The Bible Is Clear on the Role of Women

The Bible is pretty plain on the role of women in our society. Like you, I want to submit my beliefs to what Scripture says. When I look at the Bible, here's what I find:

All genders are created in the image of God (Genesis 1)

All genders are ordained by God to rule over and subdue creation (Genesis 1)

Men ruling over women is a sign of creation's curse; when men rule over women, it denies that in Christ, the new creation has come (2 Corinthians 5).

Women helped composed the Old Testament (Miriam and Exodus 15; Hannah and 1 Sam 1-2).

Women are granted leadership positions over Israel (Miriam; Deborah; Jael)

Women are instrumental in bringing revival to Israel, trusted to interpret the law, and instruct the King (2 King 22; 2 Chron 34).

A woman is trusted to be the mother of God (Mary)

Women help compose the New Testament (Luke 1)

A woman is capable of making decisions over her own body and pregnancy without her father or betrothed making decisions for her (Luke 1)

Women give financial leadership to Jesus' ministry (Luke 8)

Women are included as Jesus' disciples (Luke 10)

Women are the first proclaimers of the Gospel (Luke 24). The men, who misunderstand women's roles and abilities, disbelieve the women, being among the first to dismiss the resurrection. (They later repent of this mistake).

The Holy Spirit distributes gifts without regard to gender (Acts 1-2; 1 Cor 12; Romans 12). To emphasize, no listing of spiritual gifts in Scripture makes any distinction that the gifts (particularly of teaching) are distributed by gender.

Women are prophets (Acts 21)

Women take men aside to correct their understand of Scripture (Acts 18)

Phoebe is the first expositor of the book of Romans (Acts 16; those who delivered letters were expected to explain them as well)

Junia is an Apostle, a position of leadership in the church (Acts 16)

Paul calls many women coworkers, and says that those who cowork with him are to be held "in the highest regard" (1 Thess 5)

Women are to pray and prophesy publicly in church (1 Cor 11).

Women are instructed to learn (1 Tim 2:11).

Women are instructed to teach (Titus 2:3).

Women are to be the leaders of the household (1 Tim 5:14).