Women in Leadership in Early Christianity: A Comparative Analysis of the New Testament and Early Church Traditions (33 CE–800 CE)
Paid Subscriber Article
“Tov can bring things together from parts of the Bible that you have read but not have connected the dots. He helps you connect the dots, between Hebrew culture, the Old testament and Christ in the New Testament.” John Valmes
Become a Subscriber
A special thanks to subscribers who pay for the publication, or expense it as an educational resource. If you’re planning to expense the publication, you are welcome to use a variation of this email template.
Thank you for buying me a caffeinated beverage to keep me awake, productive, and perk- Click!
First, before the article, here’s an important word from the Call to Return Ministry Volunteers:
Update re: Help Needed for the Rose Family written by the Call to Return Ministries Volunteers
Dear Friends and Supporters,
As of April 2, 2025, we’re reaching out on behalf of Tov and Michelle Rose. We ask you to prayerfully consider a tax-deductible gift—whether a one-time donation or ongoing monthly support—to help this faithful family through their unexpected crises.
What Happened:
On March 24, 2025, Tov had a car accident. The crash caused extensive damage, and the car is now in the shop. Rental car costs, combined with other mounting expenses have left the Roses in a financial bind they can’t manage alone. Thankfully, $4200 has been generously donated over the past week.
There are some additional family expenses that were not initially considered in previous statements. Thank you for prayerfully considering assisting with these.
Venmo/CashApp: @TovRose/$TovRose
Their Daughter's Diary Needs:
Since September 2024, Tov and Michelle have been caring for their adult daughter, who faces a serious health condition requiring the costly Lion Diet requiring her to primarily eat clean, organic beef and lamb. To cut down on food costs, they need a freezer ($404) and half a cow ($1,800) for 3–4 months of food—a total of about $2,204.
Healing Retreat: Now in Georgia, the family plans to attend Be in Health Ministries’ For My Life® Retreat (May 5–9, 2025) for chronic health issues affecting Tov, Michelle, and their daughter. Cost: $459 per person, plus $684 for safe housing—totaling $2,061 for all three.
Over the last 30 years, Be in Health Ministries has an excellent, medically documented track record for seeing people healed of chronic and terminal conditions: 40,000 people healed. Tov & Michelle have previously received medically documented healing through these retreats. Tov's testimony in 2021 from MCS/EI is recorded in their book, "A More Excellent Way," by Dr. Henry W. Wright.
Travel: Monthly trips to Kansas for medical care add significant travel and lodging costs. A donated (or loaned) motorhome would provide rest, meals, and safe, mold-free housing—easing this strain. Their daughter's health has been greatly impacted by mold, and where they've been staying in Kansas is a problem.
Of course, this vehicle would also be used for ministry purposes as well as medical purposes.
How You Can Help:
Your generosity has carried Call to Return Ministries and the Roses through tough times before, and we’re so grateful. Any gift—however small—will lighten their load and move them forward.
Thank you:
Even if you can’t give, your prayers mean the world. We’ll keep you posted on their progress and remain committed to serving Jesus with every blessing we receive.
With deep gratitude,
Call to Return Volunteers
On Behalf of Tov, Michelle, and the Rose Family
*Call to Return Ministries and the NMV Bible Project & Foundation are a DBA of Midwest Hebrew Ministries.
Today’s Paid Subscriber Only Article:
Women in Leadership in Early Christianity: A Comparative Analysis of the New Testament and Early Church Traditions (33 CE–800 CE)
Abstract
This article examines the leadership roles of women in early Christianity from the New Testament period (circa 33 CE–100 CE) through the early church traditions up to 800 CE, analyzing continuity, evolution, and restriction across key titles and functions. Drawing on scriptural evidence and historical texts—including the New Testament, patristic writings, church orders, and early medieval accounts—the study identifies women as Apostles (e.g., Junia), deacons (e.g., Phoebe), teachers (e.g., Priscilla), prophetesses (e.g., Philip’s daughters), evangelists (e.g., the Samaritan woman), and community leaders (e.g., Lydia) in the Apostolic Age. As Christianity institutionalized, these roles adapted: deaconesses were formalized but later declined, teaching shifted to private or monastic contexts, prophecy waned, and monastic leadership emerged with abbesses (e.g., Hilda of Whitby). Women remained excluded from bishop and presbyter roles throughout, reflecting patriarchal influences. The analysis reveals an initial egalitarianism that gave way to structured hierarchy, with monasticism offering new avenues for female authority. This comparative approach underscores women’s significant contributions to early Christianity, challenging narratives of marginalization and highlighting their impact on the faith’s development.