Women Leaders in Early Christianity Flashcards
What were the main roles of the male and female heads of a Greek or Roman household, and how were expectations about their roles connected to gender?
The male head was responsible for managing the household and its affairs, including finances and external relations. The female head was responsible for managing domestic affairs, including overseeing slaves, children, and household resources. Gender roles dictated these responsibilities, with men focusing on external matters and women on internal management.
What personal qualities were expected of men and women in a Greek or Roman household, and how did these qualities relate to behavior?
Men were expected to display qualities of authority, leadership, and self-control, which related to their role in managing external affairs. Women were expected to exhibit virtues such as modesty, nurturing, and domestic efficiency, relating to their role in household management and support.
What activities was the matron (wife of the household owner) in charge of?
The matron was in charge of managing the household staff, overseeing domestic tasks, and ensuring the smooth operation of daily life within the home, including the management of household resources and the upbringing of children.
Under what conditions were women most likely to gain control and legal authority over a household?
Women were most likely to gain control and legal authority over a household if they were widowed, if their husband was absent or incapacitated, or if they inherited the household. In these situations, they could assume responsibilities and legal rights typically held by the male head.
Which women do Osiek and MacDonald identify as possible owners of households, and what do they suggest about meetings of early groups of Jesus-followers?
Osiek and MacDonald identify women such as Phoebe, Lydia, and Priscilla as possible owners of households. They suggest that these women likely hosted and led early Christian gatherings in their homes, contributing to the leadership and development of early Christian communities.
