Women Leaders Recognized By God

“I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also.” [1]

“Paul sent an advance recommendation of this sister in Christ so the Romans will receive her and support her during her stay in their city.” [E]

“Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise greet the church that is in their house.” [2]

“Priscilla and Aquila were associates of Paul and helpers to Apollos. ‘The church that is in their house.’ In a city with a Christian community of any size, there would be several ‘congregations’ meeting in different houses since there were no ‘church’ buildings at this time.” [3 E]

“Greet Mary, who labored much for us. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who have labored in the Lord. Greet the beloved Persis, who labored much in the Lord. Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them.” [4]

“Andronicus and Junia” were well regarded among the apostles. Of note among the apostles has the idea that Andronicus and Junia are apostles themselves (though not of the twelve), and notable among other apostles. If there ever were women recognized as apostles – in the sense of being special emissaries of God, not in the sense of being of the twelve – this is the strongest Scriptural evidence.” [E]

Phoebe, Priscilla, Mary, Tryphena, and Tryphosa worked for the Lord. “Of the twenty-four names mentioned in Romans 16, thirteen also appear in inscriptions or documents connected with the Emperor’s palace in Rome. We know that there were Christians among Caesar’s household.” [5 E]

“Heavenly Father, thank You for these women who served You faithfully in the days when the Church first began, and thank You for those who are faithfully serving You now!”

[1] Romans 16:1-2
[2] Acts 18:2; 18:18; 18:26
[3] Romans 16:3-5a
[4] Romans 16:6-7, 12, 15
[5] Philippians 4:22
[E] Enduring Word Commentary