The role of women, even in today's more "enlightened" world, is a subject rarely discussed in sermons or pursued as a distinct study. This ignorance means that when they are discussed in church or studied by a fellowship it is usually in a negative light.
Poets
Biblical women who were poets include Miriam (Exodus 15:21), Deborah (Judges 5), Hannah (1Samuel 2:1 - 10), Elizabeth (Luke 1:42 - 45) and Mary (Luke 1:46 - 55).
Prophets
Biblical women who were considered prophets (prophetesses) include Miriam (Exodus 15:20 - 21), Deborah (Judges 4:4 - 5), Huldah (2Kings 22:14 - 20), Noadiah (Nehemiah 6:14), Anna (Luke 2:36 - 38) and Philip's four unmarried daughters (Acts 21:9).
Governors
Women who governed include Deborah (Judges 4:4), the Queen of Sheba (1Kings 10:1 - 13) and Queen Candace (Acts 8:27). Deborah is unique in that, as one of Israel Judges, she led an army against the Canaanites.
Godly Females
Godly women in the Old Testament include the mother of Samson (Judges 13:23), Naomi (Ruth 1), Ruth (Ruth 1:4), Hannah, the mother of Samuel (1Samuel 1:9 - 18, 24 - 28), the widow of Zarephath who fed Elijah during the famine (1Kings 17:8 - 24), the Shunammite woman who gave hospitality to Elisha (2Kings 4:8 - 38) and Esther.
In the New Testament, women of godly character include Mary, the mother of Jesus (Luke 1:26 - 38), Elizabeth (Luke 1:6, 41 - 45), Mary and Martha (Mark 14:3 - 9; Luke 10:42) and Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:1; Luke 8:2; etc.).
Others females that were righteous include Dorcas (Tabitha - Acts 9:36), Lydia (Acts 16:14), Priscilla (Acts 18:26), Phoebe (Romans 16:1 - 2), Julia (Romans 16:15) and Eunice and Lois, who were the mother and grandmother of Timothy whom Paul commended (2Timothy 1:5).
Active in Evangelism
Women also played an active role in the New Testament church and in the spreading of the gospel. Phoebe, who was called a servant or minister (deaconess) in the church (Romans 16:1 - 2), served many people and was commended by the Apostle Paul. Priscilla, who in one place is mentioned before her husband (Romans 16:3), helped host a church fellowship in her home (1Corinthians 16:19). She also played a critical role in educating Apollos regarding the gospel (Acts 18:24 - 26).
There are, without a doubt, other unnamed New Testament women who hosted fellowships and lent their efforts in spreading God's truth.
How important are women in the Bible to God? The Father didn't choose Peter, John or any of the other apostles as the first person to see His Son alive after his death. He instead choose Mary Magdalene to be the first human to see the resurrected Jesus Christ!
And after saying these things, she (Mary Magdalene) turned around and saw Jesus standing, but did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?" Thinking that He was the gardener, she said to Him, "Sir, if you have carried Him off, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away."
Jesus said to her, "Mary." Turning around, she said to Him, "Rabboni"; that is to say, "Teacher." Jesus said to her, "Do not touch Me, because I have not yet ascended to My Father. But go to My brethren and tell them that I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God." (John 20:14 - 17, HBFV).