So, a post on Facebook about a shirt I made has been getting some discussion.
Before you get upset, I simply think that women should know their place in the church: apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, teacher, deacon, sister, patron, mother, daughter, letter carrier, etc.
Here’s the story.
I’d been in a Bible study where we walked through Romans 16. We looked at the women mentioned in that chapter and what their roles were. I was blown away. Apparently, I’ve never given enough thought to that chapter.
Phoebe was an esteemed patron, deacon, and letter carrier. Priscilla was a hard coworker, friend, pastor.
And Junia…
Junia was an apostle, who had been imprisoned for the gospel. It’s possible she was one of the 70 who had been sent out by Jesus.
Junia got to me. Especially when I learned how historically some folks had made up a story about her name because they couldn’t handle a female apostle. Early church fathers and literature all recognized her and her role. But some folks later tried to make up a story that her name had been a version of a male name Junias. But this is a name that didn’t exist. Oops. We can do better.
I’m thrilled to have light shed on this. Women should know their place in the church and in church history!
One quote I heard is “Where men have said ‘Women can’t’, the Old and New Testament testify, ‘They did.’” – Nijay K Gupta
Women should know their place in the church: apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, teacher.
Amen.
The Shirt
Both my wife and I have had lots of folks messaging us and asking for an online link of where to get the shirt. It’s now available here: thisimprint.com
Resources
We’ve also received private messages asking for more resources about Romans 16 and women in leadership roles. My take is that it’s a small part of a larger discussion. I’m no expert, but here are a few resources that have been recommended to me:
Tell Her Story: How Women Led, Taught, and Ministered in the Early Church by Nijay K Gupta.
This podcast episode by Influence Magazine.
I may update this page as more resources are made aware to me. I’m glad that this discussion is resonating and I hope it opens some eyes, hearts, and doors.
joeltimothy.com 