Sugar, Speaking of the influence of women, there are several in The Bible who were very significant. Hanna, the mother of Samuel, an old testament prophet. She understood God as a defender of the downtrodden and believed that justice is part of God's characteristics. Ruth, a non jew(Midianite??) was the forebear of King David and Jesus Christ. Martha, engaged Jesus in conversation and He revealed Himself as the source of the resurrection life. Mary Magdalene, considered unclean by the temple authorities, was the first person to whom Jesus revealed Himself after His resurrection. Not only that, He gave her the task of informing the disciples that He was risen. The interesting thing about this is that women's testimonies were not valid, yet she was chosen to deliver the word. Also, Phillip had daughters who were in service to the Lord. Acts 21: 8 And on the next day we departed and came to Caesarea; and entering the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, we stayed with him.
9 Now this man had four virgin daughters who were prophetesses.
There was one who was called a servant(some say deacon), a respected place in the early church. There are others God has worked through in the past and still is. Women are highly respected in our local church and some are trustees, making financial decisions for the body. Their influence and service is much appreciated. To me God in Christ has liberated the women. It's the old world views that are wrong, not God.
Acts 2:
17 'AND IT SHALL BE IN THE LAST DAYS,' God says, 'THAT I WILL POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT UPON ALL MANKIND; AND YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY, AND YOUR YOUNG MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS, AND YOUR OLD MEN SHALL DREAM DREAMS;
18 EVEN UPON MY BONDSLAVES, BOTH MEN AND WOMEN, I WILL IN THOSE DAYS POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT And they shall prophesy.
God bless,
David Fisk
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