women in the Bible: lessons on faith and courage

There is a rich tapestry of stories of women in the Bible who shaped history, demonstrated faith, and led in ways that continue to inspire us today. These women—Deborah, Esther, Hagar, Hannah, Lydia, Martha, Mary Magdalene, Mary (the mother of Jesus), Miriam, and Priscilla—are often underrepresented in traditional studies, yet their lives offer profound lessons on leadership, courage, resilience, and faith.

I’ve built this study with the hope of uncovering the wisdom embedded in these women’s stories. From Deborah’s courageous leadership to Esther’s bravery in saving her people, from Hagar’s endurance in the wilderness to Lydia’s hospitality in the early church, each woman offers a unique perspective on how to navigate life’s challenges with grace and trust in God.

On your own or with a group, explore the experiences of these women in the Bible and reflect on how their faithfulness, strength, and challenges speak to us today. Whether you are leading, serving, waiting, or enduring hardships, these women can teach us valuable lessons about God’s purposes for our lives.

Motivation for the study

In a world where the role of women is constantly evolving, we find ourselves looking for timeless examples of what it means to live a life of faith and purpose. The stories of these women invite us into a deeper understanding of what it means to serve God in every season of life.

Questions to ponder as you begin this study of women in the Bible:

• What do you hope to learn from studying these women?
• Which of the women listed are you most curious to learn about, and why?
• In what ways do you think the experiences of these women mirror the challenges and opportunities women face today?

Let’s reflect on God’s faithfulness through the lives of these women and be challenged and inspired in our own spiritual journeys.

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How to organize the study of women in the Bible:

My plan is to take one session to introduce the study. Then I will focus on the women in the Bible one at a time in ten additional sessions. My group meets monthly (but not in July), so this unit will last a year for us. Sometime in the week preceding each of our meetings, I will send out the appropriate Bible passages for everyone to read. I will ask them to reflect on the following questions as they read:

• What stands out to you in this woman’s story?
• What one step can we take in response?

We will open our sessions with their thoughts on these two questions. Then we will read the summaries of the Bible passages and go through the discussion questions. I prepared a closing prayer for each session as well. However, you could organize the study however you would like. If you want to do it on your own, you could read the passages and then journal your responses to the questions. If you wanted to lead a group in the study, you could cover as many as you want at each meeting.

Let’s take a look!

Jump to each section:

Miriam: the courageous sister

Hagar: seen by God

Deborah: courage and partnership

Hannah: persistence in prayer

Esther: courage and advocacy

Martha: the practical servant

Mary Magdalene: restoration and devotion

Lydia: hospitality and mission

Priscilla: teaching and mentorship

Mary: humility and obedience

Miriam: the courageous sister

Scripture summaries 

Exodus 2:1-10: A Hebrew woman from the tribe of Levi gives birth to a son during a time when Pharaoh has ordered all male Hebrew babies to be killed. To save him, she hides the baby for three months and then places him in a basket in the Nile River. His sister, Miriam, watches from a distance. Pharaoh’s daughter finds the baby, and Miriam offers to find a Hebrew nurse. The baby’s own mother is hired to care for him. When the child grows older, Pharaoh’s daughter adopts him and names him Moses, meaning “drawn out of the water.”

Exodus 15:19-21: After the Israelites cross the Red Sea and are delivered from Pharaoh’s army, Moses leads the people in a song of praise to God. Miriam, the prophetess and sister of Moses and Aaron, takes a tambourine and leads the women in singing and dancing, celebrating God’s triumph over the Egyptians with the refrain, “Sing to the Lord, for an overflowing victory! Horse and rider thrown into the sea!”

Discussion questions

1. Miriam’s watchfulness: In Exodus 2:1-10, Miriam watched over her baby brother Moses and played a crucial role in his safety. How do her attentiveness and courage inspire us to act in situations where we might feel powerless? How can we use our influence for good, even when we don’t hold formal authority?
2. Leadership in worship: In Exodus 15:19-21, after the Israelites crossed the Red Sea, Miriam led the women in a song of praise. What does Miriam’s role as a leader in worship teach us about the importance of celebrating God’s victories? How can we incorporate worship and celebration into our daily lives?
3. Women’s leadership: Miriam was a female leader at a critical time in Israel’s history. What do these passages reveal about the role of women in God’s plans? How can we, as women, step into leadership roles in our faith communities today?

Closing prayer: Holy God, open our hearts and minds to understand and apply the lessons from Miriam about watchfulness and leadership. Bless us and use us. Amen.

