10 Ways The Bible Honors Women: Part 1

This is part one of a spontaneous exposition written by myself and my fiancé. We wrote this as a response to the perception that Christianity and the Bible is oppressive to women. We feel that, on the contrary, the Bible is full of beautiful illustrations of the diverse and unique qualities of women and their contributions to the bigger story. 

1. Women as Leaders

Lydia is an independent businesswoman, introduced in Acts 16:14 as a seller of purple cloth. In her time and culture, this is not typical. She not only manages her own affairs, but is employed in an important and lucrative field as a seller of one of the period’s most luxurious commodities. This makes her conversion even more important. She is influential as a businesswoman, and as a native of Thyatira, an influential convert for Asia. Additionally, one could reasonably assert that she is one of the first European converts, as her conversion takes place in Phillipi (see Spurgeon commentary). Both unique geographical aspects of her story establish her as a trend-setter for the rest of the missionary journeys. When Lydia is called by the Lord, it is monumental because it solidifies the teachings of Paul and the Apostles – that the promise of the Gospel is extended to the Gentiles as well as the Jews.

Lydia’s role as a leader is most strongly evidenced as she becomes the spiritual ambassador for her entire household. She is actively working towards the salvation of all those in her house, and we know from other scripture that she is successful. This demonstrates that she is highly influential in the conversion of multiple people. She is not only the first of the European/Asian converts, but one of the first European/Asian evangelists.

2. Women as Assertive

There is an undeniable pattern in the Bible that sets an expectation for women to be quiet, submissive servants. While none of these traits are negative, this picture of the ideal woman is not necessarily the whole picture of what the Lord expects of and encourages in women. One story that widens the picture comes from Mark 5. In this story Jesus is walking through a crowd when a courageous woman reaches out to touch him, believing that he can heal her of her blood disease. Immediately, her faith makes her whole and she is cured. This is significant because not only does it defy social expectations for her to touch him, but in doing so she is also publicly claiming that she believes in him as the Christ. At the conclusion of this story, Jesus commends her for her faith as well as her ability to overcome fear and openly admit that she was the one who touched him.

Another example comes from Luke 21. In this story, Jesus uses an elderly woman as an example of active faith. He points out a poor widow who is tithing all of the money that she owns, and compares her actions to that of the Pharisees. Not only does she demonstrate radical faith, but also the ability of even a poor and fragile woman to live out her faith in a way that shames the most pious men of her time.

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Part 2: Women as Equal and Courageous
Part 3: Women as Faithful and Valuable
Part 4: Women as Independent and Co-Heirs and Priests
Part 5: Women as Brides and Purposeful