As others have discussed, the topic of Thecla has arisen the the biblioblogosphere. The apocryphal acts of Paul and Thecla can be read here, with a grain of salt of course, but there is an underlying history here, in which Thecla was seen as a counterpart of Paul in early Christianity. In the 4th century fresco, Thecla is seen next to Paul in a teaching position. Obviously, women in the ministry was not a large question for some early Christians, especially given the prominence of women in the Gospels.

Bitsy has announced a book she had received, concerning Women in Ministry. I am looking forward to her thoughts about the book and the subject.