Women of Faith: The Impact of Female Influence On The Church

All through history, women of faith have played an essential role in influencing and building the church, with faithful dedication, leadership, and service leaving a profound impact that continues today. Not that we need an excuse to highlight the stories of women, because that’s kind of what we do around here, but it’s Women’s History Month so it seemed like a perfect time to remember the women who helped shape the early church.

In general, most conversations about the early church tended to be centered around the male leaders of the church, but the women were there and they were actively involved. They were actively engaged and involved in Jesus’s ministry before the church began. The power of testimony moves the dial because it creates emotional connection and credibility as it inspires motivates, and persuades. Story-telling fosters trust and community, creating a sense of belonging and connection. Remembering the stories helps take us beyond the data points, clothing it all with meaningful detail creating a much more robust snapshot.

Women of Faith

Highlighting the women of faith who impacted the early church isn’t about balancing the chart, it’s about filling the holes with the impactful stories of how women contributed to building the early church. Some mistakingly assume that because patriarchy was prevalent in ancient cultures women didn’t have a role in the great commission, but that’s simply not true.

Here is a quick, and by no means in-depth roundup of some of the women whose presence, leadership, and contributions impacted and influenced the early church. May this serve as a teaser inspiring you to dig into the testimonies of women, not just in the Bible, but throughout history, and may it ignite imagination for how God is still calling women to participate in His mission.

Mary, Mother of Jesus

Mary’s story is told in Luke 1:26-56; She also shows up in Matthew 1:16-2:23; 12:46-50; Mark 3:31-35; Luke 8:19-21; John 2:1-12; 19:25-26; Acts 1:14.

If you’ve been following Jesus for any amount of time, then you will know Mary’s story, but for those who have grown up hearing this story rehearsed, there are aspects—details, and interpretations—that can get lost in the assumptions of familiarity. The Gospel of Luke tells Mary’s story of calling, so that’s where we begin…

God invited Mary to participate in His redemptive plan for humanity in a very physical way. Her assignment was to give birth to Jesus—Christ, the Messiah; Savior of the world! By all accounts, there was nothing particularly remarkable about Mary. She came from a disreputable community with a low status. She had no wealth, no influence, and as an unmarried woman, no actionable agency. This missional invitation had all kinds of questions over it, yet Mary leaned in with humility, grace, and honest curiosity.

Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin?” (Luke1:34, NLT)

The Scriptures tell us that the angel matched her questions with equal honesty, telling her that she would conceive by the power of the Holy Spirit so that the baby to be born “will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God.” (Luke 1:35)

Noteworthy things to ponder

God’s call came to Mary, and Mary responded with a resounding yes. It is confirmed through Matthew’s account that though Joseph had a choice in how he would participate, he had no say in Mary’s decision. Joseph’s encounter with God and subsequent invitation to join the plan, came after Mary became pregnant.

Mary’s divine assignment was to give birth to and raise the Son of God. Sit with that for a moment and think about what that means. She was physically a part of the process of his embodiment, nurturing and nourishing his health and wellness—body, mind, and spirit. She carried the mission in her soul waiting on the LORD for the time to help launch it. And when Jesus began to step into his purpose, Mary fanned into flame all the things that had been spoken and held for just the right time. She was there when he was born, at the cross when he died, and among the believers after the resurrection—a prophetic witness to God’s salvific promise.

Anna

Anna’s story is told in Luke 2:36-38

The Gospel of Luke, tells us that Anna was a prophet and a daughter of the tribe of Asher. She was widowed at a young age and had no children, so she lived in the temple all the days of her life, devoted to worship and prayer.

Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple for the customary practice of public naming, circumcision, and the required sacrificial offering. Luke tells us that both Simeon and Anna recognized by the power of the Holy Spirit, that Jesus was the Messiah.

Noteworthy things to ponder

There are a couple of things about this information that stand out. The first is that Anna is named a prophet. This is no small thing and should not be glossed over simply because we don’t have an anthology of her work. The testimony stands with full strength—widowed and childless she lived in temple all the days of her life, devoted to worship and prayer.

The second detail of Anna’s story that is so intriguing is that we are told she was of the tribe of Asher. Again, that’s easy to bypass, but the significance of this detail points back to prophetic promises made to Israel before and during Assyrian captivity and assimilation. Asher was one of the lost tribes, which means, Anna represents a remnant of a tribe waiting to encounter the fullness of God’s promise.

The lived experience of Anna’s devotion and obedience placed her in a unique position enabling her to behold and declare God’s Word. Anna was a prophetic witness pointing everyone who listens to her story, to the power and faithfulness of God’s promises—which are backed by the honor of his name (Psalm 138:2).

Mary of Bethany

Luke 10:38-42; John 11:1-12:8

Mary of Bethany is one of three special friends of Jesus—the sister of Martha and Lazarus. Luke tells us that Jesus and his disciples stopped on their way to Jerusalem. Can you imagine if someone showed up at your door with a company of disciples in tow? What would you have done?

