Over the years, I’ve seen women criticized and held back when working extremely hard at something that should get recognized and rewarded. I see it whether running successful businesses, making larger salaries that male counterparts, even as project managers. Some even find a way to cook, clean, take care of babies and still work full-time jobs. They usually outnumber men two to one when giving of their time, whether at businesses, church roles, or at private organizations. They can be held back because of pride, a reluctance to change, or things getting taken out of context.
But the bible speaks of many important roles women had, including their dedication in following Jesus, service in the church, and the spread of the gospel. They followed Christ with passion, were ministry leaders, examples of love and kindness, were given spiritual gifts, and cared for the needs of Jesus and His disciples. Women were there when Christ was born, at the cross when He died, and first at the tomb following His resurrection. Women seemed to always be there, doing a lot of things with passion and love, when men didn’t.
Author Brittany Rust, stated in, “The Biblical Case for Women in Leadership” at brittanyrust.com, “This world is falling into chaos and there are a lot of people who need Jesus. I hope you will encourage every believer to use their gifts to reach the lost rather than suggest eliminating half of the Body of Christ from using what God has put in them. I read the Bible and see that God celebrates using women in the Kingdom of God. Now is not the time to limit the workers, but rather encourage them to step into their giftings and callings to share the Gospel. We are all part of the Body and when one hurts—or is marginalized—the whole Body suffers.” Ms. Rust is a Bible teacher, author, and writer. She is also a regular contributor for YouVersion, Focus on the Family, Crosswalk, and others.
The following are some of those women and their important roles:
In Judges chapter 4 we read that Deborah was chosen by God to lead as a prophet, judge, and even led men into battle. Some try to argue that God called Deborah only because Barak refused to go to battle without her. But Deborah held court before this male military leader was revealed. She was a strong, wise, and obedient follower of God, not just a woman passing out advice. The only one other person in the Old Testament who was both a prophet and a judge, was Samuel.
Exodus chapter 15 tells us Miriam was one of the first to pick up an instrument and lead a nation in worship when the children of Israel miraculously crossed the Red Sea. Micah 6 names her as a leader of the nation, along with Moses and Aaron.
In 2 Kings 22, King Josiah finds the long-lost Book of the Law. Knowing the kingdom was in need of revival, he gathered some of the most trusted prophets like Jeremiah, Zephaniah, and included Huldah the prophetess who had a leading role in the restoration.
A whole book of the Bible tells the story of Esther who risked her own life to save the lives of the Jewish people. Each year at Purim, Jews everywhere still reflect on Esther’s contributions.
The twelve male disciples are who we are most familiar with, but Mary of Bethany was one of many women who followed Jesus. Sitting at the feet of a teacher, or rabbi, was a privilege normally reserved only for men. Yet in Luke 10 we find Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, being a student of the Lord.
Although often confused with Mary of Bethany, Mary Magdalene was the first to see the risen Lord (John 20:14). Mary received the privilege of proclaiming Jesus’ resurrection to the other disciples. She was the first person Jesus sent with the message of hope. Some say this makes Mary the first apostle, or “sent one.”
When Paul arrived in Philippi, he found women praying at the river. Lydia, a merchant, responded to the message of Christ and offered hospitality to Paul and Silas. The believers later gathered at the home of this businesswoman and early church leader (Acts 16).
Phoebe held the title of “deacon” (Romans 16). But many scholars believe Phoebe’s role was to take Paul’s letter to the church in Rome where she would have read it to the believers and even answered questions they may have had. What an amazing responsibility!
Priscilla, along with her husband Aquila, was a business owner in Corinth who gave Paul lodging and perhaps a job. She was also a great teacher (Acts 18:26). Luke lists Priscilla first, which may indicate she was the lead teacher of the two. Priscilla was a church planter (Romans 16:5) and someone highly regarded by Paul. She instructed Apollos in key theological understandings (the baptism taught by Christ).
Joel 2 foretold a time when God would pour out his Spirit on all flesh: “Your sons and daughters will prophesy.” On the Day of Pentecost, Peter confirmed that time had come. And it is still true today! Any daughter of God has the full rights and privilege to declare His Word, testify to His salvation, and prophesy by His Spirit.
In the Old Testament, God used women in significant ways that defied cultural norms. And they didn’t need a man to have a relationship with God, or to hear from Him. I believe it was often their willingness that touched His heart. They wanted to be involved. They loved being involved.
New Testament writings reveal that in the ministry of Jesus and the early Church, women were powerful tools in God’s hands and He often shared noteworthy doctrinal truths with women.
He proclaimed to Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11). In John 4, Jesus spoke with a Samaritan woman at the well. By speaking with her, Jesus was breaking through societal expectations and shattering misconceptions. The disciples were amazed he spoke with her. It was this woman he chose to take the Gospel to her village—a female evangelist to a people often rejected by the Jews.
Women who witnessed the birth of the Savior included Mary, Anna, and most likely a mid-wife. His death on the cross included Mary of Nazereth, Mary Magdalene, and Mary Salome, and first to see him after the resurrection included Mary Magdalene, Mary of Clopas, and Mary Salome. While the men often scattered, it was the women who stayed close to the Savior. It was their commitment that offered them the opportunity to be part of history.
Others like Junia, Chloe, Nympha, Apphia, all led house churches. Tabitha led a benevolence ministry, and Philip’s four daughters were all identified as prophets.
2 Timothy 1:5, speaks of how important moms and grandmothers are in the spiritual development of a child. Something I personally can attest to, and so can many of you.
Luke 2:36-38 reads, “I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.”
And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She fasted, prayed, and worshipped in the Temple night and day. And when she saw baby Jesus coming, she began to give thanks to God and to speak of Him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.
1 Corinthians 12 describes the gifts of the Spirit as being given to brothers and sisters, as He determines, and that no one can say Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 4 illustrates how gifts should be used.
1 Timothy 3:5 says, “For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?”
God can and will use anyone He chooses, regardless of man’s expectations of their place or value. Women ministry leaders in the early and present-day church appear to know how to manage family, household, and life. To God, it’s not so much about the gender or outward appearance, but rather the heart. Can or should women preach or teach men? Paul or other writer spoke for themselves regarding situations and cities, preferring to keep women silent and from taking control of worship, thus usurping the authority of men. “I do not permit,” writer said. If anything else was meant, I’ll leave it to God. I know doctrine won’t get you, or me to heaven. And I am so thankful, that throughout history, women would fill those roles, when men didn’t.
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