This Month's Subject: Woman, as Spoken of in the N.T.

From: Bible Student: Volume 3, 1883

• 12 min. read • grade level: 7

The subject winked out for this month is—Woman, as spoken of in the New Testament: —the object being, by collecting together all said about her, to afford a view of her general position in Christianity, and in the numerous passages given, a source of ready reference on the subject. We have received a great number of papers, and on the whole the subject has been treated successfully. We have not made any elaborate arrangement, seeking to present any special views but have let the word of God mainly speak for itself, merely briefly paraphrasing it. The subject is arranged in two main divisions— “Facts” and “Precepts.”

Division 1. —Facts concerning Women.

(a) General facts, of a favorable character.

Matthew 1:16¹⁶And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. (Matthew 1:16), Christ born of a woman.

Luke 1:46-55⁴⁶And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, ⁴⁷And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. ⁴⁸For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. ⁴⁹For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. ⁵⁰And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. ⁵¹He hath showed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. ⁵²He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. ⁵³He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. ⁵⁴He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; ⁵⁵As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever. (Luke 1:46‑55), Mary sings praises to God.

Matthew 8:14¹⁴And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever. (Matthew 8:14), Peter had a wife.

Luke 2:36³⁶And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; (Luke 2:36), Anna, a widow of fourscore years, gives thanks unto the Lord.

Matthew 9:18¹⁸While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live. (Matthew 9:18), Jairus’ daughter raised by Christ.

Mark 6:3³Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. (Mark 6:3), Christ had sisters.

Matthew 14:21²¹And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children. (Matthew 14:21), Women and children fed by Christ.

Mark 16:9⁹Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. (Mark 16:9), Jesus appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven devils.

Mark 12:42-44⁴²And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. ⁴³And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: ⁴⁴For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living. (Mark 12:42‑44), Jesus commends a poor widow for casting in more than all the rich into God’s treasury.

Mark 1:31³¹And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them. (Mark 1:31), Peter’s mother-in-law healed by Christ.

Matthew 27:19¹⁹When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him. (Matthew 27:19), Pilate’s wife warned her husband not to crucify Christ.

Luke 7.12-15, The Lord’s compassion on the widow of Nain and the raising of her son.

Luke 10:38³⁸Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. (Luke 10:38), Jesus visited at Mary and Martha’s home.

Luke 10:39³⁹And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. (Luke 10:39), Mary sat at His feet.

Luke 10:40⁴⁰But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. (Luke 10:40), Martha served Him.

Luke 13:11-43, Jesus heals a woman who glorifies God.

Luke 24:10¹⁰It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles. (Luke 24:10), Women carried the tidings of the resurrection to the apostles.

John 4, Jesus saves the woman of Samaria.

John 4:28²⁸The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, (John 4:28). She goes and tells the men of the city to come and see Christ.

John 8:3-11³And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, ⁴They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. ⁵Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? ⁶This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. ⁷So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. ⁸And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. ⁹And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. ¹⁰When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? ¹¹She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. (John 8:3‑11), Jesus forgives the woman taken in adultery.

John 11:27²⁷She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world. (John 11:27), Martha confesses Christ.

John 19:25-27²⁵Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. ²⁶When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! ²⁷Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. (John 19:25‑27), Jesus’ tender care for His mother.

Acts 1:14¹⁴These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. (Acts 1:14), Women continue in prayer and supplication after the Lord’s ascension.

Acts 2:17¹⁷And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: (Acts 2:17), Peter refers to Joel’s prophecy, that the daughters should prophecy, and on the handmaidens God would pour out His Spirit.

Acts 5:14¹⁴And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.) (Acts 5:14), Many women believed.

Acts 8:12¹²But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. (Acts 8:12), Women baptized.

Acts 9:2²And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. (Acts 9:2), Women persecuted.

Acts 9:36-41³⁶Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. ³⁷And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. ³⁸And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. ³⁹Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. ⁴⁰But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. ⁴¹And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. (Acts 9:36‑41), Tabitha, called Dorcas, a woman full of good works and almsdeeds, died, and was restored to life.

