A List of The Women Involved In The Early Church

according to the new testament

When Jesus sent out the seventy-two, he included women in the divine mission. Then came Pentecost, when the words of Joel 2 burst into life: “Your sons and daughters will prophesy.” The Spirit didn’t ask for permission or empower based on the criteria of gender; the Spirit has never been biased, and the presence of God isn’t gendered. The Spirit poured out power without preference. Women prayed, prophesied, led house churches, and shaped theology. The early church, for all its flaws, dared to live out a vision of shared power.

And the Biblical Authors disclosed a few of their names with us. I would bodly say this is a very incomplete list. I cannot say with absolute certainity but my personal opinion is that many more women were coworkers in the Christian Church’s beginnings.

A List of The Women Involved In The Early Church:

Mary, Mother of Jesus

• Reference: Acts 1:14

• Role: Present with the apostles and disciples in the upper room after the ascension, praying and preparing for Pentecost.

Mary, Mother of John Mark

• Reference: Acts 12:12

• Role: Hosted a house church in Jerusalem, where believers gathered to pray during Peter’s imprisonment.

Daughters of Philip the Evangelist

• Reference: Acts 21:9

• Role: Four unmarried daughters who prophesied, showing the inclusion of women in Spirit-led ministry in the early church.

Priscilla (Prisca)

• References: Acts 18:2–3, 18, 26; Romans 16:3–5; 1 Corinthians 16:19; 2 Timothy 4:19

• Role: A prominent leader and teacher alongside her husband Aquila; helped instruct Apollos. Hosted a church in her home.

Phoebe

• Reference: Romans 16:1–2

• Role: A deacon of the church in Cenchreae and benefactor of many, including Paul. She likely delivered the letter to the Romans.

Junia

• Reference: Romans 16:7

• Role: Described as “outstanding among the apostles” and imprisoned for her faith. A prominent woman apostle.

Lydia

• References: Acts 16:14–15, 40

• Role: First convert in Philippi, opened her home to Paul and hosted what likely became the first church in Europe.

Chloe

• Reference: 1 Corinthians 1:11

• Role: A woman of influence whose household informed Paul of divisions in the Corinthian church—possibly led a house church or some sort of ministry.

Nympha

• Reference: Colossians 4:15

• Role: Hosted a church in her home, indicating spiritual leadership and responsibility within her community.

Apphia

• Reference: Philemon 1:2

• Role: Greeted alongside Philemon and Archippus, possibly part of a leadership team in a house church. Referred to as a “sister,” suggesting close spiritual partnership.

Tryphena and Tryphosa

• Reference: Romans 16:12

• Role: Commended by Paul as “those women who work hard in the Lord.” Possibly sisters or twin evangelists.

Persis

• Reference: Romans 16:12

• Role: A beloved woman who “worked very hard in the Lord,” signifying strong involvement in ministry.

Julia

• Reference: Romans 16:15

• Role: Greeted by Paul alongside others in a household church—her inclusion signifies status and involvement.

Mother of Rufus

• Reference: Romans 16:13

• Role: Praised by Paul as someone who had been like a mother to him—indicating nurturing leadership and deep relationship in the early Christian movement.

As you can see these woman weren’t just bringing snacks, or making flower arrangements or playing the piano -though nothing is wrong with those tasks. These women were Church planters, Mentors, Prophets, Apostles, Teachers, Evangelists and Church Benefactors. Do not underestimate the role of women in the early church. It was and always has been of great significance. God trusted women in ministry long before earth ever did.

If you’d like to learn more about these women consider checking out these books*,following me on social media, and checking back for more detailed substack posts!

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