Date

1-14-2026

Department

Rawlings School of Divinity

Degree

Master of Arts in Biblical Studies (MA)

Chair

Joshua Greever

Keywords

women, New Testament, egalitarianism, complementarianism

Disciplines

Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion

Abstract

This thesis is an analysis of the role women played in the progression of the gospel. It tackles the argument of complementarianism versus egalitarianism. However, it takes on an egalitarian perspective and believes that Jesus showed through his interaction with women at pivotal points in his earthly ministry that women are essential when it comes to spreading the gospel. This thesis also explores the historical background of the Gospels, the gospel message, and relevant biblical, historical, and cultural texts that provide information on women in the first century of the New Testament. It also explores the general relationship that Jesus has with women and how he affirms them throughout his life. This thesis finds its anchor in the ministry of Jesus; therefore, it analyzes commentary that is restricted to the Gospels.

It analyzes women associated with the birth of Jesus, it studies women who are not of the Jewish faith or Gentile women, and it highlights the women who appeared around the death and resurrection of Jesus. These women, Mary, Elizabeth, Anna, the Canaanite woman, the Samaritan woman, the woman with the alabaster flask, and Mary Magdalene, are all pioneers and leaders in the way they show up and present an important aspect of the gospel. The women in the birth of Jesus act as a prophetic unit embodying fulfillment, faith, and proclamation. The Gentile women represent outsiders and show that the gospel extends beyond Israel to all nations, representing faith and openness as the determining factors to fully accept God. Lastly, the women in the death and resurrection of Jesus symbolize the intentionality Jesus uses to prepare, proclaim, and preserve the message of salvation. In essence, the women in the Gospels serve as catalysts and instruments of God, teachers through examples, and agents of faith.

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