Conclusions About Women Workers in the New Testament
Women as well as men were leaders in those first-century churches. That practice was a radical departure from pagan philosophical notions accepted at that time. So the wider culture began pushing back against women leaders in the churches. Centuries earlier, Aristotle had taught that a woman was a “failed male” with a “flawed anatomy.” She should not lead. One by one, the later Church Fathers imbibed Aristotle’s idea and began closing the door to leadership for women. By the third century, women were effectively locked out of any kind of Christian leadership.
But that did not stamp out the first-century vision of men and women working side-by-side in ministry. We have their record in the New Testament, in the stories of Mary, Mary Magdalene, Lydia, Damaris, Phoebe, Pricilla, and Junia. From these stories we can reconstruct a history of women working both in the church and in the marketplace for God’s purposes. Thanks be to God.
In A Woman God's Spirit Can Guide, you'll learn about Dorcas, Lydia, Phoebe, and other women in the New Testament. In each of their stories, you’ll see how the Holy Spirit led them in various ways to spread the word about Jesus. And you'll find questions for personal reflection at the end of each chapter. Consider what God has called you to do, as you dig deep into the lives of these women who committed their talents to the Lord. Discover how God's Spirit can work in your own life to help you make wise choices and accomplish His will.
Sharing wisdom for Christian women in a world of multiple responsibilities, A Woman Jesus Can Teach highlights the stories of Mary of Bethany, Mary Magdalene, two widows, and several others in the Gospels. In each of their encounters with Jesus, you’ll see how He defied traditions and took great risks to offer them hope, new life, or a second chance.
The Proverbs 31 woman has long intimidated women and made them question-Who has time to do all that? Bible teacher Alice Mathews equips readers with truth and wisdom using sound biblical exegesis. Through careful translation, practical application, and reflection questions, Alice helps women understand the concept of strength highlighted in the Bible text and learn what the passage reveals about men, women, and God himself.