Women played a crucial, often underappreciated role in the early Christian movement. From Mary Magdalene—who was the first to witness and proclaim Jesus’ resurrection—to financial supporters like Joanna and Lydia, Jesus’ female followers weren’t just passive observers. They led, taught, gave generously, and remained loyal when others walked away. Jesus welcomed them into His ministry, breaking cultural norms and setting the foundation for a more inclusive faith.
The New Testament highlights several women—Phoebe the deacon, Priscilla the teacher, and the Samaritan woman turned evangelist—whose actions directly shaped the growth of Christianity. Their influence reminds us that spiritual leadership and impact have never been limited by gender. These stories offer both historical clarity and spiritual inspiration. Keep reading for a deeper dive into their powerful legacy and what it means for the Church today.
When people talk about the early Christian movement, most think of Peter, Paul, and the other male disciples. But the truth is, Jesus’ female followers played a vital—often overlooked—role in shaping and spreading Christianity. Without these women, the movement might’ve looked very different.
In this article, you’ll learn how these women influenced Jesus’ ministry and helped build the early Church. We’ll look at what the Bible says, how their actions impacted the movement, and why their roles still matter today.
1. Jesus Broke Cultural Norms by Including Women
In 1st-century Jewish culture, women weren’t usually allowed to study with rabbis, let alone travel with them. But Jesus constantly pushed back against these norms.
- In Luke 8:1–3, it says:
“Jesus traveled about… The Twelve were with him, and also some women… Mary called Magdalene… Joanna… Susanna—and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.”
That last part’s huge. These women didn’t just tag along—they bankrolled Jesus’ ministry. That means they were invested, not just emotionally or spiritually, but financially.
2. Mary Magdalene: The Apostle to the Apostles
Mary Magdalene is probably the most well-known of Jesus’ female followers. But many people reduce her role to a misunderstood sinner. That’s not how the Bible paints her.
- Jesus cast seven demons out of Mary (Luke 8:2).
- She stayed with Him at the cross, when most of the male disciples ran away (John 19:25).
- She was the first to see Jesus after the resurrection (John 20:11–18).
- Jesus told her to go and tell the others. In John 20:17, He says,
“Go to my brothers and tell them…”
This made her the first person to proclaim the resurrection, the central truth of Christianity. That’s why early Church leaders like Hippolytus called her the “Apostle to the Apostles.”
3. Women Funded and Sustained the Movement
As mentioned in Luke 8, women like Joanna (the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward) and Susanna financially supported Jesus and His disciples.
This wasn’t just spare change. Joanna’s husband worked for Herod Antipas, meaning she had access to serious resources. Her support would’ve allowed Jesus and His followers to travel, eat, and minister full-time.
After the resurrection, this generosity continued:
- In Acts 16, Lydia, a businesswoman and seller of purple cloth, hosted Paul and his companions in Philippi.
- She’s considered the first European convert to Christianity and used her home as a meeting place for the early Church.
These women weren’t just donors. They were pillars of the early Christian community.
4. Women Were Among the First Evangelists
Jesus didn’t limit preaching to men. After His resurrection, women were some of the first to share the Gospel.
The Samaritan Woman (John 4)
Jesus had a deep theological conversation with a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well—a big deal, since Jews usually avoided both women and Samaritans.
- After her conversation with Jesus, she ran to her village and said:
“Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” (John 4:29)
The result? Her testimony led many Samaritans to believe in Jesus (John 4:39). She was a catalyst for evangelism.
5. Women Were Active in the Early Churches
The New Testament shows women in leadership roles in various Christian communities.
Phoebe – Deacon and Patron
- In Romans 16:1–2, Paul writes:
“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae…”
He calls her a “prostatis,” which means patron or benefactor—a woman of influence. She likely delivered Paul’s letter to the Romans, making her the first person to explain Paul’s theology to that church.
Priscilla – Teacher and Church Leader
- Alongside her husband Aquila, Priscilla taught Apollos, a powerful preacher who needed a clearer understanding of Jesus (Acts 18:26).
- She’s often listed before her husband, which suggests she played the leading role.
Paul worked closely with Priscilla and Aquila. Their home served as a base for early Christians in multiple cities.
