How to Find Bible Stories With Strong Women Characters

Bible stories explode with tales of masculine strength and lessons learned. Feminists believe in Eve's strength, but that's a vein you may need to pursue independently. Other women characters prove themselves great and strong. Some are New Testament, others Old Testament, still others unnamed. Here's a variety to start with; some may surprise you.

Things You'll Need

• Bible

Instructions

1. Read about Abigail. Abigail, in the Old Testament, uses her intelligence and great heart to save her whole family from a fatal end, caused by the selfishness of her husband. She arms herself and meets the army ready to strike her town. Then this strong woman persuades these fierce warriors to spare her village. Plagued with a foolish husband, she is rewarded with a virtuous one.

2. Discover how Sarah was ready to sacrifice her son, Isaac, to please God, although she prays desperately not to have to do this terrible thing. He is laid on the altar. Sarah lives for hundreds of years. God admires her faith and that of her husband, Abraham.

3. Open the New Testament to Mary Magdalene. The Catholic Church has said that the Bible does not support the reading of her as a reformed prostitute. Mary Magdalene is said by some to have been the right hand of Jesus, a kind of partner. There are scriptures, and possibly an entire book of the Bible (later removed), dedicated to her teachings. In the version of the Gospel available to us today, her faith and dedication to him at the end of his life and in his time of direst need is unrivaled. Her teachings are sometimes referred to as the Gospel of Mary or the Fourth Gospel.

4. Admire the unnamed woman in the New Testament who touches the hem of Jesus' garment with the pure faith that she will be healed. He asks who has touched his garment. She answers. Then he heals her because she has faith.

5. Learn about Mary in the New Testament. Mary, the mother of God, is portrayed as long-suffering and ever-devoted. For these reasons she is held up as sacred, an icon, and holds a special place in the hearts of many Christians, especially Catholics. She was right beside him as he was dying on the cross.

6. Google "great women in the Bible" or "strong women in the Bible". These stories can be tough to find or may contain obscure or lesser known details and characters, but don't give up.

Tips & Warnings

• If the pickings seem thin, comfort yourself with the thought that in the New Testament, Jesus advocated that all men be as selfless, giving and gentle as women.

Resources

• Learn more about the Gospel of Mary.
• Mary Magdalene was only portrayed as bad.