Female leaders in the 1st century church

Lord in Heaven, we thank you that Jesus broke down barriers, and for the significant role women played in the early Church. 

Jesus treated women with respect, sharing doctrinal truths with them as he did when he proclaimed to Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25).

In John 4, he ignored cultural bias when he had a deeply spiritual conversation with a Samaritan woman at the well.

Women remained at the cross when Jesus died, and in some of the gospel accounts, women were first to see him after his resurrection.

Women church leaders are individually mentioned by Paul. In Romans 16:1 “I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea.”

Junia, is listed as an apostle “of note among the apostles…” (Romans 16:7).

Chloe (1 Corinthians 1:11), Nympha (Colossians 4:15), and Apphia (Philemon 1:2) each led house churches.

Romans 16 four women are mentioned who “worked very hard,” a term Paul used for ministry work.

Priscilla was a church planter (Romans 16:5) and highly regarded. She also instructed Apollos in early Christian theology.

Tabitha established a benevolence ministry (Acts 9:36) and Philip’s four daughters are identified as prophets (Acts 21:8,9).

In Acts 2, the giftings of the Spirit are poured out on men and women and 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 describes the gifts of the Spirit given to individuals never mentioning gender.

Women have continued to be a vital part of the Church through the centuries, despite being treated as second-class citizens in society. Lord, give us the inspiration to create an inclusive world where every person can share the same opportunities. Liberate us from structures and systems of gender bias.

In Jesus name,
Amen