text: I suggest that you read Paul's Letter to the Romans---Chapter 16.  In it Paul recommends Phoebe---a deacon [not deaconess], and asks that she be given every that she may require.  Phoebe, in fact as a patron, underwrote the mission to Spain---which was important to Paul.  It was why Paul was writing to the Romans in the first place.  Paul then greets Prisca [nick-name for Priscilla] and her husband Aquila---who worked side-by-side with Paul.  This couple heard Apollos speak boldly about Jesus in the Jewish synagogue---but not correctly[Acts 18:24-26].  Luke writes, "they took him aside and explained the way of God to him more accurately" [Acts 18:26].
  
  Paul commends Mary, who worked very hard in Rome.  Paul calls Andronicus and Junia, his relatives, early Christians and prominent among the apostles.
  These women DID speak in church.  They did teach adults and they did put their lives on the line for the sake of Christ.
    
  None of the apostles would recognize the Church today.