female apostles in history
DESCRIPTION
Profile of important women who served in the function of an apostle (whether knowingly or not) throughout history. Outlines why it is important we study such women and celebrating their history, as it is a part of the history of all Christian women.TRANSCRIPT
FEMALE APOSTLES IN HISTORY
By Apostle Dr. Lee Ann B. Marino, Ph.D., D.D.Apostle in Office
Apostolic Fellowship International Ministries
© 2010 Dr. Lee Ann B. Marino. All rights reserved.
Why understand female apostles in history?
Women in ministry is not a new happening, but a continuing revelation of God’s work all throughout salvation history
It is essential for Christian women to recognize their spiritual heritage and history (Hebrews 12:1); women have a “cloud of witnesses” who have gone on before them in faith and power and set forth the course to where women in ministry are today
Women have been called into positions of leadership and authority by God, even if they were not recognized for their specific accomplishments by name
The Apostle Photini and her five apostle
sisters The Samaritan woman with whom Jesus had His longest discourse in Scripture in John 4; often regarded as the first to proclaim the Gospel of Christ
Hailed as “the enlightened one” and an “Equal to the Apostles,” she is also believed to have become a martyr, beheaded at the hands of an emperor
She successfully converted her five sisters (Anatole, Photo, Photis, Paraskeve, and Kyriake) and two sons (Victor and Joses) to follow Christ
She and her five sisters were baptized by the apostles, and worked in Carthage to proclaim the Gospel after working and assisting the Apostles Peter and Paul
Revered as a saint in several Christian traditions, and unnamed in many modern Biblical congregations
Identity distorted; the Samaritan woman is vilified as a harlot or sinner, rather than her work in Christ; misunderstood and powerfully distorted; do not view her redeemed, but permanently sinful
The Apostle Mary Magdalene
Mentioned in numerous places throughout the New Testament (Matthew 27:56, Matthew 27:61, Matthew 28:1, Mark 15:40, Mark 15:47, Mark 16:1, Mark 16:9, Luke 8:2, Luke 24:10, John 19:25, John 20:1, John 20:10, John 20:18), Mary Magdalene was hailed as the “apostle to the apostles” as the first to see the resurrected Christ and herald the news of His resurrection from the dead
The apocryphal Gospel of Mary Magdalene chronicles Mary’s appointment and establishment as an apostle over a large portion of the early Christian church; The Gospel of Thomas cites Mary as an equal of Peter, who saw her as a rival
Little is known about her life; the fact that she is known by the city of her origin (Magdala) rather than her patriarchal lineage establishes her as unique and special
Revered as a saint in several Christian traditions, and as a model of Christian perseverance and faith among modern Christian denominations
Identity distorted as a prostitute or woman of ill-refute; some modern theories suppose she was the wife of Christ and mother of Christ’s offspring/bloodline, but this lie equally suppresses her reality as a church apostle
The Apostle Junia
Commended by the Apostle Paul in Romans 16:7 as being of outstanding note among the apostles and one who was an apostle prior to Paul’s apostolic call
Considered to be an apostle counted among the seventy in Luke 10:1-10
Co-worker with Andronicus, a male relative (many believe to be her husband)
Revered as a saint in several Christian traditions, and as a model of Christian perseverance and faith among modern Christian denominations
Identity suppressed as male (Junias), first by the Roman Catholic Church and subsequent traditions for over 1,000 years as church traditions fought the idea of a female apostle
The Apostle Apphia
Mentioned by the Apostle Paul in Philemon 1:2 as “our dear sister” and one to whom the letter was specifically addressed
Considered to be an apostle counted among the seventy in Luke 10:1-10
Co-worker with her husband, the Apostle Philemon; held prayer in her home during a pagan feast
