If God spoke through women then, what does that say about women's voices now?

New Testament scholar Nijay K. Gupta invites readers to rediscover the women prophets who served as powerful messengers of God's revelation throughout biblical history. This accessible work highlights biblical women who received direct authority and empowerment from God, speaking on behalf of God without needing male commissioning or approval.

Through careful biblical analysis, Gupta explores the scriptural accounts of women called by God including Miriam, Deborah, Huldah, Hannah, Sarah, Abigail, Esther, Elizabeth, Mary the mother of Jesus, Anna, Philip's daughters, and the prophets of Corinth.

This book contextualizes ancient prophecy within its historical framework while drawing implications for women's roles in today's church. If God ordained women as conduits of His revelation and power in biblical times, what does this reveal about how he views women's identity and agency today?

What you'll discover in God Spoke Through Her:



- In-depth study of women who prophesied in both the Old and New Testaments

- Clarification of the nature of biblical prophecy and the functions of both female and male prophets throughout the Bible

- Insights for understanding women's leadership in God's plan throughout history and for today



From the author of Tell Her Story, this book is ideal for those interested in biblical studies, theology, ministry, or gender studies and for anyone seeking deeper understanding of women's calling in Scripture. Discover how God spoke through women in the Bible and how he continues to speak through women today.



Carmen Joy Imes (PhD, Wheaton) is associate professor of Old Testament at Biola University. She is the author of Bearing God's Name: Why Sinai Still Matters, Being God's Image: Why Creation Still Matters, and Becoming God's Family: Why the Church Still Matters.



Nijay K. Gupta (PhD, University of Durham) serves as Julius R. Mantey Professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary. Gupta has published over twenty books, including the Dictionary of Paul and His Letters (2nd ed., coeditor), several Bible commentaries, and award-winning titles such as Tell Her Story: How Women Led, Taught, and Ministered in the Early Church and Strange Religion. He also serves as a senior translator for the New Living Translation.



Preface and Acknowledgments

Part 1: God's Spokespersons



1. Who Dares to Speak for God?



2. Prophecy and the Revelation of God



3. Female Divination and Prophecy in Antiquity



4. Jesus and the Transformative Revelation of God: From Prophetic Jesus to Prophetic Church

Part 2: God's Female Spokespersons: Female Prophets and Prophesiers in the Bible



5. Miriam, Prophetic Leader of Israel



6. Deborah, Prophet-Judge over Israel



7. Huldah the Canonizer



8. Female Prophesiers in the Old Testament



9. Female Prophets and Prophesiers in the New Testament



10. Paul and the Women Prophets of Corinth



11. What's Next?

Appendix 1: Is Prophecy a Thing of the Past? The Cessationism/Continuationism Debate in Scholarship



Appendix 2: Women Prophets in Scripture, Women Preachers Now: A Case for Women Preaching in the Church Today



Bibliography



Scripture Index



"There's no way to express the sheer importance of this book for the church. Nijay Gupta's scrupulous and incisive biblical and theological eyes have brought to the surface God's heart: women matter, they should teach, and the church should listen. This book is not some tired reflection of a church chasing trends or seeking likes—no, it is a call to return to Scripture alone! The sad irony remains how many Christians gladly worship the Son of God who came through a woman yet ask her not to teach us anything about him. No. Christ not only came through a woman; God wants to speak through her today."



"I enthusiastically recommend Nijay Gupta's new book God Spoke Through Her, in which he highlights the crucial role female prophets played in both the Old and the New Testament. His reminder of their importance in redemptive history also endorses and encourages the ministry of women today."



"Drawing on careful biblical scholarship, Nijay Gupta shines a welcome light on the women through whom God spoke in Scripture. God Spoke Through Her is an engaging invitation to study these often-overlooked figures and reflect deeply on their significance. Regardless of where readers ultimately land on every interpretive question, this book will sharpen biblical reflection and enrich the conversation."



"Good theology must have as its foundation the entire biblical witness. Our reading of 1 Corinthians 14 or 1 Timothy 2 must cohere with God's calling of Huldah, Anna, and the unnamed prophetesses in 1 Corinthians 11. In this book, Nijay Gupta explores how God has consistently used women to proclaim prophetically the good news of God's love, correction, and rescue. Characterized by pastoral sensitivity, respect for Scripture, and a conversational tone, this book is a tremendous resource for any seeking to deepen their understanding of the ministries to which God calls women."



"Nijay Gupta has written yet another incisive and compelling book! God Spoke Through Her blends Nijay's characteristic scholarly precision with his fluid prose. Scholars will find this book to be a welcome and important contribution, and lay Christians will find it easily accessible. Nijay has given further exegetical proof that God has spoken powerfully through women throughout the Bible and continues to do so today. I highly recommend this book!"