Acts 12:12¹²And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying. (Acts 12:12), Mary opened her house for prayer.

Acts 12:14¹⁴And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate. (Acts 12:14), Rhoda rejoiced at Peter’s deliverance.

Acts 16:13¹³And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. (Acts 16:13), Women resorted to places of public prayer.

Acts 16:14¹⁴And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. (Acts 16:14), Lydia’s heart opened by God.

Acts 16:15¹⁵And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us. (Acts 16:15), She receives apostles into her house.

Acts 17:4⁴And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few. (Acts 17:4), Many of the chief women of Thessalonica believed. Acts 17:12¹²Therefore many of them believed; also of honorable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few. (Acts 17:12), Honorable Berean women believed.

Acts 17:34³⁴Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them. (Acts 17:34), At Athens Damaris believed.

Acts 18:2²And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them. (Acts 18:2) Priscilla receives Paul.

Acts 18:26²⁶And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. (Acts 18:26), With her husband expounds the truth to Apollos. Acts 21:9⁹And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy. (Acts 21:9), Philip has four daughters, virgins, who prophecy.

Romans 16:9⁹Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. (Romans 16:9). Phebe is a servant of the Church at Cenchrea, and is to be received in the Lord, assisted in her business and succored by the brethren.

Romans 16;3. Priscilla—a helper in Christ who risked her life for the apostle.

Romans 16;6. Mary, who bestowed much labor on the apostles.

Romans 16;12. Tryphena and Tryphosa, laboring in the Lord.

Romans 16;12. The beloved Persis, who labored much in the Lord.

Romans 16;15. Julia and the sister of Nereus are saluted.

Philippians 4:2²I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. (Philippians 4:2), Euodias and Syntyche exhorted to be of one mind.

Philippians 4:3³And I entreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlaborers, whose names are in the book of life. (Philippians 4:3), Women labored with Paul in the gospel.

1 Thessalonians 2:7⁷But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: (1 Thessalonians 2:7), A nurse’s gentleness spoken of.

2 Timothy 1:5⁵When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. (2 Timothy 1:5), Lois and Eunice had unfeigned faith.

1 Pet. 3:4, 5⁴But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. ⁵For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: (1 Peter 3:4‑5), Holy women of old used to adorn themselves with the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit.

2 John, A lady is spoken of as “elect.”

2 John, A whole epistle written to her.

Special Facts showing Faith.

Matthew 9:20-22²⁰And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: ²¹For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. ²²But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour. (Matthew 9:20‑22), Woman with issue of blood was healed by touching Christ’s garment.

Matthew 15:22-28²²And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. ²³But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. ²⁴But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. ²⁵Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. ²⁶But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs. ²⁷And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table. ²⁸Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour. (Matthew 15:22‑28), A Syrophenician woman took a dog’s place to get her daughter healed, and the Lord marveled at her great faith.

Hebrews 11:11¹¹Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. (Hebrews 11:11), Sarah had faith in God’s promise.

Hebrews 11:31³¹By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. (Hebrews 11:31), Rahab had faith and works.

James 2:25²⁵Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? (James 2:25), Rahab justified by works.

Special Facts showing Love.

Matthew 26:7-13⁷There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat. ⁸But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste? ⁹For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor. ¹⁰When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me. ¹¹For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always. ¹²For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial. ¹³Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her. (Matthew 26:7‑13), A woman (Mary of Bethany) poured the precious ointment on Christ’s head and Christ’s feet, and her deed was to be spoken of wherever the gospel should be preached throughout the whole world, for a memorial of her.

Matthew 27:55⁵⁵And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him: (Matthew 27:55), When Jesus was crucified, many women beheld afar off, who had followed Him from Galilee, ministering unto Him.

Mark 15:47⁴⁷And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid. (Mark 15:47), Mary Magdalene and the other Mary sat over against the sepulcher.

Mark 16:2-8²And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. ³And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre? ⁴And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great. ⁵And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted. ⁶And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him. ⁷But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you. ⁸And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid. (Mark 16:2‑8), They came at the dawn to see the sepulcher, and the angels told them not to fear.

