Introduction: Women Who Served Christ in the New Testament
The New Testament, while often highlighting the ministry of men, clearly reveals the indispensable and diverse contributions of women who faithfully served Christ. From His earthly ministry to the establishment and growth of the early church, women were present, devoted, and active participants in spreading the Gospel and ministering to the needs of others. Their service, often quiet yet profound, exemplifies true discipleship and stands as a powerful testament to the fact that in Christ, there is neither male nor female, but all are one in Him, called to labor for His kingdom. Let us explore the lives of ten such women, whose stories illuminate the depth of their faith and the significance of their service.
1. Mary, the Mother of Jesus
Mary's service began with an unparalleled act of submission to God's will. Chosen by divine grace to bear the Son of God, her humble response, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word," (Luke 1:38) set the stage for her lifelong devotion. She nurtured Jesus, witnessed His miracles, and stood faithfully at the foot of the cross, enduring immense sorrow. Her service was foundational, bringing Christ into the world and faithfully raising Him according to God's plan. Her life is a profound example of obedience and steadfastness in the face of extraordinary circumstances.
And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
2. Mary Magdalene
Mary Magdalene stands out as a woman delivered from severe affliction and transformed by Christ's power. The scripture tells us that seven devils were cast out of her (Mark 16:9, Luke 8:2). Her gratitude fueled her devotion, leading her to minister to Jesus and His disciples out of her substance. Her ultimate act of service came after the crucifixion; she was among the first to arrive at the tomb and was the first person to witness the resurrected Christ, commissioned by Him to bear the glorious news to the disciples. Her testimony was pivotal in spreading the truth of the resurrection.
Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.
And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.
3. Mary of Bethany
Mary of Bethany, sister to Martha and Lazarus, exemplified a different, yet equally vital, form of service: devoted worship and spiritual attentiveness. While her sister Martha was "cumbered about much serving," Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet, listening to His words (Luke 10:39). Jesus commended her choice, declaring she had chosen "that good part, which shall not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:42). Later, she performed an extraordinary act of devotion by anointing Jesus with costly spikenard, an act Jesus declared would be remembered wherever the Gospel was preached (John 12:3, Mark 14:9). Her service was one of deep spiritual communion and prophetic recognition.
4. Martha of Bethany
Martha, Mary's sister, represents the diligent servant, active in hospitality and practical care. She opened her home to Jesus and His disciples, demonstrating faithful service through provision and preparation. Though sometimes anxious about her many duties, her heart was for Christ. Her most profound moment of service came in her confession of faith after the death of her brother Lazarus: "Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world" (John 11:27). Her willingness to serve and her bold declaration of faith are powerful examples for all who serve Christ.
5. Joanna
Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, is mentioned as one of the women who ministered to Jesus and His disciples out of their substance (Luke 8:3). This demonstrates a significant form of service: financial support. In a time when women's roles were often limited, Joanna's ability to contribute financially, likely from a position of means, was invaluable to Jesus' itinerant ministry. Her quiet yet consistent support helped sustain the work of the Gospel, allowing Jesus and His disciples to focus on teaching and healing. She also was among the women who went to the tomb and found it empty, receiving the angelic message of the resurrection (Luke 24:10).
6. Lydia
Lydia, a seller of purple from Thyatira, was the first convert in Philippi and a pivotal figure in the spread of the Gospel in Europe. When Paul preached, "whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul" (Acts 16:14). Her conversion was immediate and complete, leading to the baptism of her entire household. Her service extended beyond her own salvation; she extended generous hospitality, urging Paul and his companions to abide in her home, which likely became the first house church in Philippi (Acts 16:15). Her open heart and open home were crucial to the early missionary efforts.
7. Priscilla (or Prisca)
Priscilla, often mentioned alongside her husband Aquila, was a remarkable co-laborer in the early church. They were tentmakers by trade, sharing a profession with Paul, and became his close companions and fellow workers in Christ Jesus (Romans 16:3). Their service included teaching, as they took Apollos, a zealous but incomplete preacher, and "expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly" (Acts 18:26). Paul even states they "have for my life laid down their own necks" (Romans 16:4), indicating extraordinary sacrificial service. Priscilla's example highlights the powerful impact of women serving alongside their husbands in ministry, teaching, and risking their lives for the Gospel.
8. Phoebe
Phoebe is introduced by Paul in his letter to the Romans as "a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea" (Romans 16:1). The Greek word for "servant" here is diakonos, which can also be translated as "deaconess," indicating a recognized role of service within the church. Paul commends her further, stating that she "hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also" (Romans 16:2). This suggests she was a patron or helper, providing assistance and support to those in need, including Paul himself. It is also widely believed that Phoebe was the one who carried Paul's epistle to the Romans, a dangerous and significant task, demonstrating her trustworthiness and commitment to the Gospel.
9. Dorcas (Tabitha)
Dorcas, also known by her Aramaic name Tabitha, was a disciple living in Joppa, renowned for her exemplary service to the poor and needy. The scripture describes her as "full of good works and almsdeeds which she did" (Acts 9:36). Her specific ministry involved making coats and garments for widows, a tangible act of compassion that met practical needs within her community. Her death caused great sorrow among those she served, who displayed the garments she had made as evidence of her love and diligence. When Peter raised her from the dead, it brought many to believe in the Lord (Acts 9:42), affirming the power of her Christ-like service even in death.
10. Anna the Prophetess
Anna, a prophetess of advanced age, served God with remarkable devotion within the temple in Jerusalem. Having been a widow for many years, she "departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day" (Luke 2:37). Her service was one of constant prayer and worship, a profound dedication to spiritual devotion. When Joseph and Mary brought the infant Jesus to the temple, Anna, like Simeon, immediately recognized Him as the promised Messiah. Her service culminated in her public testimony: "And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem" (Luke 2:38). Anna's life illustrates the power of prayerful waiting and prophetic witness.
Conclusion: Enduring Legacy of Service
The lives of these ten women, and countless others unnamed in scripture, offer a powerful testament to the multifaceted ways women served Christ in the early church. Their contributions ranged from bearing and raising the Lord, to financial support, devoted worship, practical hospitality, teaching, risking their lives, deaconal service, and intercessory prayer. They were not passive observers but active participants, essential to the advancement of the Gospel. Their stories remind us that true service to Christ is not confined to specific roles or public platforms, but flows from a heart of love, obedience, and faith, impacting individuals and communities for eternity. The enduring legacy of these New Testament women continues to inspire believers today to serve Christ with all their heart, might, mind, and strength, knowing that their labor in the Lord is never in vain.