Women in the New Testament: 10 Bible Stories to Read

As you read the Bible, you’ll see just how diverse each person in God’s story is. And it makes sense — we’re all different and have unique giftings and failings. This is what is so wonderful about the Bible: it’s full of ordinary, normal people who love God and are part of His mission to redeem all people. 

You probably already know the story of Mary, and maybe some other famous mothers in the Bible, so we’ll look at a few other stories of less well-known women. We encourage you to read their stories in the Bible yourself.

Phoebe was a deacon in the church in Cenchreae and was trusted by the Apostle Paul. While not much is known about her, the role “deacon” indicates she was an important part of the church, leading either formally or informally to serve the community. Paul spoke highly of her and wrote this about her: 

“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.” (Romans 16:1-2)

These two sisters are known for their hospitality, as they welcomed Jesus and His disciples into their home. While they were there, however, the sisters responded very differently. Martha was busy getting food and things prepared for the guests, while Mary was sitting at Jesus’ feet listening to Him. 

When Martha asked Jesus to reprimand her sister for not helping, he said: “‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’” (Luke 10:38-42)

The story helps us remember what is most important in life: being in Jesus’ presence. 

Priscilla is mentioned six times in the New Testament, always alongside her husband, Aquila. Together, they were prominent early church teachers and mentors; they were also missionary partners of the Apostle Paul and shared the same trade: tentmaking. 

Paul speaks highly of the couple and their faithfulness to God. He says, “Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.” (Romans 16:3-4)

Mary was a devoted follower of Jesus with an incredible story. After being delivered by demons, she begins to follow Jesus and becomes, in fact, the first witness to His resurrection! 

“Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ” Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.” (John 20:26-18)

You can read about Mary Magdalene throughout the New Testament; she is mentioned 12 times! Key passages include Luke 8:1-3, Mark 15:40, and John 20:13. 

Mary is also a key character in The Chosen… Learn more about her story here. 

Anna was a prophet, described in the book of Luke as an old widow who committed her life to worship, prayer, and fasting. She recognizes the child Jesus when Mary and Joseph bring him to the temple, immediately worshiping him as the Messiah and praising God. 

“There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.” (Luke 2:36-38) 

Tabitha (also called Dorcas) was another disciple of Jesus and is known for her good works to help the poor. She was also miraculously raised from the dead! You can read the incredible story in Acts 9:36-42. 

“Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity. At that time she became ill and died. … Peter put all of them outside, and then he knelt down and prayed. He turned to the body and said, ‘Tabitha, get up.’ Then she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up.” (Acts 9:36-37a, 40)

Though just mentioned once in the Bible, Lydia is another example of a closer follower of Jesus. She is known as a “dealer in purple cloth,” likely a wealthy businesswoman. She opened her heart to the message of Jesus, preached by Paul and came to follow God. She is known for her hospitality to the apostles as they traveled and preached.

“On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. ‘f you consider me a believer in the Lord,’ she said, ‘come and stay at my house.’ And she persuaded us.” (Acts 16:13-15)

Lois and Eunice are known as two women of faith, passing on a powerful lineage of faith to Timothy, a mentee of the Apostle Paul. Eunice was Timothy’s mother and Lois was his grandmother. These women show the importance of living a life of faith and passing it on to your children and others in your care. 

Paul writes to Timothy, saying: “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” (2 Timothy 1:5)

Elizabeth is the cousin of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and the wife of a priest named Zechariah. Together with her husband, she is called “righteous and blameless,” and is known for having a child, though she was already advanced in age. Elizabeth had great faith in God and praised him for her son, John. 

When Mary, who was pregnant with Jesus, came to visit, Elizabeth’s baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit! 

“When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!’’” (Luke 1:40-45; read her full story from Luke 1:5-80)

Junia is mentioned once in the Bible, but her story is powerful. Paul sends his regards to Junia (and Andronicus, likely her husband), an apostle who also spent time in prison with him. This highlights Junia’s bold faith, risking even her personal freedom to share the message of Jesus. 

“Greet Andronicus and Junia, my relatives who were in prison with me; they are prominent among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was.”  (Romans 16:7)

We have lots of resources about Jesus, God, The Bible, and Christianity for you to explore. And if you ever want to reach out to ask a question or receive prayer, you can contact us at any time. We’d love to walk this journey together.