Letter From The Editor: The Hand That Rocks the Cradle. Women in the Bible and Their Leadership Accomplishments

Hello ePrayer Circle Tribe,

Yesterday, I was reflecting on the roles women play in teaching the Bible and the Gospel. In this day and age, many people don’t realize that Jesus was passionate about women teaching and participating in spreading the Word of God.

His goal was to establish the church, teach the Word of God, make disciples, offer salvation, and be the sacrifice that saved people. Jesus himself treated women with respect and equality.

I’ve heard a couple of men say that women should not teach men anything. This made me wonder: what did they do in school? How did they respond to female doctors and lawyers? How do they treat their wives and daughters much less their mothers? I concluded that you can’t win them all.

Jesus did not nor the disciples and that is true even today. Everyone has a choice and I respect that.  Just make sure you get the correct instructions from somebody.

The goal is to be saved and be obedient to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Matthew 10:16 KJV   ¹⁶Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves

I believe that because mother was everyone’s first teacher and caretaker as a toddler, most men and women contribute to the growing Christian community positively learning from each other. I don’t see it as competition—just a love for Christ.

Therefore, I researched the Bible to find examples of women in leadership roles and their accomplishments. The results are amazing. I hope you enjoy my findings and that they inspire and empower you.

The phrase “The Hand That Rocks the Cradle” signifies the profound influence of women, particularly mothers, in shaping the future through their nurturing and guidance. In the Bible, numerous women exemplify this influence through their leadership accomplishments and support of Jesus Christ’s teachings.

Galatians 3:28 KJV  “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Mary, the mother of Jesus, is a quintessential figure, demonstrating unparalleled faith and obedience to God’s will. Her acceptance of the divine mission to bear the Son of God and her nurturing role in His early life reflect the spiritual and moral foundation she provided.

Mary’s unwavering support of Jesus throughout His ministry highlights the pivotal role of women in fostering spiritual growth and leadership.

Another prominent figure is Mary Magdalene, a devoted follower of Jesus. Her transformation from a life of sin to a life of faith exemplifies the redeeming power of Christ.

Jesus’s profound relationship with Mary Magdalene is notable; He first appeared to her after His resurrection, entrusting her with the critical task of proclaiming His victory over death to the disciples (John 20:11-18). This moment underscores Jesus’s recognition of women as vital conveyors of the Gospel message.

The story of the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:1-42 KJV) further illustrates Jesus’s endorsement of women in ministry. After her encounter with Jesus, she became an evangelist, sharing her testimony with her community and leading many to faith in Christ. This narrative underscores that Jesus saw no barrier to women spreading His teachings.

Additionally, women like Priscilla, who, alongside her husband Aquila, played a crucial role in the early Christian church, mentoring Apollos and aiding Paul in his missionary work (Acts 18:24-26 KJV). Priscilla’s leadership and theological knowledge demonstrate that women were integral in teaching and expanding the early church.

Priscilla and Aquila also hosted a church in their home. In 1 Corinthians 16:19 KJV, Paul sends greetings from the church that meets at their house, indicating their leadership role in the early Christian community. Hosting a house church involved pastoral responsibilities such as teaching, shepherding, and providing spiritual guidance to the believers who gathered there.

The frequent mention of Priscilla before Aquila in the scriptures (e.g., Acts 18:18 KJV, Romans 16:3 KJV, 2 Timothy 4:19 KJV) suggests that she may have had a prominent role in their ministry.

This equal partnership in ministry reflects the early church’s recognition of women’s significant contributions to the spread of the Gospel and leadership within the Christian community. Their joint efforts in pastoring and co-pastoring exemplify the collaborative model of ministry that was common in the early church.

Phebe is described as a “servant” of the church at Cenchrea, which is commonly understood to mean that she held the role of a deaconess. The Greek word used here is “diakonos,” which can be translated as deacon, minister, or servant. This title indicates that she had an official capacity within the church, responsible for various duties and ministries.

Phebe’s mention in Romans 16 KJV underscores the crucial role women played in the early church. As a deaconess, a trusted messenger, and a supporter, she exemplifies the active and respected participation of women in ministry. Her example demonstrates the inclusivity and egalitarian nature of the early Christian movement, where both men and women were valued for their contributions to the faith.

Jesus’s interactions with women, including Mary Magdalene and the Samaritan woman, and His inclusion of women like Priscilla in ministry work, and Phebe in the role of deaconess signify that He ordained women to teach and spread the Gospel.

These biblical accounts affirm that the nurturing and leadership roles of women are divinely sanctioned, showcasing their essential contributions to the Christian faith and the fulfillment of Jesus’s mission.

Reflection Question:

How can we recognize and support the contributions of women in our own faith communities, following the example of Phebe’s significant role in the early church?

 

Keywords:  eprayercircle, jesus christ, jesuschrist, eprayer circle, Phebe, Phoebe, deaconess, early church, New Testament, Apostle Paul, Romans 16, Christian ministry, servant, church at Cenchrea, trusted messenger, financial supporter, patron, women in ministry, early Christian community, inclusivity, egalitarian nature, spiritual leadership.

 

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Romans 10:17 KJV  “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”  YouTube Channel Click Here

 

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A CALL TO SALVATION:

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Romans 10:9-10  ⁹That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. ¹⁰For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation.

  John 3:5-6  ⁵Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. ⁶That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. ⁷  

Matthew 28:19 KJV  “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son (Jesus), and of the Holy Ghost:”