Christianity Sexist?

Not if you know it….

When Jesus rose from the dead, he could have appeared first to anyone he chose. John, his best friend; Peter, the leader of his disciples; and any number of other candidates were available to his providential will. He chose Mary Magdalene, “from whom seven demons had gone out” (Luke 8:2), who then became the first evangelist of Easter (John 20:11–18).

When Paul began his ministry in Europe, his first convert was Lydia (Acts 16:11–15), who later hosted the church that began meeting in her home (v. 40). The apostle partnered with “Priscilla and Aquila” (Acts 18:18; Romans 16:3; 2 Timothy 4:19; note that the wife is listed before her husband).

Women play some of the leading roles in God’s word, from the women who spared Moses (Exodus 2:1–10); to Esther, who saved her people from genocide; to Deborah, who led her nation as a judge, prophetess, military commander; to prophetesses Miriam (Exodus 15:20), Huldah (2 Kings 22:14), Noadiah (Nehemiah 6:14), and Anna (Luke 2:36).

None of them could have known the ultimate significance of their faithfulness to God’s word and calling. Nor can we when we choose to answer our Father’s call to ministry. But our Lord does.

From James Holzhauer and Susan B. Anthony: The privilege of eternal significance.