As the story goes, Martha stepped into high gear, looking to take care of the practical needs of all the people in her home. Lazarus would have been enjoying the fellowship of Jesus and the disciples, according to custom, but what of Mary? The scriptures tell us that Mary sat at the feet of Jesus listening and learning.

It wasn’t customary for Rabbis and teachers to have female disciples, so Mary’s position and posture at the feet of Jesus was very unusual. Yet, when Martha calls out her sister’s behavior, asking the LORD to tell her to get back to work—to get back into her role and lane—Jesus refuses to affirm gendered expectations. It’s not that what Martha was doing was wrong, but Jesus recognizes Mary’s deepest longing to be a disciple.

Noteworthy points to ponder

Mary exemplifies humility that leans in with open and honest curiosity, a posture affirmed by Jesus. His inclusion of Mary’s wonder and desire tells us that discipleship is not a gendered aspect of loving and following Jesus—it’s for everyone.

We can also learn through Mary’s example, that the motive of the heart matters. Her position at the feet of Jesus was motived by desire and devotion—it was about intimacy and love. This is not to say that love cannot be demonstrated with practical care achieved through the carrying out of tasks like cooking, cleaning, and serving. But we do well to remember that when tasks supersede the relationship, it typically demonstrates a driving motive of a different value.

Samaritan Woman at the Well

The Samaritan woman’s story is found in John 4:1-42.

Jesus and the disciples were traveling from Judea to Galilee, and “had” to go through Samaria. Stopping at high noon for a break, Jesus sent his disciples to a nearby town for food and supplies, and while they were gone he engaged with a woman at the well.

The Scriptures tell us that he initiated by asking for a drink. The woman was surprised because Jews refused to have anything to do with Samaritans. A request for water from a Jew to a Samaritan ignited a curious conversation, where honest questions were asked and theological ideas discussed. In the end, the woman became convinced that Jesus was the Messiah. Because of her faith, many men and women from her village believed too.

Noteworthy things to ponder

The woman at the well had several cultural strikes against her as a primary target for recruiting an evangelist. First of all, she was a woman, and she wasn’t Jewish. It wasn’t customary for Jewish men to engage in conversations with women who were not related by marriage or blood, but that combined with the fact that this woman was also a Samaritan elevate this to shook and awe status.

The second part of that, though, is that this particular woman had a bit of a reputation. Scripture tells us that she had had five husbands, and if that wasn’t shocking enough, she wasn’t even married to the man she was currently with. We don’t know the details of all her broken relationships, but the implications point to marginalization. Jesus shared his identity, 
“I am the Messiah” (John 4:26), and she believed. Compelled by faith, she ran to tell others and in turn, lead them to Jesus. Many in her community believed because of her testimony and faith.

Lydia

Lydia’s story is found in Acts 16:13-15.

Who is Lydia?

In the book of Acts, we learn that Lydia was from Thyatira and a merchant of expensive purple cloth. She was a Gentile believer who gathered with some other women along the river on the Sabbath, where she met Paul and Silas. In this brief passage, we learn that Lydia accepted what Paul was saying, leading to the baptism of her entire household. Additionally, she invited Paul and Silas to come and stay with her, insisting until they agreed.

So, Lydia was a woman of means and agency. She was a merchant who did business in her community, and there was no mention of a husband or father. Amid the melding of our limited understanding of the patriarchal systems within the context of Jewish and Roman/Greco culture, Lydia’s story stands out because it feels like an outlier. However, the reality of Lydia’s story is revealing, indicating that women were not completely excluded from engaging in business or the commercial institutions of the community—at least not the way we might imagine (it’s nuanced and layered, worthy of deeper study).

This Gentile believer, who owned a business and led a household, encountered an invitation to trust more deeply as she listened to Paul teach. This interaction activated a transformative faith that compelled her to share her testimony, which led to an entire household being saved—and all were baptized in the name of Jesus. This small new community of believers became a house church—an official church plant on Paul and Silas’ missionary journey.

Noteworthy points to ponder

Faithful followers of Jesus can be trusted to lead, regardless of gender. Lydia’s position gave her agency and influence that brought significant impact in sharing the Gospel Message. Her story counters the narrative that says, Paul never allows women to speak, teach or preach. Lydia’s testimony reminds us that women played an integral part in the story of the Church, and how their faithfulness continues to impact the lives of Christians today.

Phoebe

Pheobe’s story is found in Romans 16:1-2.

Only two very short verses, and for those who tend to gloss over Paul’s greetings and salutations in search of something meatier with purpose and meaning, the mention of Phoebe might seem unimportant. The detail around her work and ministry on the surface might appear lacking, but Paul’s words of commendation are telling.

Paul says, “ I commend to you our sister Phoebe…”

Commend is a formal word that means to praise, extol, lift up, acknowledge, and acclaim (just to name a few). Paul exhorts the church to welcome her—a call to hospitality with honor and respect.

