Ruth Daughter of Matthew

Ruth was selected as an evangelist, one of twelve women who made up the Women’s Evangelistic Corps, a unique group of ministers established by Jesus. She was not Ruth in the Bible’s Old Testament or Jesus’ youngest sister, Ruth. The evangelist Ruth was the eldest daughter of the apostle Matthew.

In mid-January 29 CE, Jesus invited ten women who had previously served in a tented hospital at one of his encampments to become founding members of the Women’s Evangelistic Corps. Ruth was one of these ten. Nothing like it had existed before; this was a bold move for the women and for Jesus.

When Jesus chose these first ten women to proclaim the gospel and minister, he issued an emancipation proclamation that forever liberated women. From that point forth, men were not to regard women as spiritually inferior. This statement shocked even the twelve apostles. Despite hearing the Master repeatedly declare that "in the kingdom of heaven, there is no distinction of wealth or poverty, freedom or servitude, male or female, for all are equally the children of God," they were completely taken aback when he suggested formally commissioning these ten women as religious teachers and even allowing them to travel with the group.

The original ten quickly added two more, Mary Magdalene and Rebecca. As they continued to preach, the women’s corps grew to sixty-two. On the tour of Perea, they took over most of the work of the ministry to the sick. This effort was largely handled by the disciples and the women. Jesus was able to see others assume the work of the kingdom.

Ruth and her sister evangelists served faithfully and loyally as long as Jesus lived. They sometimes traveled with him and his other disciples to villages carrying the gospel message, even going into brothels to minister to unfortunates, one of whom was Mary Magdalene. Other times, they worked at camp infirmaries as healers and spiritual ministers. These women proved effective, helpful, and trustworthy as they served alongside the men. Ruth and her fellow evangelists were nearby during Jesus’ trial and execution. He also appeared to them after his resurrection.