts 16:15 - And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to YAHWEH, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.

1Peter 4:9 - Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.

Being able to take care of guests is an important need in the body of Messiah. A woman should be very attentive to their needs. In fact, everyone in the home should be as well. Consider the example of the household of Stephanas:

1Corinthians 16:15 - I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)

Stephanas' entire household was devoted to ministering to the saints. Even so ought it to be among us! Too often, everyone is too self absorbed to pay much attention to the needs of the body of Messiah. But when the whole family serves the body--- the mother, the father, and even the children---then not only will Yahweh reward everyone greatly, but you also will leave a legacy and example that can live on for many generations. There is a reason why the child

The third and fourth item on the list is "if she has relieved the afflicted" and "if she has diligently followed every good work". When I read this, I am reminded of Yahushua's words regarding the afflicted:

Matthew 25:31 - When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:

Matthew 25:32 - And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:

Matthew 25:33 - And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.

Matthew 25:34 - Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

Matthew 25:35 - For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

Matthew 25:36 - Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

Matthew 25:37 - Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, master, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

Matthew 25:38 - When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?

Matthew 25:39 - Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

Matthew 25:40 - And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

When the needs of the body of Messiah are fulfilled by us, much like the holy women who 'ministered to Him of their substance", we are ministering to Yahushua Himself.

There are so many needs in the body of Messiah besides "teaching" and "leading"! When these needs are neglected and ignored, we are failing to minister to Yahushua Himself.

Matthew 25:44 - Then shall they also answer him, saying, master, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?

Matthew 25:45 - Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.

Matthew 25:46 - And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Remember, not even Yahushua Himself was immune to this principle of serving others:

Matthew 20:27 - And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:

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.

Yahushua wasn't focused on being served, but was focused on serving others. I think it is safe to say he wasn't spending all of his time sewing clothing or cooking food, though there would have been nothing wrong with Him doing that and He did provide fish for them more than once. But Yahushua served by teaching and leading His disciples to the way of eternal life.

He served by laying down His life in many ways for each one of them. He served in the ways that Yahweh desired him to serve. The same is true of women in the body.

While they are not called to teach or lead men, there are innumerable ways that they can serve others! Again, just pray about what Yahweh would have you to do and seek it out. Perhaps ask another person you see serving the body if there is anything you can do to help. There always is, for the work is endless! 

Helping and supporting the men, relieving the afflicted, the hungry, and the weak. These kinds of works are Yahweh's desire for women (and also men) to fulfill in the Assembly.

We are an army. An army of Yahweh. Every army not only needs the troops, but also those doing the background work such as providing the meals, helping with the supplies and so on. Any army which did not have the support from other sources would fail miserably in battle.

Sisters, the troops are always in need of your support. The tasks may not be so well seen of men, but they are just as important.

The hidden works that are done behind the scenes will be seen by Yahweh and the day will come when Yahweh will reward you openly for your humble service to Him.

Mark 10:31 - But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.

So while the purpose of women has never been to teach or lead men, you can in many ways minister to the men who are proclaiming and teaching the good news of the kingdom. Women can guide and teach their children the way of righteousness.

The older women can teach the younger women as well, as we see in this scripture

Titus 2:1 - But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:

Titus 2:2 - That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.

Titus 2:3 - The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

Titus 2:3 - The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

Titus 2:4 - That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

Titus 2:5 - To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of YAHWEH be not blasphemed.

There is a great need for older women to teach the younger ones these very principles. Surely we don't want the word of Yahweh to be blasphemed!? This scripture clearly indicates that when a woman fails to love her husband and children, fails to be discreet (self-controlled), a homemaker (as opposed to working outside the home), good and obedient to their own husbands.. the word of Yahweh is blasphemed

It is so important that Yahweh wants the older women to teach the younger these principles.

Yahweh knows our tendencies, doesn't He? May Yahweh's word be magnified among us, and never, ever blasphemed.

So who will be the hidden servants in the background who minister to others? Might there be more women than men in Yahweh's kingdom for this reason? I would not be surprised in the least.

Matthew 23:11 - But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

Let's seek to be the greatest in the kingdom by being the servant of all.

Think for a moment, who is the greatest of all? Is it not the Heavenly Father? And indeed He is indeed the greatest Servant.

For He is constantly serving us! He has given us everything we have. Our life, all of creation around us and indeed He withheld not His only begotten Son from us so that we might be saved. When we pray, we ask Him to do things for us...and He so often does! Who is the greatest servant? Is it not Father Yahweh?

And Yahushua said:

John 5:198 -

John 5:19 - Then answered Yahushua and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.

Yahushua is our example. He lives in us and desires to do what His Father has done in Him: Serving!

What are you doing for the kingdom? What are you doing for the body of Messiah? Men, rise up and serve! Women, rise up and serve! Let each of us serve one another, considering one another better than ourselves.

Let's leave the self-centered mindset of this world and seek the Yahushua-centered life. A life of humble service to all. This is what Yahushua requires of us. If He is indeed living in us, He will do those works in us that He did while on the earth.

Men, do not be fearful cowards! Cowards will not enter in the kingdom!

Revelation 21:8 - "But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death."

Women, rally behind the men and encourage them in their work! Men, show appreciation for the much-needed service of women! Love them, encourage them, bless them!

When each member of Messiah is working in their proper work, the true "body" of Yahushua is revealed and there is much power! The fullness of what Yahweh intended for Man and Women at creation will be at work. Both inside and outside the home, let's be that light, shall we?

Matthew 5:14 - Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

Matthew 5:15 - Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

Matthew 5:16 - Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

May the light always shine in our homes so that all who are in our house are given light. May our homes grow into a city of lighted homes on a hill, Yerushalayim, which cannot be hidden, but are used by Yahweh to draw all men to Himself.

For we are the body of Messiah. Each of us are members of one another. We all need each other to function together in oneness and harmony with Yahweh.

Let's cease from hindering the oneness by allowing the culture and spirit of this world to influence us. Let's always seek to let the Spirit of Yahweh dwell in us, that we might one day hear these words:

Matthew 25:21 - His master said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy master.

For the joy that is set before us...

and for the love of Yahweh...

may we always be the faithful servants that Yahweh has appointed us to be....

serving Him and serving one another, each of us fulfilling our purpose in Him.

Seek out His purpose for Your life. He wants to show you great and wonderful things. As you do so, may Yahweh bless you and have mercy on us all!