Women of today are more independent than ever before, often putting off having children and a family, in favor of pursuing a career. And while this highlights the way in which women’s role in society continues to evolve, tragically, there is still evidence of abuse, mistreatment, and marginalization of women in certain areas of the world. For example, it was not until June 24, 2018 that Saudi Arabia issued the first ever driver’s license for a woman. Indeed, it says in Ecclesiastes 1:9 that “there is nothing new under the sun.” No matter how you define a woman of today, the Bible is as relevant for her now as it was for the women who laid hold of first edition King James Bibles.

The Role of Women, from The Beginning

In the first pages of the Bible we see that, of all that God created, only men and women were created in his likeness. First Adam was formed from the dust of the earth, and then God breathed into the man’s nostrils to bring him to life. Later, Eve was formed by God from Adam’s rib. God created us as male and female and gave clear indication that men and women have equal personhood, and deserve equal respect and dignity.

As the first woman, Eve’s role was, foremost, to be a suitable helper and companion for Adam. She was just what Adam needed. God explained the dynamics of marriage in Genesis 2:24:

“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”

Of course, it is the role of women to give birth to children, today, as always. Children are commanded by God to honor both the mother and father, so that their days may be long (Exodus 20:12).

The first written Bibles contained the Old Testament and have been around since the early 6^th century, according to historians. The New Testament was written in the 1^st century AD to tell about the arrival of God’s Son on the earth, and to fix the problem of sin that began in the Garden of Eden.

Because our roots and revelation about who God is are relevant, the Old Testament is, as well. The fulfillment of God’s plan for all of mankind is revealed in the New Testament, and what book could be more relevant than that?

How Jesus Treated Women

• Jesus began a conversation with a Samaritan women in public, in which he offered her living water for her parched soul. This amazed the disciples, since men were not to even greet a woman in public, according to rabbinic teachings.
• Jesus taught spiritual truths to Mary, who was also a cultural deviant, for seeking to learn from him. This defied rabbinic law which denied women the right to learn the religious laws, known as the Torah.
• Jesus was speaking to his dear friend Martha when he said in John 11:25-26, shockingly calling for a verbal response, no less: “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
• Women were the first people Jesus appeared to after his resurrection. They were also the first instructed to give witness that he was alive. The culture, at this time, had valued a woman’s testimony as worthless. These acts by Jesus gave women more value than anything previously seen in the world.

More than a Pretty Face

While society still objectifies women in countless ways, the Bible demonstrates that women are more than objects to be admired. Peter wrote to women in 1 Peter 3:3-4:

“Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.”

Paul also elevated women to positions of honor that exceeded anything the world had ever known, such as in Ephesians 5 and 1 Corinthians 11.

He tells, for example, of how marriage is a picture of the mystery of the union of Jesus Christ and the church, His bride.

The Value and Relevance of the Bible in our Lives

The Bible has infinite value to all of us, male and female alike. This is The Book in which God expounds the Truth. The Old Testament includes a reference to Jesus starting in Genesis 3:15, and the entire book points to a need for a Savior. God wanted a real family. It was necessary to give people a choice as to whether or not to return His love through obedience, and sin had entered the world quickly. We learn in the New Testament that God provided the covering for our sin by sending his own Son to die in our place.

We have been redeemed but not so that we can do what we feel like doing or what we design in our own hearts. God calls us to be His people. The Bible demonstrates clearly that blessings belong to those who put their faith in God and who follow Jesus.

The Bible is the Truth that can set us free from all that would rob us of wholeness and eternal joy. It says in John 8:32, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

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