Matthew 28:9⁹And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. (Matthew 28:9), They worship Christ, holding Him by the feet.

Luke 7:37-50³⁷And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, ³⁸And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. ³⁹Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. ⁴⁰And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. ⁴¹There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. ⁴²And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? ⁴³Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. ⁴⁴And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. ⁴⁵Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. ⁴⁶My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. ⁴⁷Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. ⁴⁸And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. ⁴⁹And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? ⁵⁰And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace. (Luke 7:37‑50), A nameless sinner anoints the feet of Jesus at the Pharisee’s house.

Luke 8:2,3²And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, ³And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance. (Luke 8:2‑3), Certain women, healed of evil spirits and infirmities, went about with Jesus.

Luke 23:27²⁷And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him. (Luke 23:27), Daughters of Jerusalem followed Jesus when He bore His cross, weeping and bewailing Him.

General Facts of an Unfavorable Character.

Matthew 14:3-11³For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife. ⁴For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her. ⁵And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. ⁶But when Herod's birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod. ⁷Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask. ⁸And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist's head in a charger. ⁹And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath's sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her. ¹⁰And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison. ¹¹And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother. (Matthew 14:3‑11), Herodias an adulteress and a murderess.

Matthew 14:6-11⁶But when Herod's birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod. ⁷Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask. ⁸And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist's head in a charger. ⁹And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath's sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her. ¹⁰And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison. ¹¹And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother. (Matthew 14:6‑11), Herodias’ daughter, a tool of wickedness.

Matthew 20:20²⁰Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. (Matthew 20:20), Mistaken ambition of Zebedee’s wife.

John 18:17¹⁷Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man's disciples? He saith, I am not. (John 18:17), A damsel tempts Peter to deny his Lord by ridicule.

Acts 5:1-10¹But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, ²And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. ³But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? ⁴Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. ⁵And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. ⁶And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. ⁷And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. ⁸And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. ⁹Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. ¹⁰Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. (Acts 5:1‑10), Sapphira lied against the Holy Ghost, Acts 13:50⁵⁰But the Jews stirred up the devout and honorable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts. (Acts 13:50), Devout and honorable Jewish women were stirred up to become active persecutors of the apostles.

Acts 16:17¹⁷The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which show unto us the way of salvation. (Acts 16:17), A damsel possessed with an evil spirit praises Paul.

1 Timothy 2:14¹⁴And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. (1 Timothy 2:14), The woman was deceived in Eden.

1 Timothy 5:15¹⁵For some are already turned aside after Satan. (1 Timothy 5:15), Some professing Christian women had turned aside after Satan.

James 4:4⁴Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. (James 4:4), Spiritual adulteresses who loved the friendship of the world.

DIVISION 2. —Precepts concerning Women.

Matthew 5:31; 19:3-19³¹It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: (Matthew 5:31)
³The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? ⁴And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, ⁵And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? ⁶Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. ⁷They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away? ⁸He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. ⁹And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery. ¹⁰His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry. ¹¹But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given. ¹²For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it. ¹³Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. ¹⁴But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. ¹⁵And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence. ¹⁶And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? ¹⁷And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. ¹⁸He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, ¹⁹Honor thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. (Matthew 19:3‑19), Marriage to be held sacred.

Matthew 10:35, 37³⁵For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. (Matthew 10:35)
³⁷He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. (Matthew 10:37), Women not to he loved more than Christ.

Mark 7:10¹⁰For Moses said, Honor thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death: (Mark 7:10), Mothers to be honored.

Mark 12:18, 25¹⁸Then come unto him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection; and they asked him, saying, (Mark 12:18)
²⁵For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven. (Mark 12:25), No marriage in the resurrection.

Matthew 23:14¹⁴Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. (Matthew 23:14), Christ’s wrath against oppression of widows.

1 Corinthians 7:2-16²Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. ³Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. ⁴The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife. ⁵Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency. ⁶But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment. ⁷For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that. ⁸I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I. ⁹But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn. ¹⁰And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: ¹¹But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife. ¹²But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. ¹³And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. ¹⁴For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. ¹⁵But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace. ¹⁶For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife? (1 Corinthians 7:2‑16), Women’s duty as to marriage detailed.