Hagar: seen by God

Scripture summaries

Genesis 16:1-16: Sarai, unable to conceive, gives her Egyptian servant Hagar to Abram to bear a child on her behalf. Hagar becomes pregnant and looks down on Sarai, leading to conflict between them. Sarai mistreats Hagar, causing her to flee. In the wilderness, an angel of the Lord finds Hagar, comforts her, and instructs her to return, promising that her son Ishmael will become the father of a great nation. Hagar acknowledges God as “the God who sees me” and returns to Abram’s household, where she gives birth to Ishmael.

Genesis 21:8-21: After Isaac’s birth and weaning, Sarah becomes jealous of Hagar and Ishmael, fearing that Ishmael will share in Isaac’s inheritance. She demands that Abraham send Hagar and Ishmael away. Though distressed, Abraham sends them into the wilderness with provisions. When their water runs out, Hagar despairs, but God hears Ishmael’s cries and provides water. God reassures Hagar that Ishmael will also become a great nation, and they continue to live in the wilderness, where Ishmael grows up.

Discussion questions

1. God’s presence in hardship: In Genesis 16:7-13, God finds Hagar in her distress and promises to bless her and her son. How does Hagar’s encounter with “the God who sees” encourage us when we face difficult or lonely situations? How can we remind ourselves that God is present with us in our struggles?
2. Human imperfection and God’s grace: Hagar’s story involves complex human relationships and difficult decisions (Genesis 16:1-6; 21:9-14). What does her story teach us about dealing with conflict and rejection? How can we trust in God’s grace when we encounter challenging or unfair situations?
3. Provision in the wilderness: In Genesis 21:15-19, when Hagar and Ishmael are on the verge of death in the wilderness, God provides water and renews God’s promise. How does this act of provision demonstrate God’s faithfulness? How can we trust God to provide for our needs when we feel lost or abandoned?

Closing prayer: Holy God, open our hearts and minds to understand and apply the lessons from Hagar about trust and faithfulness. Bless us and use us. Amen.

Deborah: courage and partnership

Scripture summaries

Judges 4: Israel falls into oppression under Jabin, king of Canaan, and his army commander, Sisera, after turning away from God. Deborah, a prophetess and judge of Israel, instructs Barak to lead an army against Sisera. Barak agrees, but only if Deborah goes with him. Deborah consents but tells Barak that the honor of victory will go to a woman. Barak’s forces, with God’s help, defeat Sisera’s army, but Sisera flees. He seeks refuge in the tent of Jael, a Kenite woman, who kills him by driving a tent peg through his head while he sleeps. This victory leads to Israel’s liberation from Canaanite oppression.

Judges 5: Deborah and Barak sing a song of victory, praising God for Israel’s triumph over the Canaanites. The song recounts the battle, highlighting the courage of Israel’s warriors, the role of divine intervention, and the heroism of Jael, who is praised for her act in killing Sisera. The song also contrasts the tribes who came to fight with those who stayed behind. The chapter ends by celebrating 40 years of peace that followed the victory.

Discussion questions

1. Courageous leadership: In Judges 4:4-10, Deborah steps into a leadership role and encourages Barak to trust God’s command to fight Sisera. What qualities of Deborah’s leadership stand out to you? How can we apply her courage and faith in God’s direction to situations where we are called to lead today?
2. Partnership in God’s plan: Barak refuses to go into battle without Deborah (Judges 4:8), showing the importance of partnership in carrying out God’s will. How does Deborah and Barak’s partnership illustrate the strength of working together in faith? What role does collaboration play in our own spiritual journeys and ministries?
3. Praising God for victory: In Judges 5, Deborah and Barak sing a song of praise, giving God the glory for Israel’s victory. How does this chapter emphasize the importance of giving thanks to God after a victory? What victories, big or small, can we celebrate in our lives, and how can we use praise as a form of worship and encouragement for others?

Closing prayer: Holy God, open our hearts and minds to understand and apply the lessons from Deborah about courage and partnership. Bless us and use us. Amen.

Hannah: persistence in prayer

Scripture summaries

1 Samuel 1:1-20: Hannah, the wife of Elkanah, is deeply distressed because she is unable to have children. Elkanah’s other wife, Peninnah, has children and taunts her. Every year, during their visit to the temple at Shiloh, Hannah prays fervently for a child. In her sorrow, she makes a vow to God, promising to dedicate her child to the Lord if God blesses her with a son. Eli, the priest, initially misunderstands her silent prayer as drunkenness but then blesses her when he realizes her sincerity. God answers Hannah’s prayer, and she conceives and gives birth to a son, whom she names Samuel, meaning “heard by God.”

