How vital were women in the early church, and how did the roles and influence of women evolve? The role of women in the early Christian Church is a topic that has been debated for centuries. While evidence suggests that women played an essential role in the early Church, their contributions are often overlooked and downplayed in favor of the stories of male apostles. Despite this, there are many examples of women who played crucial roles in the early Church, from Mary Magdalene, who was the first person to witness the resurrection of Jesus, to Phoebe, who was a deaconess in the Church and was praised by Paul in his letter to the Romans. It is essential to recognize the significant contributions that women made to the early Christian Church and learn from them. Also, understanding their contributions to the Church is critical for a more complete and accurate historical account. By examining the roles of women in the early Church, we can gain a deeper understanding of the social and cultural norms prevalent during that time. This exploration helps us comprehend the ways in which early Christianity interacted with the larger society and how it was shaped by or may have influenced, the cultural attitudes toward women. In this blog, we will dive into the pivotal role of women in the early Church, highlighting how their stories are crucial in the New Testament and studying their authority and leadership roles. We will also examine the theological perspectives on women and investigate how their position in the Church has evolved over time.
Women in the Early Christian Community played a significant role in their involvement in worship groups, gatherings, and even social activities (King 1988.) Exploring the lives of Phoebe and Priscila provides us with deeper insights into the vital roles that women played in the early Christian church. Phoebe, who is notably mentioned in Paul’s letter to the Romans, is described as a deacon in the church at Cenchreae. In the early church, deaconesses like Phoebe held specific responsibilities, including assisting with the baptism of women and fulfilling various pastoral duties. While the exact functions of deaconesses varied from one region to another, they undeniably represented an official and respected role for women within the early Christian community. Phoebe’s significance transcends her role as a deacon; she was a woman of substance with social connections that enabled her to travel and minister to various Christian communities.
Priscilla, in conjunction with her husband Aquila, emerges as a dynamic figure in the Bible. The couple exercised leadership in the developing church, with Paul even referring to them as his “coworkers” in teaching the Gospel in his letter to the Romans. Notable, Priscilla’s name appears more frequently than her husband’s, suggesting that she may have held a higher social status. Her prominence in the biblical narrative challenged traditional gender roles and underscored the critical leadership roles that women played in the church.
Understanding the roles of these two women is instrumental in acknowledging the history of the early church and in challenging stereotypes that have marginalized women’s contributions. It also paves the way for greater inclusivity within religious communities by recognizing the significant roles women played in shaping the early Christian experience. By acknowledging these women’s contributions, we gain a richer understanding of the profound impact they had on the development and spread of Christianity.
In Paul’s letter to the Romans, he extends a warm and gracious introduction to Phoebe, a well-known woman in the early church. While this is her sole mention in the biblical text, this introduction eloquently outlines her character, encourages a warm reception from the Roman believers, and publicly acknowledges her significant contributions, influential status, generosity, and leadership. It effectively converts the extraordinary esteem and importance she held among the early Christian community. (Jankiewicz 2013:10).
“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. 2 I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.” Romans 16:1-2.
In this excerpt, the apostle Paul expresses deep admiration and respect for Phoebe, highlighting her significant role in the early Christian community. Phoebe is described as a deacon of the church in Cenchreae, and Paul not only commends her but also urges the Roman Christians to receive her in a manner befitting the values and principles of the Christian faith. This signifies the high regard he holds for her and her contributions.
Paul’s words indicate that Phoebe has been a dedicated servant of the Gospel, demonstrating her commitment to spreading Christian teachings. Her role as a deaconess underscores her active involvement in the church’s ministry, suggesting that she has played a pivotal role in the spiritual life of the community. Additionally, she is recognized as a benefactor, not only to Paul but also to many others. This implies that Phoebe has been a generous supporter through her actions and has made a significant impact on the lives of numerous individuals within the Christian community.
This passage is a testament to Phoebe’s leadership, dedication, and invaluable contribution to the early Christian movement. It also sets the stage for further mentions of influential figures like Priscilla in Paul’s letter to the Romans, highlighting the interconnected and supportive nature of the early Christian network.
“Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. 4 They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them,” Romans 16:3-4.
In his letter to the Romans, Paul greets Priscilla and Aquila as his co-workers in Christ Jesus and expresses his gratitude towards them. He acknowledges the fact that they have risked their lives for him and highlights their contributions towards the churches of the Gentiles. This greeting is a testament to the strong bond between Paul and his fellow Christians and emphasizes the importance of expressing gratitude towards those who have helped us in our journey.
While some argue that women in the Bible were not as important as male figures or Apostles, there is a growing recognition of the significant roles women played in the life of Jesus and the early Christian community. The Christian History Institute’s perspective is in line with this evolving understanding, emphasizing the vital contributions of women, particularly in the context of Jesus’s life, ministry, and resurrection.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, is a prime example of a woman who played a central life in Jesus and the early church. She was not only involved in Jesus’s birth, but she was also a loyal follower of her son, a close friend and confidant, and played an important role as a critical witness of his crucifixion and resurrection (Shoemaker 2016.) This perspective challenged the traditional narrative and underscored the importance of recognizing and honoring the contributions of women in the Christian tradition, as they have actively participated in shaping the faith from its very beginning. This evolving recognition of women’s significance in the Bible and the early church is an essential step in promoting a more inclusive and balanced understanding of Christian History.
