Within the church, only men are to be teachers, preachers, or elders. 1 Tim. 2:11, 12 (ESV) reads, "Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet." In 1 Tim 3:1, the Apostle Paul says, "If a man desire the office of a bishop…" The office of a preacher is designated for men only.
Yet Acts 21:9 speaks of a man who had four daughters "who prophesied." These women were preaching. Again, 1 Cor. 11:5, instructs, "5 But every woman who has her head uncovered while praying or prophesying disgraces her head." These verses teach when a woman prophesies, she should cover her head (to indicate her submission to the Lord's arrangements). How do we harmonize the verses in Timothy with Acts and 1 Corinthians?
The Timothy scriptures are talking about positions in the church. Acts and 1 Corinthians do not specify the locations of the prophesying. It seems reasonable to suggest the prophesying women were doing so outside of formal church settings. They were probably witnessing. It is a joy and privilege for all believers to witness and it seems likely these fine Christian women were preaching the word.
