The New Testament texts referring to women present a view that is markedly different from the negative view of women that was dominant in ancient societies. Women in biblical times usually had little education and rabbis warned against teaching the law to women. Women who were considered respectable during this time did not participate in public life. Rather, such women were expected to spend most of their lives within the confines of their home. Women were viewed as temptresses that would lead man to sin. They were not counted in the number of persons needed to have a synagogue, nor was their testimony considered valid in a court of law. But Jesus' attitude and practice was in direct contradiction to that of his contemporaries. He initiated conversation even with unrespectable females like the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4). Jesus had women disciples who accompanied him from Galilee to Jerusalem and helped finance his ministry (Mark 15:40-41 and Luke 8:1-3). Jesus taught Mary and defended her choice to learn (Luke 10:38-42). Women were the last at the cross and the first at the tomb. After .
his resurrection Jesus appeared first to women and gave them the task of telling the good news to the disciples (Matthew 28:7). .
The newfound freedom and role of women in Christ is clear also in the writings of the early Church. The book of Acts frequently mentions the presence and activity of women in the founding of the Church. From the praying in the upper room (1: 14) to the persecution by Saul (8:3) to the reception of the Gospel by Greeks (17:12), women were involved. The church at Philippi was founded on women, and one of them, Lydia, obviously played an important role in the origin and growth of this church. The four prophesying daughters of Philip, who are mentioned in Acts 21:9, are further examples of the ministry of the Holy Spirit through women. .
1 Corinthians 11:5 and 1 Corinthians 14:34-36 has been a source of disagreement among scholars for many reasons.