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| PentecostalTheology.com
From Eve to Elizabeth, Miriam to Mary, a host of extraordinary women populate the pages of Scripture. This course explores the roles of women and the presentation of gender in the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament, asking questions from both Jewish and Christian perspectives. Topics include female prophets and judges, women within the early Jesus movement, and gender dynamics in Paul’s letters. The class presents the favorable views on women and gender equality in Scripture, and also tackles the minority of texts in the Pauline corpus that seem to prohibit female leadership. Join us as we explore the biblical narratives of women and offer interpretive approaches for understanding the questions that remain relevant for gender relations today.
JESUS Christ had prominent female disciples who made his religious mission possible, but their pivotal role was wiped from history.
Mary Magdalene who, despite popular culture, was not a prostitute, a noblewoman named Joanna and a healer called Salome were among his close circle.
And Joanna, who had been married to an official of Judaean Roman leader Herod Antipas’ noble clique, funded Jesus’ itinerant travelling band.
Biblical historians Joan Taylor and Helen Bond have undertaken new research which convinces them that the 12 disciples actually travelled in pairs with their female partners.
And by forensically examining the New Testament, the pair unearth a trail of clues they believe will rewrite the origins of faith for millions of Christians around the world.
Taylor and Bond believe that Mary Magdalene became an important figure in a town on the Sea of Galilee.
They also say that Joanna fled Herod’s court and financed the disciples’ spreading of the word and healing.
Anonymous
is @everyone here clear on this one? – @least biblically speaking …
Anonymous
Troy Day I think the answer is in the question itself.
Anonymous
Ron Culbreth same as in the question
CAN YOU BE A CHRISTIAN AND BE A MASON TOO?
https://www.pentecostaltheology.com/can-you-be-a-christian-and-be-a-mason-too/
Anonymous
Troy Day Christians shouldn’t become masons
Anonymous
Brett Dobbs but many do many do
while on the clock too Ron Culbreth Susan Collins
Anonymous
Troy Day yes, and their either involved by through their own arrogance. If this is the case then we need to show them grace but also show them the truth of the masons and lead them out of it.
Or, they know exactly what they’re involved in. And they’re basically wolfs in sheep’s clothing.
Anonymous
God is not a sexist.
It always amazes me how a verse in the NT becomes law, just like the law in the OT. When I look at the Bible I see a spiritual book, not a law book.
1 Corin 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world (age) are come. example
Example: NT:5178 a : Strong’s: tupikos (toop-ee-kos’); an adverb related to NT:5179; found only in 1 Cor 10:11: as a warning, by way of example, typologically (i.e. figuratively, as a prophetic type, a typological interpretation of Scripture)
A “man” spiritually speaking is always spiritual, God is most cases is always refereed to as a man (there is one exception I know of). Adam was created as a man and later Eve came out of him. Manchild/bridegroom, King of Kings, Lord of Lord’s; spiritual things are always masculine.
Now a women is speaks of soulish matters, Babylon/church/bride.
I know of women who’s ministries are very spiritual, where I know of a lot of men who’s ministries are totally soulish.
Anonymous
Troy Day Just listen to a Masonic graveside service and the answer is obviously no. They teach a path to eternal life that is built on the rites of the Masonic order, not on faith in Jesus that leads to repentance and salvation. Most members don’t really know what the masons believe, or else they lie about it.
Anonymous
Terry Addis tell us all about the Masonic graveside service
Anonymous
Well, as you know, there were more disciples than the twelve Apostles. Mary and Martha received instruction for Jesus. Women also followed Jesus in his ministry (Luke 8:1-3).
Anonymous
Troy Day
They better be or the church is messing up.
Anonymous
James B. Shelton, And Junia.
Anonymous
Junior Beasley Well, as you know, there were more disciples than the twelve Apostles. Mary and Martha received instruction for Jesus. Women also followed Jesus in his ministry (Luke 8:1-3).
Anonymous
Females, in Jesus’ mind, were loved and honoured and respected by God in equal measure to men. God does not discriminate based on gender. We have been slow to learn based on how Jesus taught us this. Men and women, young and old, slaves and free prophecy (share a word from heaven), heal, love God, etc.
