Women as Pastor/Patrons of Early House Churches
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.
In the New Testament, we have indications that women were patrons of Christian assemblies but possibly also “overseers” as well.
Mary of Jerusalem’s house provided hospitality to many people including the apostles, though we can say nothing in favor of any leadership role (Acts 12:12-17).
Lydia of Philippi sponsored a house church and supported Paul’s missionary endeavours (Acts 16:14-15, 40).
Priscilla and Aquila hosted a church in their home where both of them had some teaching role (Acts 18:26; 1 Cor 16:19; Rom 16:3-5).
Philemon and Apphia, whether brother and sister, or husband and wife, seem to have been patrons of the church in Colossae where first Epaphras and then Archippus served as the main leaders (Col 1:7; 4:12, 15; Philm 2, 23).
Phoebe was a deacon and patron of the church in Cenchrae whom Paul sent to Rome to deliver, and perhaps instruct upon, his message to the Roman churches (Rom 16:1-2).
Nympha was the patron/pastor of the church of Laodicea (Col 4:15). Some would dispute the pastoral side, but as I’ve argued elsewhere, Nympha was both the patron of the Laodicean church (like Phoebe, Philemon/Apphia) but also the pastor of the church (like Archippus).
See further:
Brenton, Susan E. “Women Benefactors and Early Christ Groups.” In Greco-Roman Assocations, Deities, & Early Christianity. Edited by Bruce W. Longenecker. Waco, TX: Baylor University Press, 2022., pp. 155-69.
Hylen, Susan, Women in the New Testament World. Oxford: OUP, 2018.
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.