Deaconesses in the new testament

The New Testament does not provide a clear definition or description of deaconesses, but it does mention several women who served in leadership roles in the early Christian church. Here are a few examples:

  1. Phoebe (Romans 16:1-2): Phoebe is referred to as a deacon (diakonos) of the church in Cenchrea, which was a port city in ancient Greece. She is described as a patron and benefactor of the church, and Paul asks the Romans to receive her as a messenger from him.
  2. Euodia and Syntyche (Philippians 4:2-3): Euodia and Syntyche are mentioned as co-workers with Paul in the Philippian church. They are described as having contended alongside Paul in the gospel, and he asks the Philippian church to help them to come to a spirit of unity.
  3. Mary, Martha, and their sister (Luke 10:38-42): Mary, Martha, and their sister are mentioned as hosting Jesus in their home. Mary is described as sitting at Jesus' feet, listening to his teaching, while Martha is busy serving. This passage has been interpreted as a model for women's roles in the early Christian church, with Mary representing a more contemplative and spiritual approach, and Martha representing a more practical and service-oriented approach.
  4. The women who supported Paul's ministry (Acts 18:1-3, 1 Corinthians 16:15-16): The New Testament mentions several women who supported Paul's ministry, including Priscilla, Aquila, and their household. These women are described as hosting Paul in their home, providing financial support, and helping him to spread the gospel.

While these passages do not provide a clear definition of deaconesses, they do suggest that women played important roles in the early Christian church, including leadership, service, and support. The term "deaconess" is not used in the New Testament, but it is a term that has been used in Christian tradition to describe women who serve in leadership roles in the church.

It's worth noting that the concept of deaconesses as we understand it today, with a specific role and responsibilities, is a development of the early Christian church. The Didache, a early Christian text written around 120-150 AD, mentions the role of deaconesses, but it is not until the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD that the office of deaconess becomes more clearly defined.