What Jesus personally did, as described by the Gospel writers, and what he would allow us to do are not necessarily the same thing. The fact that he exclusively chose men as his apostles (if, indeed, he did) could be more a reflection of the times than a dogmatic statement on his part.

The Scriptures were written in a particular cultural context at a particular time in history. The real question is, which are the timeless truths contained in them and and which are simply matters of custom that can, with proper prayerful discernment, evolve?