Anonymous
George Hartwell NOT sure how did you mean this Duane L Burgess
Anonymous
What is your definition of a disciple?
Anonymous
are you trolling on the clock or off the clock this time?
Anonymous
Troy Day is that your definition?
Anonymous
Susan Collins just making sure you are NOT sinning against your employer whoever and wherever they may be
Anonymous
Troy Day is that your definition?
Anonymous
Disciples, yes… Apostles, no
Huge difference
Anonymous
Yes
Anonymous
Yes. Priscilla
Anonymous
can you proof she was a female ?
OR that she ever met Jesus personally
Anonymous
Troy Day she was Aquilas wife. So yeah. Lol
Anonymous
Brent Whitcher They’re everywhere.
First of all, the Gospels give us the names of several women who were following Jesus around [that’s what it means to be a “disciple”, by the way; it’s a “follower”], and we can find those examples here:
Mary Magdalene, Joanna and Susanna were three of Jesus’s female disciples according to Luke 8:1-3:
“After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qETWD7RQIN0
Anonymous
Troy Day in Acts 18 she was called a “woman” and I will find where she was in the upper room.
Anonymous
Troy Day the 120 disciples in the upper room are definitely made up of men and women.
Anonymous
Debra was a Judge so YES
Anonymous
Mary Magdalene, Priscilla, Joanna, Junia was counted among the Apostles
The very first person to proclaim that Jesus is the Messiah was the Samaritan woman
The first evangelists / the first to testify to Christ’s resurrection were the women who went to the tomb.
Anonymous
Yes
Anonymous
Can one be a born again Christian and not be a disciple?
Anonymous
Brett Dobbs tell us
Anonymous
In order to be a disciple, one must be discipled.
“Go out and make disciples”.
If I was to say yes that yes every born again believer is a disciple, then that would be dishonest of me.
Because I know many Christians who were never discipled. They just simply came to faith and then started going to church. Are they being discipled through their church attendance? By Sermons and Wednesday and Sunday school classes?
Do these things disciple a person?
Is this the correct way, or what is the correct way to disciple someone?
I will say this. I was attending a church very regularly after coming to faith. On the outside I was being discipled by a dear friend. But this church did have a discipleship program. I took the program.
The class was in no comparison to the daily process that I was experiencing with my friend.
Shouldn’t discipleship look like the program that Jesus established?
Anonymous
Every believer should be a disciple.
Anonymous
Roger Throckmorton This!☝🏻
Anonymous
Sure. Every Christian is a disciple by definition.
Anonymous
Well there 4 women at the Cross (John 19:25)…
Anonymous
Yes everyone who follows our Lord Jesus Christ is a disciple whether a male or female
Anonymous
Jesus had many women who followed Him and was being taught by Him. The first to be told by Him that He is the Messiah and then sent ahead of Him to tell of Him was the woman at the well. What do you want to call that, perhaps a female evangelist?
Anonymous
In order to be a disciple, one must be discipled.
“Go out and make disciples”.
If I was to say yes that yes every born again believer is a disciple, then that would be dishonest of me.
Because I know many Christians who were never discipled. They just simply came to faith and then started going to church. Are they being discipled through their church attendance? By Sermons and Wednesday and Sunday school classes?
Do these things disciple a person?
Is this the correct way, or what is the correct way to disciple someone?
I will say this. I was attending a church very regularly after coming to faith. On the outside I was being discipled by a dear friend. But this church did have a discipleship program. I took the program.
The class was in no comparison to the daily process that I was experiencing with my friend.
Shouldn’t discipleship look like the program that Jesus established?
Anonymous
Jesus’ command is to make “disciples.” A disciple is someone who becomes like his or her master by living in a servant relationship to him
Anonymous
Troy Day exactly. And I’m asking how do we and should we do that?
Anonymous
The Great Commission contains two commands and three action words. The first command is simply to “make disciples.” This single activity was the driving focus of Jesus’ life. Jesus poured His life into a few disciples and taught them to make other disciples. Seventeen times we find Jesus with the masses, but 46 times we see Him with His disciples. These few disciples, within two years after the Spirit was poured out at Pentecost, went out and “filled Jerusalem” with Jesus’ teaching (Acts 5:28).
