Fun Facts About Women of the Bible (His Encouragement)

Did you know that Mary Magdalene was one of the first people to preach about the resurrection? Her story inspires me.

Scripture: Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her. John 20:18, NIV

John 20:18, NIV

Introduction:

I have joined with a group of blogging friends to share our favorite Bible verses. On Thursdays, we share about what scripture verses are providing us with strength and encouragement.

This week, as we approach Holy Week and the coming of Easter, I am inspired by the story of Mary Magdalene. I admire her because she followed Jesus and told others about how much she loved him. I am also inspired by all of our foremothers in the faith. I love to learn about the women of the Bible.

Happy Women’s History Month!

During the past several weeks, my church family and I gathered over ZOOM for an online Bible Study. Our study focused on Women in the New Testament. We paid particular attention to the women in the Easter story, but we also learned fun facts about lots of women. Here are some interesting topics we discussed:

• Jesus’s treatment of women in the Bible is remarkable. At the time, women were viewed as less than men. A woman was viewed as the property of her father or husband. In contrast, Jesus recognized the humanity of all people. After the resurrection, women helped to spread the Good News about Jesus and tell the world about God’s love.
• In the first century, one of the main responsibilities of women was to make clothes for their entire household. The symbol of a woman’s duty was the loom. Many women would weave the garments themselves and wealthy women would supervise their servants’ work.
• In the story of Tabitha (also called Dorcas) we are told about how Peter raised her from the dead, much like how Jesus raised Lazarus. Tabitha was a generous Christian leader. The women of the church were deeply saddened when Tabitha died because she was so kind to everyone. One of the ways Tabitha showed her love was by making clothes for others, especially people who were in need (Acts 9:36-42).
• Phoebe (Romans 16:1-2) was an important Christian leader who was trusted by Paul. Paul gave her the important task of taking his letter to the church in Rome. This letter is preserved in our modern Bible as the Epistle to the Romans.
• Priscilla and Aquilla (Acts 18) were a husband and wife in the New Testament. After hearing Paul preach, they accepted Jesus into their hearts. They welcomed Paul into their home and supported his ministry.
• Priscilla and Aquilla met a man named Apollos and heard him preach. He was a very talented public speaker, but he only knew about the teaching of John the Baptist. Priscilla and Aquilla taught Apollos about Jesus. Apollos accepted Jesus and went on to use his gifts for preaching to spread the Good News to many people.
• Many people think that Mary Magdalene was a prostitute, but the Bible never actually says what her profession was. Instead, the Bible tells a story of how Jesus healed her by casting out seven demons that had possessed her (Luke 8:1-3).
• Women have always been present throughout Jesus’s ministry. They were present at the cradle and the last ones to leave the foot of the cross. It was Mary Magdalene was one of the people who discovered the empty tomb. She was one of the first to witness the resurrection and to tell others about it (John 20:11-18). In this way, Mary became one of the very first preachers of the Gospel.

This post is part of the series, “His Encouragement: Thursday Thoughts to Strengthen Your Soul.”

Now, it’s your turn! What Scripture verse is inspiring you this week? Let me know in the comments below! I’m excited to join with a group of blogging friends in order to offer you a weekly devotional which will be posted every Thursday.

Please be sure to check out the other great bloggers involved in the His Encouragement weekly series! 

Trisha @ Joy of Reading

Nicole @ Christian Fiction Girl

Jacquelyn @ A Heavenly Home

Jessica @ A Baker’s Perspective

Becca @ The Becca Files

Jenny @ Author Jenny Lynn

Gina @ Stories By Gina

Andi @ Radiant Light

Leslie @ Words of Hope

Claudia @ By Claudia Mose