1 Corinthians 11:5-15⁵But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoreth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. ⁶For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. ⁷For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. ⁸For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. ⁹Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. ¹⁰For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels. ¹¹Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord. ¹²For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God. ¹³Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered? ¹⁴Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? ¹⁵But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering. (1 Corinthians 11:5‑15), Women are not to pray or prophesy with their heads uncovered.

1 Corinthians 14:34³⁴Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. (1 Corinthians 14:34), Women ax not to speak in meetings of the assembly (or Church.)

Ephesians 5:22-24²²Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. ²³For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. ²⁴Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. (Ephesians 5:22‑24), Wives exhorted to submission in everything to their own husbands, even as the Church to Christ.

Ephesians 5:33³³Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband. (Ephesians 5:33), The wife to reverence her husband.

1 Timothy 2:9⁹In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; (1 Timothy 2:9), Women to adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety, not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array, but with good works.

1 Timothy 2:11¹¹Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. (1 Timothy 2:11), Let the woman learn in quietness with all subjection.

1 Timothy 2:12¹²But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. (1 Timothy 2:12), A woman not to teach or to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence (quietness).

1 Timothy 3:11¹¹Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. (1 Timothy 3:11), Deacon’s wives to be grave, not slanderers, sober and faithful.

1 Timothy 5:2²The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity. (1 Timothy 5:2), Entreat the elder women as mothers, the younger as sisters with all purity.

1 Timothy 5.3, Honor widows that are widows indeed.

1 Timothy 5:4⁴But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to show piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God. (1 Timothy 5:4), But if any widow have children or nephews (grandchildren) let them learn first to show piety at home and to requite their parents, for that is good and acceptable before God.

1 Timothy 5:5⁵Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. (1 Timothy 5:5), Now she that is a widow indeed and desolate, trusteth in God and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.

1 Timothy 5:6⁶But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth. (1 Timothy 5:6), But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.

1 Timothy 5:7⁷And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless. (1 Timothy 5:7), And these things give in charge that they may be blameless.

1 Timothy 5:9⁹Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, (1 Timothy 5:9), Let not a widow be taken into the number (Let none be enrolled as a widow) under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man.

1 Timothy 5:10¹⁰Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work. (1 Timothy 5:10), Well reported of for good works, if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.

1 Timothy 5:11¹¹But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; (1 Timothy 5:11), But the younger widows refuse, for when they have began to wax wanton against Christ they will marry.

1 Timothy 5.52, Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.

1 Timothy 5:13¹³And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. (1 Timothy 5:13), And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but tattlers also, and busy bodies, speaking things which they ought not.

1 Timothy 5:14¹⁴I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. (1 Timothy 5:14), I will therefore that the younger women (widows) marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.

1 Timothy 5:16¹⁶If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed. (1 Timothy 5:16), R. V. If any (man or) woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them.

Titus 2:3-5³The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; ⁴That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, ⁵To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. (Titus 2:3‑5), Exhortations to the aged women to be in behavior as becometh holiness; not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; teaching the young women to be wise, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient.

James 1:27²⁷Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. (James 1:27), Widows to be visited by those who possess true religion.

1 Pet. 3:1-5¹Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; ²While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. ³Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; ⁴But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. ⁵For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: (1 Peter 3:1‑5), Wives to be in subjection to their own husbands, even if unconverted, that they may, without the word, be won by the wife’s conduct; whose adorning is to be the hidden man of the heart, the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit.

1 Peter 3:7⁷Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. (1 Peter 3:7), The wife is the weaker vessel.

2 John 10¹⁰If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: (2 John 10), A lady is not to receive a blasphemer into her house, or bid him greeting, on pain of becoming a partaker in his evil deeds.

2 John 5⁵And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. (2 John 5), She is to love the brethren.

2 John 6⁶And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. (2 John 6), To walk after Christ’s commandments.

We now give an interesting paper, sent us by one of the Class, giving a valuable classification of the Scriptures concerning the women in the gospels.

