Women have played a vital role in advancing the gospel from the very beginning In Romans the Apostle Paul introduces us to Phoebe a trusted partner whose generosity influence and service helped further his ministry Her story offers a compelling picture of what it means to use the resources God has entrusted to us to advance the gospel John Rinehart founder and CEO of Gospel Patrons has spent years studying and telling the stories of men and women who have supported gospel ministry throughout history He says Phoebe is one of the clearest biblical examples of what he calls a [... more]

The ancient church's concept of saints as holy intermediaries between God and humanity developed from hierarchical thinking, where those closer to the top of the social pyramid held more power and influence. This idea emerged in the 4th century, influenced by the conversion of the emperor and the influx of pagans into the church, who brought their own attitudes towards prayer and intermediaries. The cult of the saints became a crucial part of the piety of the late ancient church, the medieval church, and the continuing Roman Catholic church today. [... more]