In conversing with the wives of native converts, and leading them on in the ways of Christ, so that they may be an ornament to the Christian cause, and make known the Gospel to the native women, we hope always to have the assistance of the females who have embarked with us in the mission. We see that in primitive times the Apostles were very much assisted in their great work by several pious females. The great value of female help may easily be appreciated if we consider how much the Asiatic women are shut up from the men, and especially from men of another caste. It behoves us, therefore, to afford to our European sisters all possible assistance in acquiring the language, that they may, in every way which Providence may open to them, become instrumental in promoting the salvation of the millions of native women who are in a great measure excluded from all opportunities of hearing the word from the mouths of European missionaries. A European sister may do much for the cause in this respect, by promoting the holiness, and stirring up the zeal, of the female native converts.

In talking with the wives of local converts and guiding them in the ways of Christ, we aim for them to become a positive influence for Christianity and to share the Gospel with native women. We hope to always have the support of the women who have joined us on this mission. Historically, we see that the Apostles were greatly aided by devoted women in their work.

The importance of female involvement is particularly clear when we consider how isolated women in Asia are from men, especially those of different castes. Therefore, it’s essential to provide our European sisters with all the help they need to learn the local language, so they can effectively contribute to the spiritual growth of countless native women who often have limited access to teachings from European missionaries.
A European woman can significantly impact this mission by encouraging the faith and enthusiasm of native female converts.

Many scholars believe that Paul valued and utilised women as essential contributors to the early church’s mission

Significant Roles of Women in Paul’s Ministry

• Phoebe: In Romans 16:1-2, Paul commends Phoebe as a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. He refers to her as a benefactor, suggesting she held a significant leadership role.
• Priscilla: Along with her husband Aquila, Priscilla is mentioned in Acts 18 and Romans 16:3. She is noted for teaching Apollos, indicating an active role in early church leadership.

Co-laborers in the Gospel

Paul often refers to women as co-laborers. For instance, in Philippians 4:2-3, he mentions Euodia and Syntyche, highlighting their contributions to the gospel alongside him.

Cultural Context

Paul’s writings must be understood within the cultural context of the first-century Greco-Roman world, where women often had limited roles in religious and public life. Paul’s acknowledgment of women in ministry may reflect a progressive stance for his time.

Theological Implications

Paul emphasizes that in Christ, there is neither male nor female (Galatians 3:28), suggesting equality in spiritual status. This has been interpreted to support the idea of women participating fully in ministry.