Within Reason #111 Helen Bond - The Forgotten Female Disciples of Jesus
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Jul 6, 2025 Helen Bond, a Professor of Christian Origins at the University of Edinburgh and co-author of 'Women Remembered: Jesus’ Female Disciples,' discusses the often-ignored contributions of female followers in Jesus' ministry. She highlights key figures like Mary Magdalene and Salome, emphasizing their significant roles and challenging traditional narratives that downplay women's impact in early Christianity. Bond also explores the historical marginalization of women in religious art and representation, advocating for a reevaluation of their essential contributions to the faith.
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Symbolism of Jesus' 12 Disciples
- Jesus' 12 male disciples symbolically represent the 12 tribes of Israel and the restoration of Israel.
- Women were also followers who traveled with Jesus, showing the common image of 12 men is incomplete.
Women as Funders in Luke's Gospel
- Luke moves women followers earlier in his gospel and highlights their financial support for Jesus' ministry.
- These women were likely elite, wealthy, and respected, indicating significant social roles among Jesus' followers.
Gendered Pairs in Ministry
- Joan Taylor suggests Jesus sent out disciples in gendered pairs, male and female, reflecting the 'two by two' Noah story.
- This male-female pairing became a common ministry pattern in the early church for cultural and practical reasons.