Women in Ministry
Philippians 4:3 (KJV)
3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.
The Bible clearly teaches that women have been called to the work of ministry and work in the church as surely as have men. Women are needed to share the gospel with others.
There are many women highlighted in the Bible for their role in ministry and the church, including Tryphena, Tryphosa, and Persis (Rom. 16:12), Lois and Eunice (1 Tim. 1:5), Euodia and Syntyche (Philippians 4:3), along with many others. Some of the work and activities of women are listed below.
Nehemiah 8:2 (KJV)
2 And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month.
Men and women should study the Bible and learn together (Neh. 8:1-8)
1 Samuel 2:1 (KJV)
1 And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.
Women should offer prayers and make vows to God (1 Sam. 1:10-11, Num. 30:9-10, Gen. 25:22).
Luke 8:1-3 (KJV)
1 And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,
2 And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,
3 And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.
Women are called to support God's work financially (Luke 8:1-3, Acts 9:36).
Acts 9:36 (KJV)
36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.
Women are key to God's plan for helping those in need. The gospel can be spread through acts of kindness and having compassion on the poor (almsdeeds).
The word translated to "disciple" in this verse is "mathetria" and is used only this one time in the Bible. It means a female pupil.
Acts 21:9 (KJV)
9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.
God calls women to be prophets. The four women in this verse prophesied. Other women who were prophets include Deborah (Judges 4:4) and Huldah (2 Chron. 34:22-28).
Acts 2:17-18 "17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:"
Romans 16:1-2 (KJV)
1 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:
2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.
Men and women can be servants of the church, together accomplishing the many and varying activities needed to operate an organization, meet needs and effectively spread the message (Rom. 16:1-2). All are part of the spiritual body of Christ and have a part to play.
Acts 18:26 (KJV)
26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
Priscilla and her husband taught a man in the way of God (Acts 18:2,26). They are also described as helpers, or co-laborers, of Paul (Rom. 16:3) and as having a church in their home (1 Cor. 16:19).
Acts 16:14-15, 40 (KJV)
14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.
15 And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.
Lydia provided her house to those labouring in the gospel work. Women use their time and resources to provide hospitality, shelter, food and comfort to others working for the Lord.
Acts 16:40 "40 And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed."
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