Excerpt from Acts 17:10-15

". . . and many Greek women of high social standing and many Greek men also believed." (Good News Bible)

Reflection by William C. Green

Christianity began among the poor and persecuted. But it grew because of the middle and upper classes—especially wealthy women. They became primary converts. Then some of their husbands, often grudgingly, started showing up at church. Notice the gender order in today’s verse: Paul says "women of high social standing," then says "and men."

This was important for struggling communities of faith. Women could extract financial support from indifferent partners who, at first, went along to get along. Who wants another argument at the dinner table? (Sound familiar?)

Women were drawn to Christianity because it promoted liberating social relations between the sexes and within the family; however some passages in the New Testament can make it sound. Even the wealthiest women found status not otherwise available.  Moreover, Christianity prohibited the abandonment or killing of female infants commonly regarded as unproductive economically. Women also benefited from the sanctification of marriage. Divorce was usually considered a sin.

For women, ahead of men, the community of believers was a social safety net that naturally included the sick, the poor and persecuted. That net grew bigger as it extended through family, friends, and the neediest themselves—and, last but not least, men.

The church still grows best as a homegrown network that expands first through interpersonal relationships. It’s our nature, not simply our "mission," to remedy injustice, aid the poor and persecuted, and engage the wealthy and privileged.

Prayer

O God, may we know the good news of Jesus in our need for each other. Amen

About the Author William C. Green, a United Church of Christ minister, is the Director of Long Looking, a consultancy service specializing in fundraising and education for congregations. His new book, 52 Ways to Ignite Your Congregation: Generous Giving, has just been published.

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