Contrary to popular belief, women in the bible played critical roles and were just as important as the male figures, if not more. According to the Christian History Institute, Women played a significant role in the life of Jesus from the very beginning, including his birth, ministry, death, and resurrection. Women were the primary witnesses of his crucifixion and resurrection. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke all mention that a significant group of women had followed Jesus in his ministry in Galilee, and they were present at his execution when the male disciples were conspicuously absent (Kroeger 1988.) So, who exactly held an actual leadership role? We can observe Lydia in the New Testament, a successful businesswoman who worshiped God. In the male-dominated society of ancient Rome, Lydia ran a prosperous business selling purple cloth. Purple fabric symbolizes wealth, royalty, and power. The Bible records that Lydia led her entire household to Christianity. When Paul was spreading the Gospel, Lydia hosted him and Paul’s company so it could be easier for them to preach and minister (Acts 16:40.)
It is commonly known that women have faced various challenges and limitations in their involvement throughout Christian history, often due to societal and cultural norms. In the early days of Christianity, the patriarchal structure of Roman and Jewish societies influenced the leadership roles in the church, which were typically reserved for men. As a result, women were frequently excluded from preaching and teaching. In ancient Rome, women held citizenship but were denied voting rights and the opportunity to serve in public offices. Nevertheless, Roman women had the legal capacity to inherit property and instigate divorces. However, in legal matters and court proceedings, women were compelled to rely on a male family member to represent them (Denova 2021.) Some early Christian writings reflected these limitations. For example, Paul’s letter, particularly 1 Timothy 2:12, was interpreted to restrict women’s roles in church leadership. Paul’s writings influenced early Christian doctrine, and his statements on women’s submission to male authority contributed to the marginalization of women within the church.
“I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet.” 1 Timothy 2:12.
Women’s challenges and restrictions in the early church were closely tied to the societal norms and cultural factors of the time, which perpetuated a gender hierarchy and influenced the development of church doctrine and practices. This historical context of women’s roles in the early is a valuable foundation for present-day conversation in many ways. First, it highlights the presence of women in early Christian communities who held leadership roles and played pivotal roles in spreading the faith. This history challenged contemporary gender-based restrictions and provided a precedent for including women in ministry and leadership positions.
Throughout history, women have played a crucial and dynamic role in the development of the church. From the early days of Christianity, women served as disciples, leaders, and supporters, contributing to the growth and spread of the religion. As the church evolved and became more institutionalized, women such as Phoebe and Priscila were recognized for their significant contributions as leaders, evangelists, and teachers. Their influence and impact have been instrumental in shaping the church as we know it today. However, as the church hierarchy became more hierarchical and male-dominated, women’s roles changed. This shift was influenced by societal norms that often relegated women to subordinate positions. By the Middle Ages, the church’s leadership explicitly limited women’s roles, excluding them from the priesthood and restricting their involvement in religious life (Butler 2006.) Throughout the 20th century, we see a resurgence of women’s participation in the church, driven by social and cultural changes like the women’s rights movement and shifts in religious practices (Cruea 2005.) Many denominations began to ordain women as ministers and bishops, acknowledging their equal spiritual leadership.
In sum, when we engage with the stories and teachings in the Bible, it is essential to consider the viewpoints of everyone involved, and this unequivocally includes women. Their unique interpretations and experiences are pivotal for gaining a deep and comprehensive understanding of the events and messages found in the New Testament. By exploring the roles that women played in the early church, we open the door to a treasure trove of knowledge that not only enriches our comprehension but also offers valuable insights into the societal norms prevalent during that era.
This approach is not about reading the Bible through a single lens but embracing a versatile perspective. It encourages us to acknowledge the diverse voices, contributions, and experiences of the women who lived in a time that profoundly shaped Christian history.
As emphasized in our course “Introduction to the New Testament,” it is crucial to adapt to multiple text criticisms. In particular, when it comes to religious texts like the Bible, textual criticism plays a significant role in clarifying interpretations and ensuring the accuracy of religious teachings. By examining and comparing various versions of a text, scholars can identify differences and make informed decisions about the most reliable and accurate rendition of the original. Textual criticism helps keep ancient texts relevant and valuable sources of information, providing insight into the past and various fields of study.
Citations:
Branch, R. G. (2019). Female leadership as demonstrated by Phoebe : an interpretation of Paul’s words introducing Phoebe to the saints in Rome. In Die Skriflig, 53(2), 1–10.
Butler, S. (2006). The Catholic priesthood and women: a guide to the church’s teaching. LiturgyTrainingPublications.
Cruea, S. M. (2005). Changing ideals of womanhood during the nineteenth-century woman movement. ATQ, 19(3), 187.
Denova, R. (2021, February 04). Ancient Christianity’s Effect on Society & Gender Roles. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/article/1670/ancient-christianitys-effect-on-society–gender-ro/.
English Standard Version Bible, (2001). Acts 16:40, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+16%3A40&version=ESV
English Standard Version Bible, (2001). Romans 16:1-2, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+16%3A+1-2&version=ESV
English Standard Version Bible, (2001). Romans 16:3-4, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+16%3A+3-4&version=ESV
English Standard Version Bible, 2001, 1 Timothy 2:12, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+2%3A12&version=ESV
Jankiewicz, D. (2013). Phoebe: Was she an early church leader?
King, K. L. (1998). Women in Ancient Christianity: The New Discoveries. Frontline.
Kroeger, C. (1988). The neglected history of women in the early church. Christian History.
Shoemaker, S. J. (2016). Mary in early Christian faith and devotion. Yale University Press.