5th Letter: Mathetrias!
To my Sisters
Disciple AKA Discipless
When Jesus went up the mountain in Luke 6:12 he spent all night with the Lord. In Luke 6:13 Jesus came down and picked his 12 disciples. He did not just pick men because men are superior and the Lord did not want women Discipled to Christ. It was just not time for women to be discipled. There are many things that happened while Jesus was walking the Earth and ministering to the masses. There are many men and women who like to look at scripture and tell us that women don’t have a place in ministry. They say that women can make cookies and have small group bible studies in their homes. They often also say that no woman should ever address the church. No woman should address the Ekklesia. The Body of believers.
36Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas.d She was full of good works and acts of charity. 37In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. 38Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Please come to us without delay.” 39So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunicse and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. 40But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. 41And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 43And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner.
Acts 9:36-43
The word used here for Disciple is mathetria. A mathetria is a female disciple. Not a disciple. Not a female. A female disciple. It is always important to look back into the words that we use. It is important also to see what Peter did in this story. Peter knew that there was a need for women in ministry. He believed that women also needed to have strong leaders. There are many women who struggle with the Lords curse from the beginning. Many woman had difficulty submitting to their husbands. If a woman has a hard time submitting to her husband, how can she submit to any other man. That is where a female disciple comes into play. With the guidance of a female disciple in a woman’s life, she can learn what true submission is. She can learn that submission is another form of respect. One of the best places for women in ministry is direct relationships with other women. Can any woman preach or teach to the congregation? No. Not any woman can. However, a Disciple of Christ, that abides in the Lord, who is full of the Holy Spirit, who knows the words of Jesus Christ, Who walks in the ways of Jesus Christ, can do the works of Jesus Christ. She not only can, but has a duty to do so if the Lord wills it. There is one thing that is certain. If the Lord tells someone to teach or preach, they need to be obedient to that command. No church doctrine can trump the word of the Lord. The words of the Lord are the fact that female Disciples exist. They not only exist but they are so great to the kingdom that the Lord allowed Peter to bring one back from the dead. If you are a woman and are considering ministry, seek the Lord first and he will put you where he needs you. Grace and Peace
-Your Sister