July 18, 2022 – Words of Wisdom, Laura Bailey (Christian Author)

“God never tires of bearing the burdens of His children.” – Laura Bailey

“Now as Peter went here and there among all the brothers and sisters, he came down also to the saints living in Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years, for he was paralyzed. Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; get up and make your bed!” And immediately he got up.And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.” Acts 9:32-35

Gender Equality

Biblical Scholars mostly agree that the author of Luke is also the author of Acts. One of the ways they can make such a statement is through styles of writing, the quality of the language, and ways that the structure of the books seem to align and mimic one another.

Another important fact in the parallel stories is Luke’s apparent interest in gender equality. For example women as well as men make up the number of those Galileans who witness Jesus’ entire ministry and travel with him as he preaches and teaches from town to town. (Luke 23:59 and Acts 10:37-39) The healing of Aeneas in the book of Acts, along with the healing of Tabitha in the book of Luke, are another illustration of a number or paired stories in Luke/Acts in which something that happens to a male also happens to a female. While the Gospel of Luke has more stories that feature women than the other three Gospels, the roles in which he casts women tend to be silent and passive. But the author of Luke and Acts does make it clear that there are women disciples who receive the word, are baptized, and host house churches. 

We must always consider the world of the text – how edifying it is to know that Luke preserves a strong tradition about women and gives them positive functions in the church.  This was a bold statement for the early church – and continues to be a bold statement about gender equality not only in our society but also in the Kingdom of G-d.

Let us pray,

Lord Christ, you hold no preference regarding race, gender or nationality. Help me to model your expansive love and acceptance every day. Amen.

Pastor Dave