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Scripture Topic Guide

Bible Verses About Women Deacons

Early Christian writings do support women deaconesses, but they also limit what those women could do. Clement of Alexandria and the Apostolic Constitutions mention women deacons or deaconesses, and the Apostolic Constitutions says a deaconess was for ministry to women and was not to bless or do the work of presbyters or deacons. A few early writers also refer to deaconesses in church order lists, which shows the role was known by the 3rd century.

At the same time, the strongest passages point to a distinct female office with limited duties, so the evidence is mixed on whether this was the same as male deacons or a separate ministry.

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Key Passages

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How to Study Women Deacons

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Scripture Map

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23 references

Supporting Passages

Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

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

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

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.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

That ye receive her in the Lord, 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.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Because their office was to wait on the sons of Aaron for the service of the house of the LORD, in the courts, and in the chambers, and in the purifying of all holy things, and the work of the service of the house of God;

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

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

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

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

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Beside their manservants and their maidservants, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and they had two hundred forty and five singing men and singing women.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.