Many women in the Bible exemplify profound courage, demonstrating strength, faith, and resilience in challenging circumstances. Their bravery often stemmed from their unwavering belief, their commitment to God's will, or their dedication to those they loved, inspiring countless generations.
Exemplars of Courageous Women in the Bible
The New Testament highlights several women whose acts of bravery, faith, and service stand out. They navigated societal pressures, personal fears, and dangerous situations with remarkable fortitude.
Mary, the Mother of Jesus
Mary's courage is evident from the moment she accepted the divine, miraculous calling to become the mother of Jesus. Despite the potential for social ostracism and misunderstanding, she responded with humble obedience and faith, saying, "May it be done to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38). Her courage continued as she faced the challenges of raising God's Son, fleeing to Egypt as a refugee, and ultimately enduring the profound sorrow of witnessing her son's crucifixion, standing steadfastly at the foot of the cross (John 19:25).
Mary Magdalene
Mary Magdalene is renowned for her steadfast devotion to Jesus. She courageously followed him, supported his ministry, and remained with him during his crucifixion when many others had fled. Her ultimate act of bravery and love came as she was among the first at his tomb on the resurrection morning, and she was the first person to see the risen Christ, subsequently bearing witness to this incredible truth to the disciples (John 20:1-18). Her willingness to stand by Jesus through His darkest hours and to proclaim His resurrection speaks volumes of her courage.
Mary of Bethany
Mary of Bethany displayed courage in her unconventional devotion to Jesus. In a culture where women were typically expected to engage in domestic duties, Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet, learning from him like a disciple, much to the chagrin of her sister Martha (Luke 10:38-42). Furthermore, her audacious act of anointing Jesus with costly perfume, anointing his feet and wiping them with her hair, was a profound and prophetic act of worship and preparation for his burial, demonstrating a deep love and foresight despite criticism (John 12:1-8).
Priscilla
Priscilla, often mentioned alongside her husband Aquila, was a courageous and influential leader in the early Christian church. As tentmakers, they partnered with Paul in ministry and co-taught the gospel. Their courage is highlighted by the fact that they "risked their lives" for Paul (Romans 16:3-4), indicating their willingness to face danger for the sake of the gospel. They also famously took Apollos, an eloquent but incomplete speaker, and "explained to him the way of God more accurately" (Acts 18:24-28), demonstrating both knowledge and the courage to instruct a prominent figure.
Lydia
Lydia, a successful businesswoman and a dealer in purple cloth from Thyatira, is celebrated as the first convert to Christianity in Philippi. Her courage is shown in her openness to the gospel message preached by Paul. After hearing him, the Lord "opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message" (Acts 16:14). She then courageously offered her home as a place of hospitality and a base for Paul and his companions, establishing the first church in Europe within her own household (Acts 16:15). Her actions demonstrate a willingness to embrace a new faith and publicly support its adherents, facing potential social or business repercussions.
Table of Courageous Women in the New Testament
These women exemplify courage through various forms:
| Woman | Why She Was Courageous | Key Biblical Reference |
| :------------------- | :----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | :--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Mary, Mother of Jesus | Accepting a miraculous calling, facing societal judgment, enduring profound sorrow at the cross, steadfast faith. | Luke 1:26-38, John 19:25 |
| Mary Magdalene | Unwavering loyalty and devotion to Jesus, remaining at the crucifixion, being the first witness to the resurrection. | John 20:1-18, Matthew 27-28 |
| Mary of Bethany | Prioritizing spiritual devotion over traditional roles, performing a radical act of worship and anointing Jesus. | Luke 10:38-42, John 12:1-8 |
| Priscilla | Active partnership in early Christian ministry, teaching prominent figures, risking personal safety for fellow believers. | Acts 18:24-28, Romans 16:3-4 |
| Lydia | Openness to the Christian faith, becoming the first convert in Europe, offering her home as a base for ministry. | Acts 16:13-15 |
These women illustrate that courage in the Bible takes many forms, from quiet obedience and unwavering devotion to bold proclamation and selfless service, all rooted in profound faith.
