Introduction to Women in the Early Church
Often when we think of women in the New Testament we immediately think of those women who had an encounter with Jesus during His ministry. Some of them are named – Mary, Salome, and Mary and Martha are just a few. Others are not named but are still important – the woman with the issue of blood, the woman at the well, or the widow of Nain.
The Role of Women
In Old Testament times, women participated in most areas of community life. They could do business, worship at the Temple, and were included in important religious ceremonies. Some women were more publicly influential like Deborah and Esther.
By the time of Jesus, things had changed dramatically. Restrictions were placed on them – in particular at the Temple, where they were separated from men and couldn’t go beyond a special “Women’s Court.” Jesus challenged these societal restrictions. He talked openly with women and they gathered as members of the crowds who gathered to hear Jesus teach. He treated women as equals – teaching them, healing them, and accepting them as disciples.
Women in the Early Church
After Jesus’ resurrection, his disciples continued to regard women as equals. In particular we see this with the mission work of Paul, where the areas he visited had very different ideas about the role of women.
In this series we are going to look at six women who didn’t meet Jesus during his lifetime but became believers and had an impact on the early church. They are central figures whose influence shaped faith communities. Their faith, leadership, resources, and teaching played a part as Christianity began to spread across the world.
The Series
In the next few months, Becky, Jodie, Kate and Simon will provide an insight into the lives and influence of Dorcas, Lydia, Priscilla, Phoebe, Lois and Eunice. They will reflect on how these women can still have influence in the church today.
Dorcas: Faith in Action Acts 9:36-43
The Bible says that Tabitha (Dorcas) ‘was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor’.
Lydia: Courageous Hospitality Acts 16: 11-15, 40
Lydia was a successful business woman who, as soon as she believed, offered what she had – her home – to establish a house church in Philippi.
Priscilla: A Woman of Influence Acts 18:2-3, 18-26; Romans 16:3-5
Priscilla was a key person in Paul’s close circle and was involved in church leadership in various cities. She helped equip others, most notably in teaching Apollos. She passed on what she had learned in order to help others become the best version of who God created them to be.
Phoebe: A Servant-Leader Romans 16:1-2
Paul refers to Phoebe as having been “a benefactor of many people.” This generosity most likely included hospitality and financial support. She is recognised by Paul as a trustworthy servant of the early church.
Lois and Eunice: A Faithful Legacy 2 Timothy 1:5
You may think you are not making a difference, but don’t underestimate the power of your influence in the life of those around you. You might be influencing the next world changer.
Things to consider
As you read through this series of blog posts you might like to consider these questions:
– If you had just one line to describe yourself, what would you want it to say?
– How can you use the gifts, resources and opportunities God has given you?
– Who are you helping to become the best version of themselves?