6. Women Were Loyal to the End
At Jesus’ crucifixion, most of His male disciples fled in fear. But His female followers stayed:
- Mary Magdalene
- Mary, the mother of James
- Salome
- Jesus’ mother Mary
They stood near the cross (Mark 15:40–41), watched where He was buried (Mark 15:47), and were the first to visit the tomb (Mark 16:1). This kind of loyalty mattered. Their presence meant:
- The resurrection story had credible witnesses.
- Their devotion added to the movement’s moral authority.
- They carried and preserved oral traditions about Jesus’ final days.
7. Why Their Influence Still Matters Today
Understanding the role of women in the early Church changes how we think about faith, leadership, and inclusion. Here’s why it matters:
- Historical accuracy: The Church didn’t start as a male-only mission.
- Spiritual equality: Galatians 3:28 says,
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
- Modern application: Women still lead, teach, give, and evangelize today—and they’ve got a biblical legacy to stand on.
8. Quick Facts and Key Takeaways
Let’s break it down simply:
- At least 7 women are named as direct supporters or followers of Jesus.
- Mary Magdalene was the first witness to the resurrection.
- Women like Lydia, Phoebe, and Priscilla led and taught in the early Church.
- Female loyalty at the cross ensured continuity of the Gospel story.
- Their financial and social influence helped sustain the early Christian movement.
Conclusion: A Legacy That Demands Recognition
If you’ve ever heard someone say women were just bystanders in the early Church, now you know better. Jesus welcomed women into His inner circle, entrusted them with His message, and they responded with faith, courage, and action.
The early Christian movement wasn’t just shaped by men—it was powered by women who gave, taught, led, and never backed down. Their story is your heritage, too.
So the next time you open the Bible, take a closer look at the women in the background. They weren’t just watching history—they were making it.
FAQs: The Influence of Jesus’ Women Followers on the Early Christian Movement
1. Who were the key women followers of Jesus in the early Christian movement?
The most notable women include Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, Mary the mother of Jesus, Salome, Phoebe, Priscilla, and Lydia. Each played a significant role—financially, spiritually, or through leadership—in supporting Jesus and spreading His message.
2. What role did Mary Magdalene play in the early Church?
Mary Magdalene was a devoted follower of Jesus. She witnessed His crucifixion, discovered the empty tomb, and was the first person Jesus appeared to after His resurrection (John 20:11–18). Her testimony marked her as the “Apostle to the Apostles.”
3. Did women financially support Jesus’ ministry?
Yes. According to Luke 8:1–3, women like Joanna, Susanna, and others provided financial support for Jesus and His disciples. Their giving helped sustain the ministry as it traveled across regions.
4. How did women contribute after Jesus’ resurrection?
Women were among the first evangelists. Mary Magdalene shared the news of the resurrection. Others, like Lydia and Priscilla, hosted churches in their homes and taught new believers, helping form the early Church community.
5. What leadership roles did women have in the early Church?
Women served as deacons, teachers, and patrons. Phoebe (Romans 16:1–2) was a deacon and likely delivered Paul’s letter to the Romans. Priscilla taught Apollos, a leading preacher. Lydia hosted one of the first house churches in Europe.
6. Did Jesus intentionally include women in His ministry?
Absolutely. Jesus broke social and religious norms by engaging women in meaningful conversations (like the Samaritan woman in John 4), healing them, and allowing them to travel with and support His ministry.
7. Why were women at the crucifixion and resurrection, but most men fled?
The Gospels record that women like Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome stayed near the cross (Mark 15:40–41) while the male disciples fled in fear. Their loyalty gave them the unique role of being first witnesses to the resurrection.
8. What can we learn from these women today?
Their courage, generosity, and leadership show that women have always had a critical place in ministry. Their stories challenge modern assumptions and remind us that the Gospel calls everyone—men and women—to active participation.
9. How many women are mentioned as active followers or leaders?
At least seven named women are recognized as direct supporters, evangelists, or leaders in the New Testament, and many more are referenced more broadly throughout the Gospels and Epistles.
10. Is the influence of these women still relevant in the Church today?
Yes. Their faith and actions laid a foundation for Christian ministry that continues to inspire. They prove that gender never limited calling or impact in God’s plan—a message still vital for the Church today.
