3:28 What does Paul mean here that there is neither male nor female in Christ?
3:28 What does Paul mean here that there is neither male nor female in Christ?
Paul is speaking in spiritual terms here.
There will always be distinctions between the races, social classes, and the sexes in the natural realm, but not in the spiritual realm. Men and women are one in Christ and equal in rights and privileges regarding gospel benefits.
There is no longer any gulf between Jews and Gentiles, masters and slaves, and male and female. All are one in unity, in rights, and in privileges, and comprise one body, of which Christ is the head (cp Jn 10:16; 17:11, 20-23; Ro 3:22; 10:12; 12:5; 1Cor 11:7-12; 12:12-14; Eph 1:22-23; 2:11-22; Col 3:11).
The only difference between Christians is their function within the body of Christ (cp Ro 12:4, 6-8; 1Cor 12:7-11; 28-31; 2Cor 10:13; Eph 4:11; 1Ti 2:12-15; 1Pe 4:10).
Some Christians use Paul's teaching in Ga 3:28 that there is neither male nor female, for all are one in Christ Jesus, to justify the ordination of women to public ministry in the church.
They do not understand that Paul is simply teaching here that no one is preferred above another as a child of God. God accepts Jews and Gentiles alike, slaves and free men alike, and males and females alike into His family, through faith in Christ (cp 1Cor 11:11-12).
It has nothing whatsoever to do with their function in the church (cp Ga 3:22-29).
There is no mandate in scripture for women to be ordained to public ministry in the New Testament church.
In fact Paul prohibits women holding leadership positions over men in the church, and he does so on the basis of God's original order of creation, and in the circumstances of the fall of man (cp 1Ti 2:8-15).
For a more detailed study on women and God's order for the church see comments on Ro 16:1-2, 1Cor 14:34-35, 1Ti 2:8-15, 3:1-7, 3:8-13.