So fascinating! Makes me want to read more Church history and get a fuller picture than I currently have. Any indication if women (Widows or otherwise) preached in the mixed congregation?
I do not know any evidence, but I have not studied this phenomenon in-depth. But one big difference between churches then and Protestant churches now was the emphasis on the Table, or communion. Sharing the Lord's Supper was the central feature of a church gathering. Prayer came next in importance. Teaching the Word after that. So a woman preaching wouldn't have been as big a deal as a woman consecrating and/or serving communion.
So fascinating! Makes me want to read more Church history and get a fuller picture than I currently have. Any indication if women (Widows or otherwise) preached in the mixed congregation?
I do not know any evidence, but I have not studied this phenomenon in-depth. But one big difference between churches then and Protestant churches now was the emphasis on the Table, or communion. Sharing the Lord's Supper was the central feature of a church gathering. Prayer came next in importance. Teaching the Word after that. So a woman preaching wouldn't have been as big a deal as a woman consecrating and/or serving communion.
Oh that’s so interesting!