Godly Women of the Bible Series

Godly Women of the Bible: Anna

Enjoy the next article by guest author Jesse Flowers from his “Godly Women of the Bible” series:

Luke is the only Gospel account that makes mention of this godly woman, and just three mere verses tell us her story in Holy Scripture. But wow…those three verses contain such a great and inspirational story about an extraordinary woman of God. Anna means “grace.” Interestingly, “Anna” is the Greek form of the Hebrew name “Hannah.” She was from the tribe of Asher. Asher, of course, was one of the twelve sons of Jacob (Gen. 30:12-13). Search your Bible, and other than Asher himself, you will not read of a more notable character from that Israelite tribe than Anna. Also this proves that the so-called “Lost Tribes” of Israel were not altogether lost.

Here’s the inspired account of her story. “Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem” ( Luke 2:36-38). So what spiritually beneficial lessons can we learn from this woman of God?

  1. She was a prophetess. This truth does not make her completely unique (Miriam, Deborah, Huldah, and the daughters of Philip were also prophetesses), but it certainly does make her quite special. “She was inspired; God spoke to the people through her, for that is the meaning of the word prophet – one who speaks for God” (Whiteside, Bible Studies, vol. 4, p. 27). Most assuredly, God would not simply choose just any woman to be a mouthpiece for Him. So this speaks highly of the godly character that she possessed. But Anna was a teacher of God’s will. And although Christian women today are not divinely inspired like Anna, they too can and should serve as a mouthpiece for the Lord in imparting Biblical teaching to others, in keeping with the parameters set by God (1 Tim. 2:12; 1 Cor. 14:34-35).

  2. She was an aged widow. Her husband had died after she had been married only seven years, and the text seems to indicate that she had been a widow for 84 years. If that is the case, then at this time she would be more than a hundred years old. It is never an easy thing to lose a spouse, and Anna had lost the leader, provider, and protector of her home at a very young age. All of us know many Christian women today who are widows. My mother has been one for over 23 years now. With such a circumstance often comes great loneliness, sorrow, and despair. And yet in spite of that great hardship, this widow had remained actively faithful to God throughout her long life (1 Cor. 15:58; Rev. 2:10). What a great example to all saints!

  3. She was always at the temple. The statement by Luke that Anna “did not depart from the temple,” I think is somewhat of a hyperbole. I don’t understand it to mean that she lived at the temple, but that she was there regularly, even daily. To priests and temple worshipers, she must have been a very familiar face, because she was always there. “The fact that she was old and without family responsibilities would have minimized other obligations and thus given her more time for special religious service” (Caldwell, Luke, p. 180). But may it also be said of you and I, “She (he) is always at services; always at Bible class and worship”? That when Sunday, Wednesday, gospel meetings, etc. occur, everyone knows exactly where we can be found – assembled with the saints to worship God, ever putting Him first in our lives (Heb. 10:24-25; Matt. 6:33; Acts 2:42, 46).

  4. She was dedicated in her service to God. Anna was such a deeply spiritual woman who had devoted herself entirely to the worship and service of God. Even though she was of great age, she attended constantly to her spiritual service. Luke tells us that she “served God with fastings and prayers night and day” (v. 37). Fasting is “authorized in the New Testament as a private means of personal dedication to God, or of seeking greater spiritual fellowship with God” (Caldwell, Luke, p. 180). Her service unto God also included constant prayers (Rom. 12:12). “For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers” (1 Pet. 3:12). While fasting is not commanded of Christians in the New Testament, it is certainly presented to us a beneficial spiritual activity. It certainly would be helpful to “fast” from Facebook, TV, video games, and other such things for a period of time to more fully devote ourselves and our families to the Lord and spiritual matters. Of course, we too are instructed to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17). But do we? Anna was an amazing woman who “served God…night and day.” May the same be true of us, “not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord” (Rom. 12:11).

  5. She was blessed to see the young Child Jesus. Anna was one of those who looked and longed for the coming of the promised Redeemer. “And coming in that instant” (v. 38) seems to imply that she heard what Simeon spoke concerning the Child Jesus whom he took up in his arms and blessed (Luke 2:25-35). Understanding that she had just laid eyes on the promised Messiah, she immediately expressed her gratitude to God. How privileged her aged eyes were to be able to behold the Son of God in the flesh! The word here translated “gave thanks” means to “celebrate fully in praise with thanksgiving” (Vine, 1145). We too should give praise and express great thanksgiving to God for everything He has given us through His beloved Son (Eph. 1:3; Heb. 13:15). And we too are greatly blessed to see and believe in Jesus with the eyes of faith (Jn. 20:29; 2 Cor. 5:7).

  6. She told others about the Christ. Anna “spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem” (v. 38). Many were looking for a deliverer at this time. Simeon was “waiting for the Consolation of Israel” (v. 25), “and it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ” (v. 26). When John began to preach “the people were in expectation, and all reasoned in their hearts about John, whether he was the Christ or not” (Luke 3:15). Anna did not keep the “good news” to herself and neither must we (Rom. 10:14-18). Believe it or not, there are many who are looking for redemption today (Matt. 9:37-38). Like Anna, let us tell others about Jesus (Mt. 28:19-20; Mk. 16:15-16). There are lost and dying souls all around us, and they desperately need to learn about their Savior and Redeemer (Titus 2:11-14). God will give the increase if we will only plant and water with His Word (1 Cor. 3:6).

Anna was an extraordinary woman of God, whom readers of the Bible often pass by with little thought. However, she is certainly worthy of our study, admiration, and imitation in many ways.

Flowers Family at Alamo

Jesse Flowers has been preaching for the church of Christ at Pruett and Lobit Street in Baytown, Texas for the past 7 1/2 years. He is married to his beautiful wife, April (Melton), and they have four sweet children, Jesse, Josiah, Anna and Clara. If interested, you can read more of his articles or listen to his sermons at www.biblework.com.

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