Women in the Bible Who Held Authority Under the Power of God

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." — Galatians 3:28 (KJV)

Throughout the Bible, God uses individuals—regardless of gender—to accomplish His divine purposes. While many are familiar with male figures like Moses, David, and Paul, the Scriptures also highlight women who, empowered by God, held authority and delivered His message to both men and women. These women did not seek their positions out of personal ambition but were chosen by God to fulfill His will. Their influence, leadership, and prophetic roles were recognized by their communities, proving that God can call anyone to speak His truth and lead His people. This paper explores the lives and roles of Deborah, Huldah, Miriam, the Daughters of Philip, Priscilla, and Esther, each of whom acted under the power and authority of God.

Deborah: The Prophetess and Judge

Deborah stands as one of the most prominent women in the Bible to hold authority over men. As both a prophetess and a judge, she served as a leader of Israel during a time of oppression. Judges 4:4-5 recounts how the Israelites came to her for judgment, and in Judges 4:6-7, Deborah calls Barak, the military commander, to lead Israel’s forces into battle based on a message from God. She says, "Hath not the Lord God of Israel commanded?" making it clear that her leadership was divinely appointed and that her authority was not of her own but from God.

Deborah’s wisdom and leadership guided Israel to victory against their enemies, showing that her authority was not limited by gender but was empowered by God. Through Deborah, God demonstrated that He can raise women to positions of leadership and influence, even over men, when they are chosen to fulfill His divine purpose.

Huldah: The Prophetess of God’s Judgment

Huldah is another powerful example of a woman who held spiritual authority. When King Josiah of Judah sought to understand the meaning of the Book of the Law, which had been discovered in the temple, he sent his officials to Huldah for divine insight (2 Kings 22:14-20). Huldah’s response was a prophetic message of judgment from God. Her authority as a prophetess was acknowledged by the king and his advisors, who followed her instructions and warnings.

Huldah’s role shows that God can use women to convey His message in critical times. Her prophecy was not just for the women of Judah, but for the entire nation, including its male leaders. She spoke with divine authority, demonstrating that God’s power and message are not bound by societal norms regarding gender.

Miriam: The Prophetess Who Led in Worship

Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron, is another example of a woman divinely appointed to lead. Exodus 15:20-21 describes her as a prophetess who led the women of Israel in a song of praise after God delivered them from the Egyptians at the Red Sea. Although her leadership was primarily in worship, her title as a prophetess indicates that she also held spiritual authority in guiding the people of Israel.

Miriam’s role in Israel’s spiritual life extended beyond leading worship. Micah 6:4 includes her alongside Moses and Aaron as one of the key figures God used to lead Israel out of Egypt. This underscores her importance in the spiritual life of the nation. Though Miriam faced consequences for challenging Moses’ unique role as God’s chosen leader (Numbers 12), her authority as a prophetess was divinely ordained, showing that God called her to fulfill an essential purpose in His plan for Israel.

The Daughters of Philip: Women Who Prophesied

In the New Testament, Acts 21:9 mentions the four daughters of Philip the evangelist who were known to prophesy. While little detail is given about their specific prophecies, the fact that they held the gift of prophecy indicates their role in delivering messages from God. Prophesying was one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and these women exercised that gift, offering spiritual guidance to the early Christian community.

Their prophetic role highlights the continuation of women holding authority in the New Testament church. These daughters likely spoke God's truth not only to women but also to men, further proving that God empowered women to have a voice in delivering His message to all believers.

Priscilla: The Teacher of God's Word

Priscilla, along with her husband Aquila, played a significant role in the early Christian church. Together, they instructed Apollos, a skilled preacher, and corrected his understanding of the Gospel. Acts 18:26 says, "They took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly." Priscilla’s involvement in teaching Apollos, a learned man, demonstrates her spiritual authority and knowledge of the faith.

Although she taught alongside her husband, Priscilla is consistently named as an equal participant in this teaching ministry. Her role in instructing Apollos shows that women, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, could lead men in understanding God’s Word and His will. This example reinforces that women in the early church were empowered by God to be teachers and leaders.

Esther: The Queen Who Delivered Her People

While Esther was not a prophetess or judge, her story is one of God using a woman in a position of political authority to deliver His people. As queen, Esther risked her life to approach King Ahasuerus and intercede on behalf of the Jewish people, who were facing annihilation due to Haman’s plot. In Esther 4:16, she famously declares, "If I perish, I perish," showing her faith in God’s providence and willingness to sacrifice herself for the sake of her people.

Though Esther’s authority came through her position as queen, her actions were divinely guided. She exercised wisdom and courage, demonstrating that God can place women in positions of power to fulfill His purposes. Through Esther, God saved the Jewish people, showing that He can work through anyone He chooses, male or female, to accomplish His will.

Conclusion

The stories of Deborah, Huldah, Miriam, the Daughters of Philip, Priscilla, and Esther illustrate that women in the Bible held authority and leadership roles under the power and direction of God. These women were not merely passive figures but active participants in God’s plan, delivering His messages, leading His people, and instructing others in His ways. Their authority came from God, and they operated within the framework of His divine purpose. As Galatians 3:28 reminds us, in Christ, "there is neither male nor female," for all are one in the mission of advancing God’s Kingdom. These women serve as powerful examples of how God uses all of His people, regardless of gender, to accomplish His will.