In the ancient world, various voluntary associations could have a female benefactor or patron, who donated money, sometimes managed the association’s finances, and even had a hand in leading the association. It could be a burial club or a trade guilt of some kind, often with some god or goddess at the centre, but operated for the benefit of members.
This is a fascinating chapter that you open up. For the women of that time, the good news that Christ was spreading must have been explosive news for women. They were living under the tyranny of patriarchy. At the height of Greek culture, Women were not considered citizens. It was probably not that different under the Romans. Christ was essentially dismantling the reign of patriarchy. For the women of the New Testament, it must have seemed like a moment out of the 60s – a time when the old inhibiting structures were being dismantled, when anything seemed possible, a time for a rebirth of civilization itself – and women were excitedly doing their utmost to bring this about. it was their energy and enthusiasm driving this new chapter. Of course we know what happened. 2000+ years more of patriarchy, until we are once again at the precipice of bringing it to an end.
This is a fascinating chapter that you open up. For the women of that time, the good news that Christ was spreading must have been explosive news for women. They were living under the tyranny of patriarchy. At the height of Greek culture, Women were not considered citizens. It was probably not that different under the Romans. Christ was essentially dismantling the reign of patriarchy. For the women of the New Testament, it must have seemed like a moment out of the 60s – a time when the old inhibiting structures were being dismantled, when anything seemed possible, a time for a rebirth of civilization itself – and women were excitedly doing their utmost to bring this about. it was their energy and enthusiasm driving this new chapter. Of course we know what happened. 2000+ years more of patriarchy, until we are once again at the precipice of bringing it to an end.