Updated May 25, 2002 (first published November 15, 2001) (David Cloud, Fundamental Baptist Information Service, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061, 866-295-4143, fbns@wayoflife.org; for instructions about subscribing and unsubscribing or changing addresses, see the information paragraph at the end of the article)

The following study, "The Worth of Women," is adapted from the Thompson Chain Study Bible --

I. THERE WERE MANY NOTABLE WOMEN GOD USED IN THE BIBLE.

Eve - the mother of all mankind - Genesis 3:6

Miriam - the co-leader and prophetess - Numbers 12:1-2; Micah 6:4

Deborah - the patriotic judge and prophetess - Judges 4:4

Ruth - the woman of constancy - Ruth 1:16

Hannah - the ideal mother - 1 Samuel 1:20 - 12:19

Abigail - the capable woman - 1 Samuel 25:3, 18-19

The Shunammite - the hospitable woman - 2 Kings 4:8-10

Esther - the self sacrificing woman - Esther 4:16

The Canaanite - the woman of faith - Matthew 15:28

Mary Magdalene - the transformed woman - Mark 16:1 & 9

Elizabeth - the humble woman - Luke 1:43

Mary - the woman chosen of God - Luke 1:30-38

Mary of Bethany - the woman immortalized by Christ - Matthew 26:13; Luke 10:42

Martha - the worried housekeeper - Luke 10:40

The Woman at the well - John 4:29

Dorcas - the benevolent seamstress - Acts 9:36

Lydia - the business woman - Acts 16:14,15

Priscilla - co-laborer of Paul and discipler of Apollos - Acts 18:26; Romans 16:3

Phoebe - a special messenger and servant of the church - Romans 16:1-2

II. WOMEN PORTRAYED SOME SPECIAL DISTINCTIONS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT.

Women were the last ones at the cross - Mark 15:47

Women were the first ones at the tomb - John 20:1

Women were the first to proclaim the resurrection - Matthew 28:8

A woman was the first witness to the Jews - Luke 2:37 & 38

Women participated in the first prayer meeting - Acts 1:14

A woman was the first European convert - Acts 16:14

A woman labored with Paul and discipled Apollos alongside her husband - Acts 18:18-26

Women contended in the gospel ministry alongside Paul - Philippians 4:3

III. GOD USED SPECIAL WOMEN TO DELIVER INSIGHTFUL MESSAGES TO HIS PEOPLE.

Miriam - Exodus 15:20

Deborah - Judges 4:4

Huldah - 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 34:12

Ana - Luke 2:36

IV. GOD WANTS TO USE WOMEN IN SPECIAL WAYS TO HIS GLORY.

Their skills are used to provide for His work - Exodus 35:25

Their compassion and provision ministers to the poor - Proverbs 31:20

Their small sacrifices are greatly esteemed by God - Luke 21:2-4

Their kindness teaches respect - Proverbs 11:16

Their noble character is an honor to a husband - Proverbs 12:4

Their wisdom builds a strong home - Proverbs 14:1

Their modesty and decency bring honor to God - 1 Timothy 2:9-10

Their example of self-control and ministry of discipleship produces godliness in younger women - Titus 2:3-5

Their submission, purity, and reverence wins an unbelieving husband. - 1 Peter 3:1-2