RELI 25 Essay: Analyzing Women's Leadership in Acts of Paul & Thecla

This essay critically analyzes the Acts of Paul and Thecla to explore the roles and status of women in early Christianity. It discusses Thecla's strong faith and independence, contrasting it with societal expectations of women at the time. The essay examines Paul's teachings and their support for wome...Read More

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The act of Paul and Thecla would Paul agree? The act Thecla and Paul demonstrates
womens’ view point as a strong figure that values faith before anything else. Paul explains
the act of virtues celibacy of women stand point both as teachers and apostles and not just
wives the acts explains women as an example for showing and educating other people on the
word of God and their ableness to tell story. The teaching has been used as an example by
women as leaders in the church. My view and believe on Paul’s teaching about women
leadership and religious setting is correct.
Thecla and Paul wrote the acts year after the letters of Paul .all the same show clear
differences in women as the status of women remained as house-servants .They were treated
in two perceptions if they were not married as either virgins or widows. A true
Widow was known to be an aged woman whose husband died. The church only gave
assistance to those women who were widows if they were above 60 years of age reason being
they would not get married again. In Roman tradition required ladies to get married and have
children. The society saw women not independent in any manner. Whether sexually or
legally. In this Acts of Paul and Thecla the main person was Thecla. She was a powerful
woman in the world of Christianity, she was authoritative and strong figure reason being that
she remained single and had no husband or bore children. Thecla was converted into
Christian faith be the apostle Paul. Very strong women live Thecla were supported by Paul’s
teachings and religious environment of that time. I was interested and also inspired by
learning more about her reasoning and regarding this matter.
In the book of “Acts of Paul and Thecla 17”, it is stated that this story of Thecla
listening to Paul’s sermons while sitting by her widow. Thecla listened keenly to Paul’s
proclamation; she did not get tired to listen every day and even overnight regarding the issue
of virginity as taught by Paul. It is important to note that she was not taken away from the
widow, but rather was let on by faith and she rejoiced exceedingly in the course of this, it is

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ascertained that she saw observed virgins and other women borrowing. It is also important to
note that this woman was indeed very interested to not only have the desire of being deemed
of great value to Paul but also ensure that she heard the word of God. The dedication and
determination of Thecla’s regarding the word of Paul indicates the commitment that she had
on Paul’s worthy beliefs. In a spiritual sense she chose to remain a virgin and turn down all
her likely success so as to marry God. She saved her virginity for him. In this testimony,
Paul is encouraging and supporting the independence of woman and furthering faith and
devotion as virtues that are inter-dependant.
A professor found an image in the cave of Paul and Thecla at the place called Paul’s
Croton. The study of the New Testament depicts an image of Paul preaching and being
followed by Thecla follows who listens to his testimonials from the windows in a far left
corner of the house. Thecla’s mother is seen behind him (Paul) while preaching to her
daughter while her hand is thrown in a gesture of great disagreement. Most important, it was
ascertained that Thecla’s mother has her right hand as well as eyes cut off and scratched out
respectively because she was considered a heretia. This brings into four individual beliefs that
Thecla’s mother may have disliked the view of religion itself and its effects on the society.
The image is a pro-found sign of the influence that Paul had on Thecla’s mannerism as well
as her own values as aligned or matching with those of the beliefs as well as teachings of
Paul.
When Paul as an preaches multiple or numerous times in the scripture, this does not mis-
interpret the acts of Paul and Thecla. Individuals bowed and prayed to him (Paul). Paulwent
into the house onesiporus and preached about virginity, obeying God and purity. In his
testimonies states, Paul was speaking about a pure heart that will open a vision of God. It is
understood Paul was speaking and confirming that the only best way for people to come in
contact God was through remaining pure in their hearts. It is also important for people to

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ensure that they remain pure and clean and keep their virginity sacred in their wedlocks. This
what actually Thecla interpreted from his teaching.
To remain clean, pure, and holy for God is essential as well as focussing on lives that
revolve or dwell on God’s word and Paul’s word. Thecla believed in keeping the flesh chaste
Thecla remained devoted herself to God and also remained God’s temple. While speaking
about blessings Paul noted that those who remained aloof from the world had an upper hand
and that’s where she belonged separating herself from the world and to focus only on God.
While aligning her values with his word focussing on her faith she followed Paul.
In conclusion I agree that Pauls word, beliefs testimonies are in agreement with
Thecla’s action and intention all over the story. Thecla is shown as a woman whose priorities
come last as Gods. Priorities put first in this act of Paul. In all this Paul was in agreement.
Paul was a strongsupporter in woman holding position of leadership within the church reason
being when God is put first the matter of sex is immaterial Thecla’s action are aligned with
Paul’s word’s, even through other people may disagree it was Paul’s teaching and word that
kept her faith in a very strong sense.
During the ancient times wives played powerful roles in church. They taught a word
of God and also prophesised. Some women were rich and supported God’s servants. They
allowed multitude in their homes giving them basic needs during their meeting. Paul worked
in company with some women especially in field services. People should not doubt why early
Christian leaders were both men and women.
Lately the history of women and their position of authority and high status in church
has faced serious opposition, this challenge has reduced their good record and past
performance of their church involvement.
Paul mentions one deacon called Phoebe prominently. She was a minister in the
church of Cenchrea. Phoebe was also Paul’s patron whom Paul entrusted with a task of

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carrying important Paul’s letter to Rom (vv. 1-2), another important personality is Prisca
assisted by her husband Aquila, the two were able to create and support large congregation in
her home.(vv. 3-4). In all these activities she was named ahead of her husband. Another
important woman is Mary; Paul’s co-worker among the Romans (v, 6) Paul also worked with
other important women as; Tryphaena, Tryphosa and Persis for the gospel (vv 6, 12)
High profile women in this community included; Julia the mother of Rufus and sister of
Nereus (vv 13,15) secondly, we have other frontline women among the apostles like Junia
(v. 7)/
The apostolic mission was not only limited to the 12 men but was more inclusive in
church based in Corinth. Women were mentioned to be “members of the body” full of
“spiritual gifts” and the rights of using them. This fact is proven by their active participation
in various services such as in worshiping, praying, and prophesying alongside men (1 Cor 11:
4-6)
Two other important women (Euodia and Synyche) were notable in Philipians because of
their prominent standing in the community (Phil 4:2) Lydia is outstanding woman whose
entire household came in the frontline of her family. She eventually became the head of the
church which gathered in her house.
On marriage some of the women who were associated with Paul came to renounce the
issue of marriage for the sake of gospel and went on to become prominent women in the
community.