Women in the Early Church

Women in the Early Church

Apostle Paul’s Letters:

In some of Apostle Paul’s letters in the New Testament, it can seem that Paul sometimes talks about women as though they are lower class, unimportant, and irrelevant (Scriptures 1.  Paul Writes About Women).  However, before he wrote those letters, in the book of Acts, when Paul converted from a Pharisee (called Saul) to an Apostle Christian (called Paul), there were women involved in his ministry of starting and strengthening Christian churches.  These women had significant roles in the Christian advancement.

Apostle Paul Traveled Town to Town:

After his conversion, Paul traveled around starting and/or strengthening Christian churches (Scriptures 2.  Paul Traveled Town to Town ). 

Lydia in the Early Church:

While he was in Philippi, Paul was looking for a place to pray.  But he instead found several women gathered.  Paul started telling them about Jesus.  One of the women, Lydia (Scriptures 3.  Lydia), was so moved by Paul’s message that she persuaded Paul and his companions to stay at her house.  It sounded like Lydia was the head of the household and may not have been married.

Every day, Paul and Silas were out spreading the good news and one day got arrested.  They were stripped, beaten, and flogged.  Then thrown into prison.  They were singing and worshipping in prison when the prison doors flew open and their chains fell off.  The prisoner guard went to kill himself, but Paul stopped him and told him about Jesus.  That is when Paul said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.”

After they were released from prison, Paul & Silas went back to Lydia’s house.  They met with their brothers and sisters and encouraged them.  Lydia’s house was a haven for them during the very important time of starting the Philippian church.

Quite a Few Prominent Women joined Paul & Silas:

In Thessalonica,  Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead.  Some Jews, Greeks, and several prominent women joined Paul & Silas (Scriptures 4.  Quite a Few Prominent Women).  These prominent women were a significant part of the early Christian church in Thessalonica.

Damaris in the Early Church:

While in Athens, a woman named Damaris became a follower of Paul (Scriptures 5.  Damaris).  So she may have traveled with Paul and his companions, certainly serving and witnessing along the way.

Priscilla in the Early Church:

After Paul left Athens, he went to Corinth, where he stayed for quite a while.  He met Priscilla and Aquila at Corinth (Scriptures 6.  Priscilla).  Paul spoke of Priscilla in higher regards than her husband Aquila, and always mentioned her name before his.  After Paul left to reason with the Jews, there was a learned Jewish man, knowledgeable in scripture, preaching about Jesus. But he only knew about the baptism of John.  Priscilla and Aquila taught him the way of God more accurately.  Paul spoke about Priscilla and Aquila in Romans 16 saying “my co-workers in Christ Jesus.  They risked their lives for me.  Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them”.

Phoebe in the Early Church:

In Romans 16:1-2, Paul commended sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae (Scriptures 7.  Phoebe, a Deacon).  And said she had been the benefactor of many people, including himself.

Four Unmarried Daughters Who Prophesied:

In Caesarea, Paul stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist.  Philip had four unmarried daughters who prophesied.   (Scriptures 8.  Four Daughters who Prophesied). 

Conclusion – Women in the Early Church:

So, women were involved in the early Christian church.  They were a very important part.  They were benefactors, deacons, prophets, and teachers.  Some risked their own lives and some opened their houses for Apostle Paul and his ministry. Paul had a deep gratitude for them.  

Jesus used women in a mighty way.  And he still does, even today.

PDF: Women in the Early Church

See: Women in the Early Church Bible Study Worksheet

Also See: Part 2 #12 What is Your Ministry?

See: Part 1 #14 What is God’s Will for You?

Also See: Free Bible Study Worksheets

Also See: Part 3 – List of Prayers

My Testimony