Revered as a saint in several Christian traditions, and as a model of Christian perseverance and faith; she is believed to have been a martyr, killed by pagans in Colossae
Virtually unknown and ignored in identity by the majority of Christians, both traditional, and modern
The Apostle Thelca
A convert moved by the Apostle Paul’s preaching on virtue and virginity in the apocryphal writing, The Acts of Paul and Thelca
Miraculously saved from being burned at the stake
Had to fight against an unsupportive family influence to pursue the work and apostolic work of the Gospel
Cited as a role model for women
Hailed as “the Apostle and protomartyr among women” and “equal to the apostles;” revered as a saint in many Christian traditions
Hidden identity and nearly unknown due to lack of knowledge of The Acts of Paul and Thelca
The Apostle Mariamne
The sister of the Apostle Philip and companion in apostolic work of the Apostles Philip and Bartholomew
Regarded as “the Apostolic Virgin;” these three successfully preached and converted souls at Hieropolis; while Philip was crucified, the Apostles Bartholomew and Mariamne were set free
She travelled with Apostle Bartholomew to India and, upon his death, proclaimed the Gospel throughout Asia Minor
Revered as a saint in several Christian traditions, and as a model of Christian perseverance and faith;
Virtually unknown and ignored in identity by the majority of Christians, both traditional, and modern
Anastasia of Sirmium, Apostle
c. 3rd-4th Century AD
Despite an arranged marriage to a pagan, she preserved herself personally and her faith; worked in ministry under powerful persecution under Emperor Diocletian
Started her apostolic work by providing visitation, food, clothing, and medical attention to Christians in prison
Travelled between cities to minister to Christian prisoners; travelled with other female workers and their families to travel to pagan areas, baptizing souls and proclaiming the Gospel
Once arrested, Anastasia continued in her apostolic work, converting and baptizing 120 prisoners on a transport boat
A powerful preacher of God’s Word and performer of miracles
Revered as a saint in many traditional Christian traditions
Virtually unknown by Christians today
Nina, Apostle and Enlightener of Georgia
c. AD 296-335
Was deeply grieved for those who did not know the Lord and had not heard the Gospel from a very young age
Single-handedly converted the entire nation of Georgia to Christianity, including the Tsar and his family, the Tsarina, her family, and much of the government
Never sought fame in her lifetime, working independently and slowly for the conversion of Georgia
A powerful preacher of God’s Word, performer of miracles, and powerful influence and model, even today
Worked under and despite the intense persecution of Emperor Diocletian
Regarded as the “equal to the Apostle Andrew, enlightener of Iberia and reed-pipe of the Holy Spirit” in the Orthodox Church
Angela of Foligno, Apostle
1248-1309
A wild woman early in her life who came to discover the power of God and the importance of holiness
Became a powerful teacher and leader on the issues of holiness and right living, both to men and women
Established a community for men and women without the confines of a cloister and enclosure
Known as the “Mistress of Theologians”
Revered as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church, but seldom, if ever, mentioned
Margery Kempe, Apostle
c. 1373-after 1438
Author of the first autobiography in the English language, The Book of Margery Kempe, featuring her pilgrimages in Europe and Asia
Experienced a vision of Jesus Christ, restoring her sanity after severe postpartum depression following the birth of her first child
Dealt with intense temptations and fought her calling by pursuing businesses, all of which failed
The last portion of her book contains years of dialogues she experienced by revelation of the Lord
Worked in travel and charity for many years
Revered as a saint in the Anglican and Episcopalian Churches; unacknowledged for her important contributions to literature and faith
Argula von Grumbach, Apostle
1492-1554?
