Women in Leadership Roles in the Early Church

Women played important roles in the early church, serving as leaders, evangelists, and supporters of Jesus’ ministry. Some notable women in the New Testament include Mary Magdalene, who was a devoted follower of Jesus and the first to witness his resurrection (Matthew 28:1-10); Phoebe, who is described as a deacon and benefactor of many in the church (Romans 16:1-2); and Priscilla, who along with her husband Aquila, taught and guided Apollos in the ways of the Lord (Acts 18:24-26). These examples show that women were active participants in spreading the Gospel and building the early church.