Were women involved in the ministry in the early church?
Yes. Scripture indicates women were actively involved in the Christian church and ministry. Paul alludes to eight or ten women in Romans 16 alone who were helpful in the ministry, and he entrusted the letter to the Romans to Phoebe, a woman.
Les explains that when Paul addresses "brethren," this is a generic term and he does not want women left out. He says women were involved in the Christian church, noting that Paul alludes to eight or ten women in Romans 16 alone who were helpful in the ministry. He also points out that Paul entrusted the letter to the Romans to Phoebe, a woman. Thus the instruction applies to men and women.