Within four and a half years they had planted multiplying churches and equipped multiplying disciples (Acts 9:31). Within 18 years it was said of them that they “turned the world upside down” (Acts 17:6 ESV). And in 28 years it was said that “the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world” (Colossians 1:6). For four years Jesus lived out the values He championed in His Everyday Commission. He made disciples who could make disciples!
The commission continues with three verb forms that modify the first command. These three verbs—go, baptize and teach to obey—give us the three priorities of disciple-making.1 Although the Great Commission is usually translated, “Go and make disciples,” the verb for “go” is better translated “going” or “as you go.”
In other words, the “going” Jesus is talking about is not a special event, such as a mission trip. Instead, we are to make disciples as we go to work, as we go to school, as we go out into our neighborhood. As you go, walk as Jesus walked! This truly is an everyday command you are to live every day as you go—wherever you go.
“Baptizing” is a critical element of disciple-making. It indicates identifying publicly with the work and cause of Christ. When a person comes to faith in Christ, they must then be baptized to identify externally with a change that has taken place internally. Baptism is an important external expression of an internal identity as a Christian.
Teaching others to obey “everything I have commanded you” involves a lifetime of following and learning from Christ. Jesus gives more than 400 commands in the Gospels and more than half of them are disciple-making commands. Becoming a disciple of Jesus does not mean completing a curriculum or attending a church activity. It is a lifestyle of becoming more like Jesus. As we learn to live a lifestyle of obedience we bear fruit, more fruit, and then much fruit (John 15:1–8). God multiplies our lives and our effectiveness to the ends of the earth, so that we can make disciples of all nations.
We can do what Jesus did if we walk as Jesus walked. In fact, we can even do greater things than Jesus did. Jesus had only four years to make disciples. By God’s grace we can have 40 years or more to make disciples. But we must do what He did and walk as He walked. The place to begin is to recognize that we share the same mission that Jesus had: making disciples who can make disciples.
But before we move on, let’s give attention to one more little detail in Matthew 28:18–20. For years I taught that there was only one command in this everyday commission. But upon further study and the help of a studious businessman, I realized that there is a second command in this text that most people miss.
One reason we miss this second command is because of how it is often translated in English. It is the little Greek word idou, which is translated in many Bibles as “surely” or “lo,” as in, “Surely I am with you always.”
In the Greek language, idou is a command (in the imperative mood in Greek). The New Living Translation captures this second and powerful command: “And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20 NLT).
In essence Jesus is saying, As you make disciples you must keep focused on Me. As you commit to this type of lifestyle, don’t you forget that I will be with you and I will show you how to do this! I will make you disciple-makers!
The Great Commandment
While the Great Commission deals with our mission, the Great Commandment speaks to our motives. The Great Commission establishes our priorities. The Great Commandment clarifies our passion.
Jesus summarized all the Law and the Prophets, all the teaching of the Old Testament with profound simplicity: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Matthew 22:37–40). Love is the greatest Christian motive. To commit to making disciples without love makes all our efforts sound to God like a resounding gong or a clanging symbol (1 Corinthians 13:1). Without love we are nothing and can gain nothing (1 Corinthians 13:2–3).
Walking as Jesus walked means walking in love. This love includes a deep love for God emblazoned upon our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength. This love also includes loving people. Loving people involves both tenderness and toughness, both graciousness and truthfulness at the same time. Moreover, loving God means loving people and loving people means loving God. You cannot separate the two. God is love and love comes from God. Loving God results in loving people. First John 4:20–21 tells us plainly, “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen…. whoever loves God must also love his brother” (ESV).
It is natural to wonder which people we are supposed to love. In Luke 10, an expert in religious law questioned Jesus about how to live out this Great Commandment. He wanted to know who Jesus meant, exactly, when He commanded us to “love your neighbor.” “Who is my neighbor?” the lawyer asked.
Jesus answered by sharing the parable of the Good Samaritan, which teaches that anyone who crosses your path and has needs is your neighbor. Then Jesus changed the question. The key question according to Jesus is not “Who is my neighbor?” but “Who is a good neighbor?”
