Twelve Extraordinary Women: How God Shaped Women of the Bible, and What He Wants to Do with You

MacArthur does an incredible job of detailing history and cross-referencing passages for each story. I was surprised that there were only two sources cited at the back of the book, evidencing MacArthur's vast knowledge of his topic.

This book is a fairly easy read about twelve women from Scripture who were "critical to the story of redemption" (MacArthur). Some of these women include Rahab, Ruth, the Samaritan Woman and Lydia. Each woman is presented with her faults and virtues, and then is tied into the story of Christ and how she showed her faith in God and her history in Scripture.

I really enjoyed reading about Sarai/Sarah. She's never been one of the characters I particularly identified with, but I love how MacArthur wrote of her show more being a respectful wife and one who hoped against all hope. Circumstances for her were truly not in her favor, yet despite her barrenness and desire for a child, her foolishness and unbelief, she waited in the silence and did indeed receive the fulfillment of the promise. "Sarah is pictured as the spiritual matriarch and the ancient epitome of all faithful women." (MacArthur) I found points of conviction in her story, as well as point from her life to emulate.

The other three women who I loved reading about were the three Marys. Mary the mother of Jesus, though written somewhat as a defense against the Catholic description of her, was a sweet portrayal of a humble girl who remained in the background of history until Gabriel appeared to her. Her worship and praise to God, the incomprehensible pain she endured at the cross, and her love for the Savior--her Son--was beautiful to read.

Mary, the sister of Martha, was a reminder to place Christ as our first and formost priority. I also loved how MacArthur showed the goodness of Martha in her service and preparation. I think we all too often look down on her as the "bad" character in the story, but she really did love the Lord just as much as Mary. She only sought to show it in different ways, despite her failings. Mary was one who "simply fell at His feet in worship" (MacArthur) in demonstration of her love for Christ.

The other Mary, Mary Magdalene, was a special story of a woman delivered from her sin and indebted to and dependent on her Savior. She remained a faithful disciple while others forsook Jesus. She was at the cross when He died. She watched where he was buried. She went to anoint Him. And because of her faithfulness, she was the first to see the risen Lord. The dawn after the dark did come for her, and she rejoiced in it. She loved Jesus deeply, and it shows throughout her story.

Definitely a book I'd recommend. With the characters to emulate and a Savior to glorify, MacArthur once again gives us refreshment and encouragement through the people and events of Scripture. show less

Twelve Extraordinary Women offers a poignant and personal look into the lives of some of the Bible's most faithful women. Their struggles and temptations are the same trials faced by all believers at all ages. Inside this book, bestselling author and Bible teacher John MacArthur shows that the God to whom they were so committed is the same God who continues to mold and use ordinary people today.

Well-known author and pastor John MacArthur guides readers in a study of twelve Biblical women. He shows how God uses each. He shows how their attitudes led them to Biblical greatness. The women included are Eve, Sarah, Rahab, Ruth, and Hannah from the Old Testament, and Mary (mother of Jesus), Anna, the Samaritan woman, Martha, Mary (of Bethany), Mary Magdalene, and Lydia from the New Testament. He often included pieces of cultural context in his biographical narratives for each women. He corrects some often-held views which do not fit with Biblical tradition. I enjoyed this study and the things we can learn and apply to our own lives from these women.

Four and a half years after receiving this book for my confirmation, I finally managed to scrape through. I suppose the message is good, but the writing style manages to be both pretentious and condescending, trying to appeal to the lowest common denominator and gorging itself on unnecessary adverbs and adjectives. Thank heavens we're done with it.

John MacArthur is my favourite author and preacher and has been for quite some time. His ministry Grace to You gives away a lot of their resources free.

In this book examining the lives and characters of twelve Bible women, MacArthur focuses on Eve, Sarah, Rahab, Ruth, Hannah, Mary, Anna, The Samaritan Woman, Martha and Mary, Mary Magdalene and Lydia. He details the historical context--I'm always amazed by the level of detail which brings the stories to life in a unique way. He describes the impact of these women on their own people and in their own culture and then makes the application for our generation.

MacArthur's main conclusion is that all of these women point us to Christ. That they weren't noticed necessarily for their external show more appearance or acts, but for their hearts. I was interested in his assessment of Eve....

This book is useful for an in depth character study on each of these women or for a Bible study. I wouldn't advise reading it cover to cover as a story as there is a lot of detail and it might be difficult to take anything in. I read it as a chapter a day which worked quite well.

I recommend this book, not my favourite by MacArthur but definitely worth a read and you will no doubt learn some cultural and historical context that will be new. show less

I enjoyed the chance to consider these women as human beings and not just as "Biblical characters".

The writer wrote a book to convince everyone and their mother that women are 'subordinate' to men in church and family. What does he mean? Well, it doesn't take much effort to understand that he distorts God and Jesus' teachings to communicate his misogyny. Pure trash. I didn't make it past the first chapter and I am disgusted that such libel gets the chance to be published.

Typical Protestant trash.