In 1 Timothy 3 the scripture talks about the standard of appointing a man as deacon. Appointing women as   deaconesses   was not mentioned in the scripture. Why? Is it a matter of opinion on our part to appoint women as "deaconesses"? -- Shadrach (Ilorin  Nigeria)

A valid question. Students of church history know that by the 3rd century the office of deaconess had developed. But what does the Bible teach? What was the practice of the first century church?

Most Churches of Christ do not recognize an official position of "deaconess." A possible passage supporting the deaconess concept is Romans 16:1  where Phoebe is said to be a deaconess/servant/minister of the church at Cenchrea. It is not at all clear that this is the female counterpart to the male deacon/servant/minister (depending on the translation) in 1 Timothy 3.

Where the scriptures are silent we need to proceed cautiously. I am afraid we are on shaky ground if we claim the letters of Paul as support for an official office of deaconess.

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