1 Samuel 2:1-10: After the birth of Samuel, Hannah offers a prayer of praise and thanksgiving to God. Her prayer celebrates God’s power, justice, and faithfulness. She exalts the Lord for reversing human circumstances—bringing down the proud and lifting up the humble, giving strength to the weak, and humbling the strong. Hannah’s song foreshadows God’s protection of Israel and the rise of a future king. It emphasizes that God alone is sovereign over life and death, wealth and poverty, and the fate of nations.

Discussion questions

1. Persistent prayer: In 1 Samuel 1:10-18, Hannah prays fervently for a child, despite years of disappointment. What can we learn from Hannah’s persistence in prayer, even in the face of deep sorrow? How can we develop a similar faith and trust in God during times of personal struggle?
2. Making vows to God: Hannah promises to dedicate her son to God if God answers her prayer (1 Samuel 1:11). How do you feel about making vows or commitments to God in exchange for God’s blessings? What are ways we can honor God with the gifts God gives us?
3. Praise in all circumstances: In 1 Samuel 2:1-10, Hannah’s prayer is filled with praise, exalting God’s justice and sovereignty. How does her response to answered prayer inspire us to give thanks, not just for blessings, but for who God is? How can we incorporate praise into our prayers, even when we’re waiting for answers?

Closing prayer: Holy God, open our hearts and minds to understand and apply the lessons from Hannah about persisting in prayer. Bless us and use us. Amen.

Esther: courage and advocacy

Scripture summaries

Esther 4:1-17: Mordecai mourns publicly after learning of Haman’s decree to destroy all the Jews in the Persian Empire. When Queen Esther hears of his distress, Mordecai urges her to intervene with King Xerxes. Esther hesitates, knowing that approaching the king without being summoned could lead to her death. Mordecai reminds her that she may have been placed in her royal position “for such a time as this.” Encouraged, Esther asks Mordecai and the Jewish people to fast for three days, after which she will approach the king, saying, “If I perish, I perish.”

Esther 7: Esther hosts a second banquet for King Xerxes and Haman. During the meal, the king asks Esther to make her request, promising to grant it. Esther reveals Haman’s plot to annihilate her people, the Jews, and pleads for her life. The king is enraged. Haman, realizing his life is in danger, begs Esther for mercy, but when the king returns, he finds Haman at Esther’s feet and misinterprets his actions as an assault on the queen. In response, King Xerxes orders Haman’s execution, and Haman is hanged on the very gallows he had prepared for Mordecai.

Discussion questions

1. Courage in the face of risk: In Esther 4:11-16, Esther faces the risk of approaching King Xerxes uninvited, knowing it could cost her life. What does Esther’s willingness to risk her life to save her people teach us about courage and standing up for what is right? How can we apply this kind of bravery to situations where we need to take a stand for our values or advocate for others?
2. God’s timing and purpose: Mordecai suggests that Esther might be in her position “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). How does this perspective on divine timing and purpose influence your understanding of your own life and circumstances? How can we seek to understand and fulfill our own roles and purposes?
3. Responding to injustice: In Esther 7, Esther reveals Haman’s plot and pleads for her people, leading to Haman’s downfall. How does Esther’s approach to addressing injustice and her reliance on prayer and fasting reflect a model for responding to wrongs in our own communities? What steps can we take to confront injustice and advocate for those in need, while maintaining faith in God’s guidance?

Closing prayer: Holy God, open our hearts and minds to understand and apply the lessons from Esther about courage and advocacy. Bless us and use us. Amen.

Martha: the practical servant

Scripture summaries

Luke 10:38-42: Jesus visits the home of Martha and Mary. While Martha is busy with preparations and serving, Mary sits at Jesus’ feet, listening to his teachings. Martha becomes frustrated and asks Jesus to tell Mary to help her. Jesus responds that Mary has chosen “what is better,” emphasizing that while Martha’s work is important, listening to and learning from Jesus is of greater value.