First woman writer of the Protestant Reformation
Challenged the staff at the University of Ingostadt on the acceptance of Martin Luther’s points of faith
Avid student of the Bible and knowledgeable of its contents in an age where this was uncommon for women; Tens of thousands of copies of her work (poems and writings) were circulated within a few years of their publication
Pursued her work in ministry despite religious disagreement with her husband and different levels of spousal abuse
One of only a few women who spoke out about her views; received the praise and acclaim of Martin Luther
Spent her latter years travelling and proclaiming the Protestant message to German nobles, dignitaries, and scholars
Not acknowledged for her contributions to Christianity or to women
Jeanne d’Albrecht, Apostle
1528-1572
Political and spiritual leader of Reformation Huguenots in France
Commissioned the translation of the New Testament into Basque and Béarnaise
Staunchly stood against Roman Catholicism within French culture, outlawing unbiblical practices
Took a leading role in negotiating peace within France between Catholics and Protestants
Unacknowledged for both her spiritual and historical contributions; unstudied in general history
Anne Marbury Hutchinson, Apostle
1591-1643
Stood against the social rules for women of her time, establishing Bible studies, services, and education for women and then later, men as well
Within two years of establishment in Boston, had the strongest following of any leader in the colony
Deep insight into spiritual matters, the Word, commentaries, exegesis, and sermon skills; led to jealousy among other New England ministers
Accused of heresy by male ministers
Considered the first American feminist and a staple of women in Christian history; unacknowledged and unknown
Margaret Fell Fox, Apostle
1614-1702
Mother of Quakerism
Served as an early author and promoter of the movement, as well as a powerful source of intervention in cases of political conflict or conflict of believers
Arrested for failing to take an oath and holding Quaker meetings in her home
Author of “Women Speaking Justified,” a defense of women in ministry according to the Scriptures; one of the major texts for women in ministry in the 17th century
Revered by Quakers; unheard of by most Christian women today
Lady Selina Hastings, Apostle
1707-1791
Founder, the Countess of Huntingdon’s Connexion society of evangelical churches; prominent Methodist and evangelical revivalist
Considered a superintendent over her churches and chapels (more than 64 in totality), which brought a Calvinistic and holiness element to the Methodist and revival movements
Founded a minister’s training college
Expelled from the Church of England for preaching
Limited acknowledged for her important contributions, mostly within the Methodist Church
Barbara Ruckle Heck, Apostle
1734-1804
“The Mother of American Methodism”
Founded a powerful revival
Founder of one of the first integrated churches in the United States
Formed the earliest Methodist Society in Canada and the first in Salem, New York
Acknowledged within the American Methodist Church for her contributions in revival; unacknowledged by general history
Phoebe Palmer, Apostle
1820 or 1821-1913
Made more than thirteen missions to rescue more than 70 slaves using the Underground Railroad
The first woman to lead an armed expedition in the Civil War, she guided the Combahee River Raid, liberating more than 700 slaves
Hailed as “the Moses of her people;” walked in a powerful prophetic gift of visions and dreams throughout her life
Women’s rights advocate
Acknowledged for her important contributions to abolitionism, African-American history, and women’s history
Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Apostle
1815-1902
Credited with influencing the first organized women’s rights and women’s suffrage movements in the United States
Advocate for women within Christianity; author, The Women’s Bible, seeking to correct sexist understanding often propagated with Biblical usage; strong in faith but unimpressed by organized religion
Strongly disagreed with her husband over the issue of women’s rights; despite differences, both considered the marriage a success
Advocate for equality in marriage, especially sexual equality and childbearing by consent
Travelling speaker on essential subjects
Acknowledged for historical role in women’s history
Harriet Tubman, Apostle
1820 or 1821-1913
Made more than thirteen missions to rescue more than 70 slaves using the Underground Railroad
The first woman to lead an armed expedition in the Civil War, she guided the Combahee River Raid, liberating more than 700 slaves
Hailed as “the Moses of her people;” walked in a powerful prophetic gift of visions and dreams throughout her life
Women’s rights advocate
Acknowledged for her important contributions to abolitionism, African-American history, and women’s history
Maria Woodworth Etter, Apostle
1844-1924
One of the most well-known preachers of modern times
Called by God into ministry through a direct vision
Spent over 40 years of her life travelling and preaching; dedicated Tabernacle, now Lakeview Church
Powerful agent of God’s healing
Powerful influence for others in ministry
Moderately known, but not acknowledged for her truly massive contributions to Christianity and women in ministry
Isabella Lilias Trotter, Apostle
1853-1928
Founder, Algiers Mission Band; the first missionary in modern history to work with Muslims and Muslim converts to Christianity
Worked heavily for and in education and the arts for girls; placed a heavy emphasis on reaching out to Muslim women with the love of Christ
