by Kelly Pelton (written 03 Sept 2024)

If a woman were named the elder (presbyteros)
of the church of Thessalonica, let us say,
you people would claim, "She's just an older female
not holding an office reserved for the men of her day."

You'd explain it away, as in Phoebe the diakonos,
entrusted by Paul to carry his letter to Rome;
she must be a "helper," not holding the office of deacon,
but rather a benefactor based in her home.

Your mind would be closed, as with the apostle Junia,
who had to be "known to" the apostles since she couldn't be one;
God forbid that Bible examples of female church leaders
should change hermeneutics that currently allow for none!

There are a significant several who led in the Bible;
let's factor them in to our scripture interpretation.
No, I cannot find even one named female elder,
but even a few would not end this discrimination.