Female Deacons?

The Issue

A term in 1 Tim 3:11 may be variously rendered as “the women”, “their wives” or “deaconesses”.

"(Γυναῖκας) likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things."

One's interpretation of this term may naturally lead them to a conclusion whether women are eligible or ineligible for the office.

Logically, I see four possible views. Two theoretical, and two contended:

Women
- These are requirements for all women
Deaconesses
- These are standards for deaconesses, a distinct office from male deacons
Female deacons
- These are standards for female deacons, in addition to the requirements for male deacons
Their wives
- These are standards for deacons’ wives

Consideration

1. The Women

It is untenable that Paul is describing requirements for all women. “Woman” is not an office, and one does not cease being a woman when not “dignified”, "sober-minded, faithful in all things” etc. Womanhood is intrinsic to the daughters of Eve.

2. Deaconesses

A theoretical view that a deaconess is a different office with different requirements than a deacon. I have never actually encountered this view, but certain denominations like the E&R have employed “deaconesses” in Deaconesses’ homes as something like a convent of nuns, devoted to some charitable activity like foster care. (Read more)

This view does not make contextual sense either. Vss. 8, 9 and 10 would have to be about male deacons, v. 11 about female deaconesses, and v. 12 back to men (husband of one wife). To reiterate, Verse 8 introduces deacons "likewise" after the qualifications for overseers. Verse 11 introduces women "likewise" after the qualifications for deacons.

3. Female Deacons

A deacon who happens to be female, not a distinct office from male deacons.

As before, this reading can not make contextual sense of the fact that different requirements are listed, starting with the same introduction and same first requirement.

v. 8: “Deacons likewise must be dignified …”

v. 11: “(Female deacons/The women) likewise must be dignified …”

3 reasons we know these two verses refer to different persons:

The term “likewise”, introducing a new set of requirements. The set is similar to the last, but distinct.
The repetition of “dignity”. If these requirements were simply in addition to those in v. 8, “dignity” would be redundant.
The difference in the following requirements. The requirements for elder and deacon differ, so do the requirements for deacons and their wives.

4. Their (Deacons') Wives

This is the preference of the ESV.

Opponents (cf John Macarthur) say “a wife isn’t an office”, but if you keep reading it makes perfect sense: “Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well.”

The standard for deacons’ wives is relevant when selecting deacons precisely because they reflect on the quality of the man of the house. Thus, “their wives” not “the wives”.

Only this view can make sense of v. 12, can read the verses in natural sequence, and can explain the need for several requirements.

Opposition to this view seems to come from a general egalitarianism in culture, where differences between the sexes are diminished. A simple case of eisegesis.