The Promise to Women!

The Ministry of Women

“Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy” (Acts 2:18 NIV).

In antiquity women were often viewed as lesser beings than men. Women were seen as undeveloped males in Grecian thought and literature. The female was seen as a sign of weakness and inferiority.

It was in this culture that Jesus was born. However, in His teaching and conduct He continually gave value to women. Where others would not even speak to a woman other than their wife in public, Jesus holds a conversation with the woman at the well. He apparently was a welcome guest in the home of Lazarus, Mary and Martha. He did not object to Mary’s choice of listening to Him speak rather than helping in the kitchen. He defended the woman who washed his feet and sacrificed the precious ointment from the alabaster box. Finally, He allowed the women to discover the empty tomb and witness His resurrection first.

In a culture that viewed men as superior to women it must have seemed strange to hear the words Peter quoted to crowd on the Day of Pentecost. He recounted the words of the prophet Joel, “I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy.” The promised sign of spiritual experience in the last days would be to both sexes, sons AND daughters shall prophesy. He further extended the blessing to “menservants and maidservants” (Acts 2:17-18).

Interestingly enough, it wasn’t just the sexes that were encompassed; the promise of Pentecost was all inclusive. Age was not a limiting factor, “young men shall see visions … old men shall dream dreams.” Economic status was not a condition for exclusion, servants were included. A particular ethnicity was not a requirement for blessing; the Spirit was to be poured out on “all flesh.” Geographic location was not a requirement because the commission was given to carry the gospel into the entire world. The promise of Pentecost was extended to everyone, “Whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved” (Acts 2:21).

The Scripture carefully points out that “the women and Mary the mother of Jesus” were among the crowd that gathered in the upper room after the ascension of Jesus (Acts 1:14). They continued in “one accord in prayer and supplication” as they waited for the promise of the Father that Jesus had given them. They too were the recipients of the greatest promise ever given humanity!