Celebrated for their courage, vision, hospitality and spiritual giftedness, women were plainly important to the plan God revealed across both Testaments. MacArthur's contention is that it was not their natural qualities that made these women extraordinary but the power of the one true God whom they worshiped and served. They were ordinary, common, and in some cases of shockingly low standing, and each was made extraordinary by a life-changing encounter with God.

The twelve are treated one per chapter, with the biblical narrative carrying the weight rather than speculation about their inner lives. Widely used in women's studies and small groups, and a steady companion volume to Twelve Ordinary Men. A Spanish edition is also available.