“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in the church in Cenchrea. Welcome her in the LORD as one who is worthy of honor among God’s people. Help her in whatever she needs, for she has been helpful to many, and especially to me.” Romans 16:1-2

Noteworthy things to ponder

Paul identifies Phoebe first as a sister in Christ, and then as a deacon—the same word (servant, helper, minister) he used for himself, Timothy, Epaphras, and Tychicus (1 Corinthians 3:5; Ephesians 6:21; Colossians 1:7; 1:25; 4:7). Perhaps even more significant than Pauls actual words of commendation, is the assignment he entrusted to her capable and able hands. She carried his letter to the church, and would have been the one to read and interpret his message—she was sent by Paul and taught the church.

Priscilla

Pricilla’s story is found in Acts 18:1-28; She is mentioned along with her husband in Romans 16:3-4; 1 Corinthians 16:19; and 2 Timothy 4:19.

Paul met Pricilla and her husband, Aquila in Corinth, after they had recently left Italy because Claudius Ceasar had deported all Jews from Rome. The Scriptures tell us that they were tentmakers and worked with Paul for a time before moving on to Ephesus and then later, to Rome. In addition to working in the marketplace as tentmakers, they were also house-church leaders in both Ephesus and Rome.

Noteworthy points to ponder

In Acts 18:2-7 and 1 Corinthians 16:19, Aquila’s name is mentioned first, but the other four times their names are mentioned, it is Pricilla’s name that comes first (Acts 18:18, 26; Romans 16:19; and 2 Timothy 4:19). The occurrence of Pricilla’s name preceding Aquila’s is telling, because that was an unusual custom. Naming a woman first usually meant that she had a more prominent role.

Pricilla worked with her husband collaborating with Paul and others, in sharing the Gospel message. She was particularly instrumental in teaching and shaping Apollos’ understanding of the baptism of Jesus and the seal of the Holy Spirit on the life of a believer.

A final thought for consideration looks at Paul’s clear commendation of Pricilla in his salutation to Timothy. If one subscribes to the belief that Paul excluded women from preaching and teaching, then why mention her name, let alone highlight the Gospel work she was doing? Pricilla was a valued member of the ministry team.

Junia

We learn about Junia in Romans 16:7

“Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews, who were in prison with me. They are highly respected among the Apostles and became followers of Christ before I did.” Romans 16:7

This is a loaded verse, but over completely overlooked. The average person reading the book of Romans typically skims through the salutations, similarly as one does when reading genealogies. The reality is that it is human nature to skip the “boring parts,” and lists of names without communal context often get relegated to that category. The thing is, when names are listed, we ought to be paying close attention.

Junia is named by Paul and commended as highly respected among the Apostles. We also learn in that verse that she came to Christ before Paul and that they did time together. There is much debate about Junia’s status of late because for centuries translators identified her as a man (learn more about that here).

Noteworthy things to ponder

Junia was a woman in the Roman Empire, who should by all accounts according to custom have been seen as harmless, unimportant, and insignificant. But Paul tells us that she was in prison with him. Whatever Junia was doing was viewed by the authorities as a threat to the empire. That means, she was purposeful, deliberate, and intentional—her life and purpose were significant.

Additionally, we ought to take note that Paul says, [Junia and Andronicus] “…are highly respected among the Apostles and became followers of Christ before I did.” Junia was a believer long before Paul was and was highly respected among the Apostles. We don’t know when she came to believe, but there is speculation that she may well have been a disciple and follower of Jesus before the cross and resurrection, placing her relationship with the twelve. Perhaps she became a follower later, but regardless Paul places her in an esteemed relationship among the Apostles. That’s not nothing. Either way, learning more about Junia is a worthy endeavor.

An Invitation to dig deeper

I can’t quite recall when, but it was quite a while ago now when I heard a woman say, something to the effect of, I’m not interested in Christianity, because God doesn’t seem to value women. At the time, I was shocked but such a statement, because that certainly didn’t describe my experience with Him, so I asked what she meant. Her assessment was scathing, rooted, I think in a pervasive belief that if God was loving and merciful then why did He allow systemic patriarchy and cyclical abuse of women to occur? Additionally, she didn’t see the stories of women in the Bible.

That’s a tough indictment, but it made me pause and think. Was the lens through which I had always read and interpreted scripture complete? Truthfully, the church (in general) has not spoken about women very much, and when women are mentioned they are typically an addendum to the protagonist of the story. This realization compelled me to begin my own journey into studying women in the Bible, from a different angle.

Have you ever done a deeper study of the women in the Bible?

If not, there’s no better time than right now. Do it, and don’t delay,  because the stories of the faithfulness of women reveal deeper layers of God’s heart and purpose. There are so many great books out there to augment your study, but I would recommend The Every Woman’s Bible as a primary resource for this project. This study Bible by Tyndale House, came out about a year ago, featuring articles, help, devotionals, and commentary, from over 100 female contributors from across the world (*This recommendation comes without remuneration or benefit from the publisher).

Start with scripture and then expand from there.