Are Women Allowed to Preach? What the Bible Says

“In the last days, I will pour out My Spirit on all people… Your sons and daughters will prophesy.” – Acts 2:17 (NIV)

The question of whether women are allowed to preach has sparked passionate debates in churches, seminaries, and social media. Some argue that the Bible forbids women from teaching, while others affirm that God calls both men and women to proclaim His Word.

So what does the Bible really say? Let’s explore this with honesty, humility, and Scripture-based clarity.

What Does "Preaching" Actually Mean?

Before jumping into verses, it’s important to define preaching:

• Preaching (Greek: kērussō) means “to proclaim or herald.”
• Biblically, it includes teaching, prophesying, exhorting, and declaring God’s truth.

If we understand preaching simply as declaring God’s Word to others, we will find that the Bible contains examples of both men and women doing it.

Women Who Spoke for God in the Bible

1. Deborah (Judges 4–5)

• A prophetess and judge of Israel.
• Led military strategy and issued God’s word to Barak and the nation.

2. Huldah (2 Kings 22:14–20)

• A prophetess consulted by King Josiah’s officials.
• Her words led to national repentance.

3. Mary Magdalene (John 20:17–18)

• First person to see the risen Christ.
• Commissioned by Jesus to “Go and tell my brothers…” -the first post-resurrection preacher.

4. Priscilla (Acts 18:26)

• Alongside her husband Aquila, explained the way of God more accurately to Apollos, a male preacher.

5. Philip’s Four Daughters (Acts 21:9)

• All prophesied—publicly declaring the Word under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

Paul’s Writings: What About the Controversial Verses?

Let’s address the two most often-quoted verses against women preaching:

1 Timothy 2:12 (ESV)

“I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet.”

🔍 Context Matters:

• This was written to the Ephesian church, where false teachings and disorder were rampant (1 Tim 1:3–7).
• The instruction may have been specific to a cultural situation, not a universal ban.
• Even in Paul’s time, women like Priscilla were actively teaching.

1 Corinthians 14:34–35

“Let your women keep silent in the churches…”

 Contextual Clues:

• Paul just affirmed women praying and prophesying publicly in 1 Corinthians 11:5.
• Many scholars believe this verse referred to disruptive speech, not all forms of speaking or teaching.

 FAQs

Did Jesus allow women to preach?

Yes. Jesus appeared first to a woman after His resurrection and told her to go and tell. He also affirmed women learning and ministering, like Mary of Bethany and the Samaritan woman.

Can a woman be a pastor according to the Bible?

The Bible doesn’t use the word “pastor” in the same structural way we do today. Leadership roles were often fluid in the early church. Some traditions affirm women in pastoral roles; others reserve that title for men while allowing women to teach.

Are there female apostles in the Bible?

Yes - Junia is referred to in Romans 16:7 as “outstanding among the apostles,” and she was a woman.

 Different Interpretations Within the Church

Christians fall into two broad camps:

View	Belief
Complementarian	Men and women have equal value, but distinct roles—teaching and preaching may be limited to men.
Egalitarian	Men and women are equally gifted and called by God to any role, including preaching, pastoring, and leadership.

What’s Happening Today?

All over the world, God is raising up women who are preaching, teaching, prophesying, and planting churches - and lives are being changed.

Well-known Christian women preachers include:

• Christine Caine
• Priscilla Shirer
• Joyce Meyer
• Jackie Hill Perry
• Deborah Enenche (Nigeria)
• Rev. Funke Felix-Adejumo (Nigeria)

Their ministries are bearing fruit, leading people to Jesus and transforming families and nations.

Final Biblical Reflection

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” – Galatians 3:28

God calls and equips whoever He chooses. If He has called a woman to preach, He will also anoint her to do it well.