THE WOMEN OF LUKE AND JOHN.

What they did What was said or done to or of them

Mary the Mother of Jesus

Submitted to the Lord’s will and called herself His handmaid. —Luke 1:38

Was “highly favored” in becoming the mother of Christ, and “blessed among women”; the Lord was with her. Luke 1:28

Took a long journey to visit and have fellowship with her cousin. Luke 1:39-40

Simeon blessed her, but told her that a sword should pierce through her own soul. Luke 2:34, 35

Magnified the Lord and prophesied, Luke 1:46, &c.

Was reproved by Jesus. Luke 2:49; John 2:4

Kept in her heart and pondered the things she heard. Luke 2:19, 51

Was given by Jesus into the care of John. John 19:26, 27

Spoke to the Lord rather unbecomingly. Luke 2:48; John 2:3

Told the servants to obey Him. John 2:5

Came to see Jesus whole he was speaking to the multitude. Luke 8:20

Stood by the Cross of Jesus. John 19:25

Mary of Bethany

Sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. Luke 10:39

Was loved by Jesus. John 11:5

Chose the good part. Luke 10:42

Was complained of by others.

Sent to tell the Lord when their brother was ill. John 11:3 (Also Martha)

Was defended by the Lord. Luke 10:42; John 12:7

Sat still in the house till Jesus called her. John 11:20

Hastened to Jesus when she was called, and told Him her trouble. John 11:29, 32

Anointed the feet of Jesus. John 12:3

Martha

Received Jesus into her house. Luke 10:38

Was loved by the Lord. John 11:5

Served Him and His disciples. John 12:2

Was reproved by the Lord. Luke 10:41, 42

Was cumbered about much serving. Luke 10:40

The Jews came to comfort her and Mary. John 11:19

Complained of Mary. Luke 10:40

Went out to meet Jesus. John 11:20

Confessed Christ’s name. John 11:27

Went and called Mary. John 11:28

Told the Lord that Lazarus had been dead four days. John 11:39

Mary Magdalene

Went with Jesus on His journeys, and ministered unto Him of her substance. Luke 8:2, 3

The Lord cast seven devils out of her. Luke 8:2

Stood by His cross. John 19:25

Angels appeared to her. John 20:12

Went to anoint the body of Jesus. Luke 24:1, 10

The Lord appeared first to her. John 20:14

Told Peter and John that the Lord’s body was gone. John 20:2

The Lord revealed to her the truths of His Ascension. John 20:17

Stood at the sepulcher weeping. John 20:11

His disciples being His brethren, and God being their Father;—and sent her to tell His disciples. John 20:17

She took the good news to the disciples. John 20:18

Other Women

She arose and ministered to them. Luke 4:39

The Lord raised the son of the widow of Nain and gave him back to his mother. Luke 7:15

The woman came and touched His garment in faith. Luke 8:44

He healed Simon’s wife’s mother. Luke 4:39

She confessed how she had been healed. Luke 8:47

She was healed and comforted by the Lord. Luke 8:44, 48

A woman blessed the mother of Jesus. Luke 11:27

Women were told by the Lord to weep for themselves and their children. Luke 23:28

Women of Jerusalem bewailed him. Luke 23:27

Angels appeared to them and told of the resurrection. Luke 24:4-7

Several women followed and ministered to Jesus, beheld His death and burial, brought spices to anoint him, and told the disciples of the resurrection.

A woman was accused by the Pharisees, dismissed by Jesus, and told to sin no more, John 8:3-11

She glorified God, Luke 13:13

Woman with spirit of infirmity healed by Jesus. Luke 13:13

The Lord said that mother would be against daughter &c. Luke 12:53

Elizabeth

Was righteous before God. Luke 1:6

Was filled with the Holy Ghost. Luke 1:41

Blessed Mary. Luke 1:42

“The Lord showed mercy upon her,” Luke 1:58; and her neighbors “rejoiced with her.”

She insisted on her son being called John, according to the word of the Lord. Luke 1:60

Anne

Departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers day and night, Luke 2:37