The early Christians had much to say about the equality of women with men in both nature and salvation. However, this is what they had to say about the role of women in the Lord's Congregation:
Clement of Alexandria, c. 195, E
Paul did not hesitate to mention his "companion" in one of his epistles. . . . He says in his epistle, "Do I not have the right to take along a sister-wife, as do the other apostles?" However, the other apostles, in harmony with their particular ministry, devoted themselves to preaching without any distraction. Their spouses went with them, not as wives, but as sisters, in order to minister to housewives.Tertullian, c. 198, W
But the woman of pertness, who has usurped the power to teach, will of course not give birth for herself likewise to a right of baptizing! . . . For how credible would it seem, that he who has not permitted a woman even to learn with over-boldness, should give a female the power of teaching and of baptizing! He says, "Let them be silent and consult their husbands at home."Tertullian, c. 207, W
Paul instructs women to be silent in the church, not speaking for the mere sake of learning. In doing so, he goes to the Law for his authority that women should be under obedience. However, when he veils the woman who prophesies, he demonstrates that even they have the right of prophesying.Tertullian, c. 207, W
It is not permitted to a woman to speak in the church, nor to teach, baptize, offer, or to claim to herself a lot in any manly function, not to mention the priestly office.Cyprian, c. 250, W
A woman should be silent in the church. In the first Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians: "Let women be silent in the church. But if any wish to learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home." Also to Timothy: "Let a woman learn with silence, in all subjection. But I do not permit a woman to teach, nor to be set over the man, but to be in silence."Apostolic Constitutions, compiled c. 390, E
We do not permit out women "to teach in the church." Rather, they are only permitted to pray and hear those who teach. For Jesus Himself, our Master and Lord, when He sent our the twelve to make disciples of the people and of the nations, nowhere sent out women to preach—even though there was no lack of women available. For there were with Him the mother of our Lord and His sisters; Mary Magdalene; Mary, the mother of James; Martha and Mary, the sisters of Lazarus; Salome; and certain others. . . . For "the head of the wife is the man," and it is not reasonable that the rest of the body should govern the head.
I challenge any individual (such as Frank Viola, Jon Zens, etc.) to provide evidence of women's role in the Congregation's open, spontaneous, and participatory corporate meetings. We are removed from the teachings of Jesus and His apostles by 1,900 years! The first two quotations are removed by a mere 100 years! Do you honestly believe your idea of how the biblical house congregations functioned with the inclusivity of women is somehow more accurate than what these godly men have said? If you believe these men were/are wrong, then make your case . . . biblically! I am eager to hear it. If these men were/are indeed wrong, then convince me. I will be waiting...