Wonderful Women Of God

If we are not careful, we might make the mistake of overlooking the contributions and dedication of godly women.  It is true that much of the Bible details the words and deeds of different men.  However, that does not mean that there have not been numerous ladies who have left an impact on the world due to their labors.  Let us notice just a couple of them in this article.

            The first lady to be presented is often mentioned alongside her husband, Aquila.  Her name is Priscilla.  She and her husband were tentmakers, like the apostle Paul (Acts 18:2-3).  That may have been a way of providing income for her family, but her good works were not limited to tentmaking.  The Bible has recorded that she was instrumental in the teaching and correction of a great teacher of the Gospel, Apollos.  Luke wrote, “And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.  This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.  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” (Acts 18:24-26).  There are some who might cry foul due to the fact that a woman was involved in teaching and correcting a man.  This would be a mistake.  Nowhere does the Bible indicate that Priscilla was in the wrong for what she did.  The Scripture that some might invoke is probably First Timothy chapter two verse 12.  That verse prohibits a woman from “usurping” authority over the man.  In no way did Priscilla “usurp” authority over a man.  Instead, the Bible indicates that she and her husband took Apollos to the side and then taught him in the correct way.  There was no public display of “usurpation”.  How many of us are grateful for women in our lives who took the time to discuss the Scriptures with us.  I can only imagine how many grandmothers and mothers have been instrumental in their families having a better understanding of God’s Word.  The apostle Paul certainly appreciated the work of Priscilla.  He wrote, “Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:  Who have for my life laid down their own necks:  unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles” (Rom. 16:3-4).  It is apparent that Priscilla was well-loved and appreciated by so many.  Paul even revealed that she was hospitable to the degree that she and her husband opened their home as a meeting place for a first-century congregation.  “Likewise greet the church that is in their house.  Salute my well-beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ” (Rom. 16:5).  A woman like Priscilla deserves to be remembered, and also should be imitated.  It is obvious that God feels as such because He made sure to record her and her works in His Word.

            Another godly lady who might not be remembered as much as some men is Phebe.  Paul “commended” her to the church at Rome (Rom. 16:1).  A recommendation from someone as well beloved as Paul would no doubt carry much weight.  Paul then referred to Phebe as “our sister” and “a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea” (Rom. 16:1).  While the designations might not be flashy to some, being a servant and faithful sister is extremely important to God and the church.  Paul wanted Phebe to be “received” by the congregation in Rome, as well as being “assisted” in whatever need she had.  His reason for wanting her to receive care was the good that she had done personally to him.  He called her a “succourer of many”.  We can only imagine the number of brethren that she helped in the first century.  While those people might not be mentioned by name, God saw fit to mention Phebe’s good works in His Word.  That allows those of us today to appreciate a woman who might have been forgotten in time otherwise.

            Due to the constraints of this article, we are only able to discuss briefly two wonderful women of God.  By no means are these the only two ladies that are worthy of our study and attention.  Perhaps in the future, we will notice other women who God has included in His Word.  To all of the faithful women of the church, please know that you are appreciated, noticed, and remembered for the good that you do.
~ Corey Barnette