"A Michael Glazier book."

Includes bibliographical references (p. 209-227) and indexes

CONTENTS: Choosing the better part: Methodological choices -- Luke,his audience and purpose ; Women's participation in discipleship and mission in Luke and Acts -- Elizabeth and Mary: Women of spirit birthing hope -- Anna: Prophetic widow -- Simon's mother-in-law -- The widow of Nain: Voiceless protester against death -- The women who showed great love -- Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna: Ministering Galilean women -- Jairus' daughter and a woman with a hemorrhage: Resuscitation and bold faith -- Pitting Mary against Martha -- Bent no more and glorifying God -- A woman mixing dough -- A woman searching for a lost coin -- A persistant widow -- A widow who gives all -- The Galilean women: Disbelieved witnesses -- Conclusions: New meaning from Ancient Texts