John 11:17-27: Jesus arrives in Bethany four days after Lazarus has died. Martha meets him and expresses her belief that if Jesus had been there earlier, Lazarus would not have died. Jesus assures her that Lazarus will rise again, and Martha acknowledges her belief in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus then declares himself as “the resurrection and the life,” and affirms that those who believe in him will live, even though they die. Martha professes her faith, declaring that Jesus is “the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

Discussion questions

1. Balancing service and spiritual growth: In Luke 10:38-42, Martha is preoccupied with serving while Mary focuses on listening to Jesus. What does this passage teach us about balancing our responsibilities and tasks with our need for spiritual growth and connection with God? How can we ensure that our service and duties do not overshadow our spiritual practices?
2. Faith in the face of loss: In John 11:17-27, Martha expresses her belief in Jesus’ power to heal but struggles with understanding the resurrection. How does Martha’s faith amidst her grief and confusion encourage us in our own moments of doubt or loss? What can we learn from her response about maintaining faith in God’s promises even when circumstances seem bleak?
3. Understanding Jesus’ identity: In John 11:25-27, Martha acknowledges Jesus as the Messiah and the source of resurrection and life. How does Martha’s recognition of Jesus’ identity deepen our understanding of who Jesus is? How can we apply this understanding to strengthen our own faith?

Closing prayer: Holy God, open our hearts and minds to understand and apply the lessons from Martha about faith and balance. Bless us and use us. Amen.

Mary Magdalene: restoration and devotion

Scripture summaries

Luke 8:1-3: This passage describes Jesus traveling from town to town, proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God. He is accompanied by the twelve disciples and also by several women who had been healed of evil spirits and diseases. These women, including Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna, support Jesus’ ministry out of their own resources.

John 20:1-18: On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene visits Jesus’ tomb early in the morning and finds the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. She runs to tell Peter and John, who come to see for themselves. After they leave, Mary Magdalene remains at the tomb, where she encounters two angels and then Jesus, though she initially does not recognize him. Jesus calls her by name, and she realizes who he is. Mary Magdalene is then commissioned by Jesus to go and tell the disciples that he has risen from the dead.

Discussion questions

1. Support and dedication: In Luke 8:1-3, Mary Magdalene and other women support Jesus’ ministry out of their own resources. How can we find ways to support and contribute to our faith communities, both visibly and quietly?
2. Encountering the risen Christ: In John 20:11-16, Mary Magdalene is the first to encounter the risen Jesus and is tasked with delivering the message of his resurrection to the disciples. What does this encounter reveal about Mary Magdalene’s relationship with Jesus and her role in the early Christian community? How can her experience inspire us to share the message of hope and resurrection in our own lives?
3. Recognition and faith: Mary Magdalene initially does not recognize Jesus when she encounters him at the tomb (John 20:14-15). How does this moment of not recognizing Jesus and then having her eyes opened reflect our own experiences of recognizing God’s presence in our lives? How can we remain open to encountering Jesus in unexpected ways and places?

Closing prayer: Holy God, open our hearts and minds to understand and apply the lessons from Mary Magdalene about faith and devotion. Bless us and use us. Amen.

Lydia: hospitality and mission

Scripture summary

Acts 16:11-15: Paul, Silas, and their companions travel to Philippi, a leading city in Macedonia. On the sabbath, they go outside the city gate to a place of prayer by the river. There, they meet Lydia, a merchant of purple cloth from Thyatira who is a worshiper of God. Lydia listens to Paul’s message and her heart is opened by the Lord, leading her to believe and be baptized along with her household. She then invites Paul and his companions to stay at her home, offering them hospitality and support.

Discussion questions

1. Openness to the gospel: Lydia is described as a “worshiper of God” who listens attentively to Paul’s message and has her heart opened by the Lord (Acts 16:14). What does Lydia’s openness to the gospel teach us about the importance of being receptive to spiritual truths? How can we cultivate a heart that is open to God’s message and guidance in our own lives?
2. Impact of belief: Lydia’s belief leads to her baptism and that of her household (Acts 16:15). How can our own faith and actions influence those around us, and what steps can we take to share our faith in a way that positively impacts others?
3. Hospitality and support: After her conversion, Lydia offers hospitality to Paul and his companions, inviting them to stay at her home (Acts 16:15). What does Lydia’s response reveal about the role of hospitality in supporting ministry and building community? How can we practice hospitality and support in our own lives to further the work of God and build meaningful relationships within our faith communities?

Closing prayer: Holy God, open our hearts and minds to understand and apply the lessons from Lydia about hospitality and mission. Bless us and use us. Amen.

