{Virgins which did prophesy} (parthenoi proph(8874)eusai). Not
necessarily an "order" of virgins, but Philip had the honour of
having in his home four virgin daughters with the gift of
prophecy which was not necessarily predicting events, though that
was done as by Agabus here. It was more than ordinary preaching
(cf.  19:6 ) and was put by Paul above the other gifts like
tongues ( 1Co 14:1-33 ). The prophecy of Joel ( 2:28f. ) about
their sons and daughters prophesying is quoted by Peter and
applied to the events on the day of Pentecost ( Ac 2:17 ). Paul
in  1Co 11:5  gives directions about praying and prophesying by
the women (apparently in public worship) with the head uncovered
and sharply requires the head covering, though not forbidding the
praying and prophesying. With this must be compared his demand
for silence by the women in  1Co 14:34-40  1Ti 2:8-15  which it
is not easy to reconcile. One wonders if there was not something
known to Paul about special conditions in Corinth and Ephesus
that he has not told. There was also Anna the prophetess in the
temple ( Lu 2:36 ) besides the inspired hymns of Elizabeth ( Lu
1:42-45 ) and of Mary ( Lu 1:46-55 ). At any rate there was no
order of women prophets or official ministers. There were Old
Testament prophetesses like Miriam, Deborah, Huldah. Today in our
Sunday schools the women do most of the actual teaching. The
whole problem is difficult and calls for restraint and reverence.
One thing is certain and that is that Luke appreciated the
services of women for Christ as is shown often in his writings
( Lu 8:1-3 , for instance) before this incident.