In the parable, it was the Samaritan who reached out and helped. It was the Samaritan who saw the need and moved toward the needy person. It was the Samaritan who gave what he had to help the person in need. He approached and embraced the person in need, whereas the other characters in the story retreated. Love was the difference—a love that manifested itself in compassion and mercy.
The Great Commission and the Great Commandment must be held together in one thought. Because we love God, we love people. Because we love people, we make disciples. To try to make disciples without love gains nothing. And if we say we love people but never try to make disciples, then our love is a lie. As we love God, we will love people. As we love people the way God loves us, we will be engaged in making disciples. The two go together and make the journey simple, not complicated.
Our motive drives our mission. Our passion fuels our priorities. Our heart energizes our hands. Loving God and loving people is our motive. Making disciples who can make disciples is our mission. Throughout His ministry, Jesus modeled what it means to love God and love people and through His priorities He made disciples who made disciples. Then, in His final words to His disciples—including you and me—He summarized His mission and handed it off to us to complete.
Anonymous
Troy Day – there was another command that was part of the great commission. It was “do not leave Jerusalem until you are empowered from on high.
Anonymous
So, if you are there with Jesus in person and following him is that not necessarily being disciples? Do you agree with how women where treated in the culture of that time, I don’t think Jesus did.
Anonymous
Carson Bradshaw Hebrews 6:1-8
“Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do if God permits. 4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame. 7
“For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God; 8 but if it bears thorns and briers, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned” (NKJV).
I know; it seems that I am stuck. I promise you I am not. All too often, the desire to get to the end of a text overrides the need to get to the correct end of the text. We have been talking about spiritual maturity over the past few weeks, and this is a very important topic. As we get closer and closer to the return of Jesus, the world will become harder and harder for those of us that love the Lord. It is the maturity that we have in Jesus that will sustain us and help us to get through these troublesome times. One of the most important things to be sure of is to whom you belong. Am I sure, based on the Bible, that I am a child of God? The writer of Hebrews helps us out here. He deals with the topic of the security of the believer. This is a necessary topic because the very foundation of all we have in Jesus is about the eternal, specifically eternal life. Do you and I have that?
Anonymous
Disciples is a broad term used but does have specific categories .
If we are talking about in scripture about in the first century culture those directly believed to be Apostles ? Disciples meaning the 12 ?
We in scripture do not see mention of females in that number or list. But the idea among the Apostles with other female followers . We see at least three specific in Luke 8:1-3 . Mary Magdalene ,Joanna, Susanna .
In other scriptures we see Mary the mother of God or Jesus. Mary and Martha the sisters of Lazarus. Mary the mother of James ,Joses, Salome. Salome
If we are talking generally speaking as followers ? He
from the beginning had female followers. In Jewish first century culture they were second class citizens with no rights to apprentice status pertaining to leading . They could prophesy or be considered Prophets or a Prophetess . Anna female prophet mentioned in Luke shows this .She was speaking under the Law.
It’s believed further some of the females mentioned such as Joanna is Julia,Junias ,Junia . She is among the Apostles a term debated Romans 16:7.
This seems to indicate female apostolic function. Dr Ben Withrington the 3rd his scholarship is important with to connecting and identifying females in scripture. His book What have they done with Jesus particularly.
We see at possibly 6 Mary’s in scripture in one interpretation at most . At least three Mary’s . With three or four other females in the Gospels directly mentioned that followed Jesus in travels. That’s at least 10 to 7 females. Note I would include that Jesus had sisters at times who may have become his followers. We know James and Jude became followers writing scripture.
In Acts with other writings we have at least 120 to 500 early followers in early church. Many females in that multitude.
Anonymous
how do you mean? Hebrews 6:1-8
“Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do if God permits. 4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame. 7
“For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God; 8 but if it bears thorns and briers, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned” (NKJV).
