Speaking the Truth in Love
Women of the Bible
At the end of our last program we received a call from a gentleman who had a question concerning whether God permits women to be public preachers of the gospel. The answer provided in 1 Timothy 2:9-15 and 1Corinthians 11:3 shows that a woman is not to teach over a man. However, a Christian woman is to be active in her life in order to profess godliness.
This would include teaching younger women, children, neighbors, friends, and family the gospel of Jesus Christ. This teaching takes many forms in Bible study, in example, and in the home (Titus 2:3-5). We would like to examine some examples of godly women tonight, and discuss the types of things that were their priorities.
Ruth - Book of Ruth - Her first husband died, yet Ruth was devoted to her mother-in-law. She then was devoted to her husband Boaz and the Lord blessed her with a son. This son, Obed, was the father of Jesse, King David's father, who was the in lineage of Christ (Matthew 1:5).
The Virtuous Woman - Proverbs 31:10-31 - She provides food and clothing for her household, works with her hands and extends her hand to the poor and needy (verse 20). "She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up to call her blessed; Her husband also, and praises her:" (verses 27-28). "Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised" (verse 30).
Mary & Martha - John 11:1-2, 21-32, 12:1-3, Luke 10:38-42 - These were the sisters of Lazarus whom Jesus raised from the dead. Mary anointed Jesus' feet with fragrant oil. They were friends of Jesus and aware of Him being Lord. Both women knew that Jesus could have prevented Lazarus' death. Martha said, "I know that he (Lazarus) will rise again in the resurrection at the last day" (John 11:24). And again Martha said, "Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is come into the world" (John 11:27). Martha provided food and hospitality to Jesus.
Mary Magdalene - Matthew 27:55-61, Mark 16:1-9, John 20:1-2, 11-18 - Jesus cast out seven demons from this Mary (Luke 8:2). This Mary, was one of the "many women who followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to Him" (Matthew 27:55). Mary wept and waited at the tomb of Jesus (Matt. 27:61) and was the first to see Jesus after His resurrection (Mark 16:9). She told the disciples that she had seen the Lord(John 20:18).
Priscilla - Acts 18:1-3, 26, Romans 16:3-4, 1 Corinthians 16:19 - Priscilla was a tentmaker with her husband and Paul. She and Aquila instructed Apollos "the way of God more accurately". Paul regarded her as a fellow worker who risked her life for him and the gospel. A church met in Aquila and Priscilla's house.
Phoebe - Romans 16:1-2 - Phoebe was a sister and servant at the church in Cenchrea. She was a helper of many including Paul.
Eudious & Syntiche - Phil.4:2-3 - These women labored with Paul in the gospel and their names are in the Book of Life.
Hannah - 1 Samuel 1:1-2:21 - She was barren but prayed for a son. In her praying she made a vow that if God gave her a son she would dedicate him to the Lord. This she did, bringing Samuel to be raised by Eli the high priest in the temple. Each year she brought Samuel a robe. Samuel became a great representative for God. Because she had kept her vow to the Lord, He blessed her with 3 more sons and 2 daughters, even though at one time she was barren.
Elizabeth - Luke 1:5-25 - She and her husband "were both righteous before God, walking in all commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless" (verse 6). Elizabeth was a relative of Mary the mother of Jesus and had a son, John the Baptist, who would eventually prepare the way of the Lord. She also understood that Mary would be the mother of the Lord (Luke 1:41-45).
Mary mother of Jesus/James - Luke 1:26-38, 46-55, John 19:25-27, Acts 1:14 - "Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!" (Luke 1:28). Mary was humbled to be the mother of Jesus, the Savior of the world. She was present at the crucifixion of our Lord. She was also present with the apostles as they waited in Jerusalem for the power Jesus said would come. Evidently Jesus' brothers became believers probably with the encouragement of Mary.
Anna - Luke 2:36-38 - Anna was an aged widow and prophetess. She did not depart from the Temple but served God with fastings and prayer night and day. She also gave thanks to the Lord when he was a child and "spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem"(verses 5-6).
Lois and Eunice - 2 Timothy 1:5, 3:14-15 - Timothy's mother and grandmother had a genuine (unhypocritical) faith. Evidently these women taught Timothy the Scriptures from his youth.
Sarah - 1 Peter 3:1-6 - "For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror". Sarah is the example Peter uses to show the type of woman God wants.
Older Women - Titus 2:3-5, 1 Tim. 5:9-10 - Older women are to give to others, teach younger women to love their husbands and children and God and raise a family that would strive to please God.
Lydia - Acts 16:14-15, 40 - She was a merchant who sold purple and worshiped God. She also opened her heart to the gospel from Paul. She and all her household were baptized. Then she provided for Paul and Silas (verses 14-15). After Paul and Silas left prison she again opened her home to them (verse 40).
From our study tonight we can see what priorities God desires Christian women to have in their lives. We need to honor and appreciate good Christian women because this world needs them desperately.
If you have not decided to follow Jesus, there is no better time than now to do so. Why not repent and be baptized to wash away your sins? Then you will gain the best friend you ever could have and can look forward to an eternal home in Heaven. We hope to see you next time on Speaking The Truth In Love!
