The Bible presents several examples of women in ministry and leadership roles, and the story of Junia is one of the most prominent. There are also other key passages that show how women were used by God throughout biblical history. Here are a few examples:

1. Junia – Apostle and Leader

Junia is mentioned in Romans 16:7, where Paul writes:
"Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was."
This verse is significant because it describes Junia as being "outstanding among the apostles." Many translations (such as the NIV) suggest that Junia was a woman, though some translations have attempted to alter the gender to "Junias," a masculine form. However, most scholars agree that Junia was a woman, and her inclusion as an "apostle" is remarkable. This passage suggests that women played an important role in the early church, with Junia specifically recognized among the apostles.

2. Deborah – Judge and Prophetess

In the Old Testament, Deborah is a well-known figure who served as both a prophetess and a judge over Israel.
In Judges 4-5, Deborah leads Israel to victory in battle and is seen as a key spiritual and political leader. She is also recognized for her wisdom and authority, which the people of Israel trusted and sought. Deborah’s leadership shows that God used women in positions of authority and influence.

3. Priscilla – Teacher of Apollos

Priscilla, along with her husband Aquila, is mentioned several times in the New Testament. In Acts 18:24-26, she and Aquila are described as teaching Apollos, a learned man, about the way of God more accurately.
"When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately."
Priscilla's role as a teacher is significant because she helped guide a prominent leader in the early church, demonstrating that women were active in ministry, teaching, and leadership.

4. Phoebe – Deacon

In Romans 16:1-2, Paul commends Phoebe, calling her a "deacon" (or "servant," depending on the translation) of the church in Cenchreae.
"I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me."
Phoebe is recognized as a leader and servant within the early church. Her role as a deacon demonstrates that women were involved in the ministry and service of the church.

Miriam – Prophetess

Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron, is described as a prophetess in Exodus 15:20.
"Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women followed her, with timbrels and dancing."
Miriam's prophetic role is significant in that she was recognized as a leader and spiritual figure in her own right.

6. The Women Who Supported Jesus

In the Gospels, several women are mentioned as being important followers of Jesus, offering their support in various ways. In Luke 8:1-3, we read that a group of women followed Jesus, helping him financially and ministerially. These women included Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna, among others.
"…and many others who were helping to support them out of their own means."
These women played a key role in Jesus' ministry, which was groundbreaking at a time when women were often marginalized.

7. Esther – Queen and Deliverer

The story of Esther is a powerful example of how God used a woman to fulfill a significant purpose. Esther 4:14 is a key moment when Mordecai challenges her to act on behalf of the Jewish people:
"For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?"
Esther risks her life by approaching the king and ultimately saves her people, demonstrating courage and leadership.

8. Anna – Prophetess

In Luke 2:36-38, Anna is described as a prophetess who served in the temple. She was a widow and devoted her life to fasting and praying. When she saw the baby Jesus, she gave thanks to God and spoke about him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Israel.
"There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying."

9. The Early Church and Female Leadership

In addition to the direct references to women in the Bible, the New Testament consistently portrays women as being active participants in the life of the early church. They were involved in prayer, ministry, and spreading the Gospel. Women like Lydia (Acts 16:14-15), a seller of purple goods, and the women who supported the apostles in various ways are evidence of the significant role women played.

​10 The Queen of Sheba

The Queen of Sheba is a legendary figure known for her visit to King Solomon in the Bible, where she tested his wisdom with difficult questions. She is often depicted as a powerful and wealthy ruler from the kingdom of Sheba, which is a realm of many Islands in the Philippines as well as  Ethiopia and Yemen. Her story appears in the biblical books of Kings and Chronicles, as well as in the Quran, where she is recognized for her intelligence and diplomatic acumen. The Queen’s visit is celebrated for the exchange of gifts between the two monarchs, and she is sometimes seen as a symbol of wealth, wisdom, and intrigue in ancient history.

Conclusion:

The Bible provides several examples of women being used by God in powerful ways, both in leadership and ministry. From Junia, the apostle, to Deborah, the judge, and Priscilla, the teacher, there is clear evidence that women were integral to God's work throughout Scripture. The New Testament, in particular, provides evidence of women serving in various roles—apostles, deacons, teachers, and prophets—which suggests a broader understanding of women in ministry in the early church. While there are various interpretations of specific passages, these examples point to a significant role for women in God's plan and in the life of the early Christian community.