I can talk about context, culture, and linguistics all I want, but none of that matters if there isn’t evidence directly in the Bible to support it. Thankfully we do have many stories and examples of women teachers.
First we have the story of Deborah. Deborah is the only female judge in the Bible. During her time the Israelites were under the cruel rule of Sisera and Jabin of Canaan. Deborah would help solve the problems of the Israelites and prophecy for God. After a warrior named Barak insisted she went with him to battle, Deborah agreed. She prophesied that the victory of the Battle would go to a woman, not Barak. After the battle Sisera fled and went to the tent of Jael, a woman who killed him. Deborah’s prophecy was fulfilled. This story shows God using a woman in a way that was normally reserved for men. She did her part and praised God through it all.
Next is a woman mentioned in the new church after Christ’s death. This is Phoebe. She is mentioned by Paul in Romans 16:1-2 “I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.” The fact that Paul referred to her as a deacon could imply that she had some kind of special role in the church, but it also could just mean she was a trusted and well known member. Either way, Paul speaks very highly of her.
Finally, I want to talk about the strongest story for the case of women preachers, Priscilla. Priscilla was the wife of Aquila and a great friend of Paul’s. Priscilla aided in teaching Apollos to more accurately teach about the Bible. We see Apollos taking Priscilla’s teaching very well, even though she is a woman.
Many times we not only see Paul learning from and partnering with women, but we see God use women in amazing ways, and we see Jesus treat women with great respect. Whether or not you agree with me on whether women can be pastors or not, you have to recognize their importance in the Bible.