Priscilla: teaching and mentorship

Scripture summaries

Acts 18:24-26: Apollos, an eloquent and knowledgeable Jew from Alexandria, arrives in Ephesus. He is well-versed in the Scriptures but only knows of John’s baptism. Priscilla and Aquila, a married couple and early Christian leaders, hear him speak and recognize that his understanding is incomplete. They take him aside and explain to him the way of God more accurately. Apollos then goes on to help the believers in Achaia and is greatly appreciated for his powerful refutation of the Jews and his role in encouraging the church.

Romans 16:3-5: Paul sends greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, whom he calls his fellow workers in Christ Jesus. He highlights their significant contribution to his ministry, noting that they risked their lives for him. Paul also mentions that the church meets in their home. Additionally, he greets the church in the house of Epaenetus, whom he describes as the first convert to Christ in Asia. This emphasizes the role of these individuals and their contributions to the early church.

Discussion questions

1. Teaching and mentorship: In Acts 18:24-26, Priscilla and Aquila take Apollos aside to explain the way of God more accurately. What does this passage teach us about the importance of mentorship and teaching in the Christian community? How can we, like Priscilla, offer guidance and support to others in their spiritual growth, regardless of their level of knowledge?
2. Expanding ministry horizons: Priscilla and Aquila’s support of Apollos illustrates their broad impact on early Christianity. How does Priscilla’s example of using her skills and resources inspire us to use our own gifts and circumstances for the growth of God’s work? In what ways can we be intentional about leveraging our own unique talents and opportunities to support and advance our faith communities?
3. Role in the early church: Priscilla is noted for her significant role in early Christianity, including hosting a church in her home (Romans 16:5). How does Priscilla’s involvement in the church and her home as a place of gathering highlight the contributions of women in the early church? What can we learn from her example about how we can contribute to our faith communities today?

Closing prayer: Holy God, open our hearts and minds to understand and apply the lessons from Priscilla about teaching and mentorship. Bless us and use us. Amen.

Mary: humility and obedience

Scripture summaries

Luke 1:26-38: The angel Gabriel visits Mary, a young woman from Nazareth, to announce that she will conceive a child by the Holy Spirit. This child will be called Jesus and will be the Son of the Most High, destined to reign over the house of Jacob forever. Mary is initially troubled but responds with faith and acceptance, saying, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.” Gabriel reassures her and tells her that her relative Elizabeth is also pregnant, despite her old age.

Luke 2:1-7: In fulfillment of a decree from Caesar Augustus, Joseph and Mary travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem to register for a census. While there, Mary gives birth to Jesus in a manger because there is no room for them in the inn. This humble birth marks the arrival of the Savior in a modest setting, highlighting the simplicity and humility of the circumstances surrounding Jesus’ entrance into the world.

Discussion questions

1. Faith in the impossible: In Luke 1:34-37, Mary questions how she will conceive a child as a virgin but ultimately accepts the angel’s message with faith. What does Mary’s willingness to believe in the seemingly impossible teach us about trusting God’s promises? How can we cultivate a faith that believes in God’s plans even when they seem beyond our understanding?
2. Embracing humility: Mary’s response to both the angel’s announcement and her circumstances in Luke 2:1-7 reflects a spirit of humility and acceptance. How does Mary’s willingness to embrace her role and accept her humble surroundings influence our understanding of humility in our own lives? How can we respond with grace and humility when faced with difficult or unexpected situations?
3. Obedience and trust: Mary’s response in Luke 1:38, where she says, “I am the Lord’s servant,” demonstrates her obedience and trust in God’s plan. How can we apply Mary’s example of obedience and trust in our daily decisions and actions? 

Closing prayer: Holy God, open our hearts and minds to understand and apply the lessons from Mary about humility and obedience. Bless us and use us. Amen.

Conclusion

These women in the Bible offer us a profound legacy of faith, resilience, and service that continues to speak into our lives today. Whether we learn from Deborah’s courage, Esther’s bravery, Hagar’s endurance, or Lydia’s hospitality, each woman demonstrates a different facet of what it means to walk in faith.

As we conclude this study, may the lives of these women in the Bible inspire us to reflect on our own journey of faith. How can we, like them, stand firm in times of trial, lead with compassion, and serve with love? Their stories encourage us to embrace our calling with boldness, knowing that God’s hand is guiding us. As we move forward, let their legacies remind us that faith lived out can transform the world.

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Do you have other suggestions for this study of women in the Bible? Ideas for other studies? I’d love to hear from you!

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Fondly,

Crysti