The twelve apostles were all men, and there is no evidence that any of the Seventy, who were
sent out two-by-two, were female; this is hardly surprising in the prevailing social conditions.
Nevertheless, some women did leave their homes to follow Jesus: Lk.8:1-3 records how Mary
Magdalene, Joanna the wife of Herod’s steward, Susanna, and others ministered to His material
needs, while traveling with Him, even to the point of contributing their money to His expenses.
Women stood by Jesus at the crucifixion (in contrast to Jesus’ male disciples, who “all forsook
Him and fled”(Mk.14:50). There is one other thing to note about the twelve apostles and that’s
they were all Jewish. For those who contend that disciples, apostles, evangelists, preachers,
teachers, etc. can only be men for Jesus chose only men to be His apostles, then they must also
conclude that they must all be Jewish, because He only chose Jewish men!
Women were the first witnesses of the Resurrection, though some of the men were skeptical
when they were told of the resurrection by the women. This is very important to note for in
Jewish law women could not be witnesses, but Jesus allows women to be His witnesses!
Jesus not only accepted the service of women, but He also used them to spread the Gospel:
Mary Magdalene was sent as the apostula apostalorum or as the apostle to the apostles to tell
them of the Good news of Jesus’ resurrection (Jn.20:17- & Mt.28:10). The Samaritan woman
preached the news of Jesus in her village, so that “many Samaritans believed in Him because of
the woman’s testimony” (Jn.4:39).
In Acts the pattern continues: women are full members of the Church. Luke specifically
records that both women and men were baptized (
Acts 8:12; 16:15). Since women are baptized,
are they not true members of the body of Christ with all the privileges and responsibilities that
goes with it? Women, including Jesus’ mother, joined with the men in prayer. They were present
at Pentecost (
Acts 2:1). Quoting from Joel, Peter referred to “daughters” and “maidservants”
prophesying (
Acts 2:17-18); the Holy Spirit is said to fall on all the disciples (not just the men).
Acts frequently mentions women converts, including Timothy’s mother (
Acts 16:1- 2 and
Tim.1:5); Lydia, a wealthy woman who gave Paul hospitality (
Acts 16:13-15); Damaris at
Athens; and women of high standing at Philippi and Beroea. Women were miraculously healed.
The Church cared for widows; the Church met for prayer at the house of Mary, the mother of
John Mark (12:12); and Phillip had four daughters who prophesied (21:9).
In spite of the frequent references to women, the early Church’s leadership, as depicted in
Acts, was mostly male (Although, approximately 40% of those greeted in
Romans 16 were
female). One exceptional figure is Priscilla, who with her husband taught the learned Apollos
(
Acts 18:2, 18, 26; Rom.16:3-; 1 Cor.16:19;
2 Tim. 4:19)! (conīt from above)