Great Women in Early Kingdom Work: A Cultural Contextual Analysis of Romans 16:1–16 and the Applicability of Women in Leadership in the Twenty-First Century

This chapter examines leading women during the first-century church through a cultural context and social analysis of Romans 16:1–16. Women such as, Phoebe, Prisca, Mary, Junia, the sisters Tryphaena and Tryphosa, and Julia—all mentioned by the Apostle Paul, for their work and advancement of the Christian faith. The chapter highlights Paul’s observation of women as major participants and contributors in the building of the early church. Through the cultural analysis work, six characteristics are identified, one for each of the forementioned women in their leading roles and how the characteristics are applicable for women in leadership within the twenty-first century. Each identified characteristic—exemplar, mutuality, resilience, trailblazer, sisterhood, and community-builder—associated with each woman, respectively, further connects as leadership acumen principles for women serving in leading roles within the twenty-first century.