Beauty in the Binding: Book Review: Tell Her Story by Nijay K. Gupta

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Book Review: Tell Her Story by Nijay K. Gupta

About the Book:

A Comprehensive Look at Women Who Built the Early Church.

Women were there. For centuries, discussions of early Christianity have focused on male leaders in the church. But there is ample evidence right in the New Testament that women were actively involved in ministry, at the frontier of the gospel mission, and as respected leaders.

Nijay Gupta calls us to bring these women out of the shadows by shining light on their many inspiring contributions to the planting, growth, and health of the first Christian churches. He sets the context by exploring the lives of first-century women and addressing common misconceptions, then focuses on the women leaders of the early churches as revealed in Paul’s writings. We discover the major roles of people such as:

Phoebe, Paul’s trusted coworker
Prisca, strategic leader and expert teacher
Junia, courageous apostle
Nympha, representative of countless lesser-known figures

When we understand the world in which Jesus and his followers lived and what the New Testament actually attests about women in the churches, it becomes clear that women were active participants and trusted leaders all along. They were welcomed by Paul and other apostles, were equipped and trained for ministry leadership, instructed others, traveled long distances, were imprisoned—and once in a while became heroes and giants.

The New Testament writers tell their stories. It's time for the church to retell them, again and again.

My Thoughts:

In Tell Her Story: How Women Led, Taught, and Ministered in the Early Church, Nijay K. Gupta spotlights women who were trusted leaders within ancient Israel and the early Christian church. Though not unknown, these women – Deborah, Phoebe, Prisca, Nympha, and others – are often less celebrated than their popular counterparts (Ruth, Esther, Mary, etc). Throughout the book, Gupta demonstrates that these brave women and their actions have relevance for modern day Christianity.

Tell Her Story carries an academic tone. Gupta presents information in a straightforward manner with many footnotes to cite sources. In bringing together historical facts about culture and a deep examination of Scriptural texts, the author illuminates the lives of these chosen women. His writing demonstrates genuine curiosity in the way he examines different perspectives, asks why each woman was chosen for her position, and theorizes about how the woman ministered in the local church. Gupta humbly admits uncertainties and the difficulty of reading ancient texts from a modern viewpoint. He diligently explains his reasoning and opinions. I didn’t always agree with his conclusions, but he makes his arguments effectively.

Tell Her Story concludes with a “What about…?” section that examines passages of Paul’s writings that relate to the prohibition of women teaching in the church and the submission of wives in the household. The book would not have been complete without this thoughtful discussion.

Tell Her Story by Nijay K. Gupta held both familiar and unfamiliar information for me. It was good to be reminded of these women whose names I’ve often read without much consideration. The book encouraged me to ponder their lives and contributions as well as reminded me of God’s love for all his children, male and female. I finished the book with a greater understanding and appreciation for the early church. Four stars!