I know; it seems that I am stuck. I promise you I am not. All too often, the desire to get to the end of a text overrides the need to get to the correct end of the text. We have been talking about spiritual maturity over the past few weeks, and this is a very important topic. As we get closer and closer to the return of Jesus, the world will become harder and harder for those of us that love the Lord. It is the maturity that we have in Jesus that will sustain us and help us to get through these troublesome times. One of the most important things to be sure of is to whom you belong. Am I sure, based on the Bible, that I am a child of God? The writer of Hebrews helps us out here. He deals with the topic of the security of the believer. This is a necessary topic because the very foundation of all we have in Jesus is about the eternal, specifically eternal life. Do you and I have that?
Anonymous
Troy Day John is clear we do have that life
in all his writing’s.
Who the Father gave to the Son .The Son didn’t lose them .
Hebrews 6 and chapter 9 in my understanding of interpretation is that those who fall away were not truly saved .
I know that’s flying in face of my Pentecostal traditions many in the movement.And in the majority of those circles you express that view you are branded as wrong or heretical.
Anonymous
Mary “Sat at His feet and heard His Word.” Jesus referred to her action as “the better part.” She was in the posture of the disciple – at the feet of the Rabbi.
Anonymous
Mathew 28-19 we best be making women into disciples.
Anonymous
A disciple is one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another: such as in Christianity : one of the twelve in the inner circle of Christ’s followers according to the Gospel accounts. However, not limiting it to the inner circle. God is no respector of persons. Every follower of Christ also assists Christ & spreads the teachings
of Christ through their actions, & words. God will & does work through anyone who is an empty, willing vessel for Him to work through to accomplish His desired purpose. God even works through donkeys when necessary, as in the story of Balaam.(Numbers 20:26-34) God is not interested in “titles” of His disciples. He is interested in the humble, loving hearts of His disciples. When we all serve each other as Jesus teaches us to in His Word, titles don’t matter. What does matter is the obedient walk of love that we have become through Christ Jesus.
Anonymous
Gail Knoop Well, as you know, there were more disciples than the twelve Apostles. Mary and Martha received instruction for Jesus. Women also followed Jesus in his ministry (Luke 8:1-3).
Anonymous
Troy Day absolutely! I am not refuting that at all, being a female follower/ disciple of Jesus Christ in leadership ministry. If God saw fit to place me there He’ll see fit for any who are willing to go where He leads. In other words this is the last place I ever thought I would be, but God has a plan in it all. His will be done. I praise God for the priviledge & the honor. Without Him I am nothing.
Anonymous
Gail Knoop ???
Anonymous
Troy Day
Anonymous
Anyone who follows Jesus is a “disciple” – a learner, a follower.
The question is, are they truly redeemed?
When Jesus made some “hard teachings” many disciples stopped following Him.
Anonymous
Duane L Burgess they must not have been true disciples then.
Anonymous
What do you mean? Do you know what a disciple is?
Anonymous
Josh Mugota tell us
Anonymous
Troy Day
A disciple is one who follows Christ:
* trusting in Him alone for salvation
* worshiping Him
* loving Him with whole heart
* imitating His life
* obeying His teaching
living dependently by:
* abiding in Christ
* walking in the Holy Spirit
* meditating on the word of GOD
* engaging in communion (prayer)
* partnering with the body of Christ (local Church)
resulting in the transformation of
* mind
* heart
* mission
and leads others to do the same. In short YES, women can be disciples. Like everyone else (men, children and young adults) they are learners too.
Anonymous
Josh Mugota just this?
Anonymous
Troy Day obviously there’s more…only provided a brief response.
Anonymous
sure – feel free to elaborate somewhat later tonight
Anonymous
I understand that many feel they are not doing enough for the Lord. Let this encourage you.
Romans 12:6-8 KJV
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
Find out what you’re good at, and no matter how little you think it is, do it when the opportunity presents itself. An encouraging word or post may seem small but the truth can reach many, or even reach that one that needs to see it. Also wait on these opportunities and don’t put pressure on yourself to do things that are not you or out of timing. Wait for what you’re good at and let Jesus Christ work through you. And in-between time, just be honest in your daily environment. No matter where you are, honesty will be rewarded too. It may seem small to you, but it’s not to God and you will be rewarded.
2 Corinthians 13:7 KJV
Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.
Anonymous
Of course there were female disciples. However, the 12 Apostles were all men.
Anonymous
#bump anyone? what do you believe Link?