The Algiers Mission included literacy, education, spinning, wool, storytelling, artwork medical work, travel, colporteurs, literature distribution, translations of the New Testament, and places of refuge
First to translate the New Testament into Arabic; powerful author, painter, and poet
Virtually unknown by modern Christian women
Mary Lee Watson Cagle, Apostle
1864-1955
Co-founder, Church of the Nazarene and southern circuit rider, founding and overseeing many churches
Converted her second husband, H.C. Cagle, who became a preacher under her ministry
Hailed as the “Mother of Holiness in west Texas;” one of the first women ordained in modern history
Organized at least 28 congregations and sat as a chair on many district committees; crossed racial lines in an age when such was uncommon and unheard of
Preached until age 90
Un-acclaimed and unstudied in modern Christianity; virtually unknown in modern times
Elliot J. Deobe-Sheeks, Apostle
1872-1946
Southern circuit rider; charter member and co-founder, the New Testament Church of Christ (later, Holiness Church of Christ and later a member of the Church of the Nazarene); powerful church planter, overseeing multiple congregations across the south
One of a few modern women to be the first to receive ordination credentials
Preached 182 sermons and travelled 7,600 miles in 1904 alone
Later, a professor of religion at Bresee College in Hutchinson, Kansas teaching church history, Christian missions, and Bible courses
Virtually unknown among Christian women today; not revered in the majority of Christian denominations
Florence L. Crawford, Apostle
d. 1936
West coast founder and originator of the Apostolic Faith Mission in the Pacific Northwest United States; founding apostle of the Azusa Street Revival extension in Portland, Oregon
Impacting woman who grew the church and mission far beyond immediate walls in an age when women were not readily ordained or acknowledged
Worked using small offerings to establish missionaries, establish, build, and maintain churches, and publish tracts, books, newsletters, and a Sunday School curriculum
Virtually unknown among Christian women today
Freda Lindsay, Apostle 1914-2010
Co-founder, Christ for the Nations Institute; assumed full leadership of the Institute in 1973, after her husband’s death
Travelled in mission trips all over the world
School trained more than 32,000 graduates
Ministry has planted more than 12,000 churches worldwide; established 48 associate Bible schools in 33 countries
One of the most prominent Christian leaders in our modern day and age
Kept her living expenses low (lived on campus for more than 30 years) to sow more into the ministry
Though a powerful Christian leader, she is under acknowledged for her important contributions to the Kingdom
Join us!
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To learn more, visit powerfortoday.org, powerfortoday.webs.com, apostolicuniversity.webs.com, feministchristians.webs.com, or contact us: [email protected].
References “Anastasia of Sirmium.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anastasia_of_Sirmium
“Angela of Foligno.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angela_of_Foligno
“Anne Hutchinson.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne_Hutchinson
“Argula von Grumbach.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argula_von_Grumbach
“Barbara Heck.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbara_Heck
“Countess of Huntingdon’s Connexion.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Countess_of_Huntingdon%27s_Connexion
“Elizabeth Cady Stanton.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Cady_Stanton
Fiorenza, Elisabeth Schlusser. “Apostleship of Women in Early Christianity, The.” http://www.womenpriests.org/classic/fiorenz2.asp
“Florence L. Crawford.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florence_L._Crawford
“Gaines, Adrienne S. “Freda Lindsay, Christ for the Nations Co-Founder, Dies at 95.” March 26, 2010 http://www.charismamag.com/index.php/news/26644-freda-lindsay-christ-for-the-nations-co-founder-dies-at-95
Ingersol, Stan. “Woman of Conscience, A: The Legacies of Elliot J. Sheeks.” http://www.umkc.edu/KCAA/DUSTYSHELF/DS18.HTM
Ingersol, Stan. “Mary Lee Cagle.” http://encyclopediaofalabama.org/face/Article.jsp?id=h-1875
“Jeanne II of Navarre.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeanne_III_of_Navarre
“Junia.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Junia “Legacy of Isabella Lilias Trotter, The.”
http://bansuklee.com/xe/libms/144 “Margery Kempe.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margery_Kempe “Maria Woodworth Etter.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria_Woodworth-Etter “Margaret Fell.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Fell “Margery Kempe.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margery_Kempe Marino, Lee Ann B. “The Women’s History Hour: Our
Tribute to Nina, Apostle and Enlightener of Georgia.”
Riss, Richard M. “A Brief History of Some Women In Ministry.” http://across.co.nz/WomenInMinistry.htm
“Selina Hastings, Countess of Huntingdon.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selina_Hastings,_Countess_of_Huntingdon
“St. Apphia, the Martyr of the Seventy.” http://www.antiochian.org/node/17520
“St. Mariamne, Sister of Apostle Philip.” http://www.antiochian.org/node/17518
“St. Photini, The Samaritan Woman.” http://www.antiochian.org/node/17560
“Thelca.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thecla “Tubman, Harriet.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harriet_Tubman