Exploring the biblical theology of Christian egalitarianism

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Wealthy Women in the First-Century Roman World and in the Church

Not all first-century women fit the stereotype of being hidden and housebound. Some were influential and prominent in society and in the church.

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Tozer's widow John Piper

Complementarians Single Out Single Women

Complementarians say men and women are equal in Christ, but the finer points of their beliefs reveal something different, especially regarding single women.

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Adam taught Eve Adam was formed first and then Eve

Adam was created first and this means …

Does the Genesis story that Adam was created first mean that men have greater authority than women? Does primogeniture have a place in Christian relationships?

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marriage Boethos boēthos Septuagint LXX rooted in creation

Are Gender Roles Rooted in Creation?

Complementarians believe that men have authority over women and that this principle is rooted in creation and timeless in application. Cynthia Westfall exposes the flaws in this thinking.

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ordination, authority, Twelve Apostles, priests, women ministers

Video Series: Should Women Teach in Church?

Here are four short clever videos which look at 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 and 1 Timothy 2:11-14 and intelligently discuss whether women can teach in church.

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1 Timothy 2:12

The Anonymous Man and Woman in 1 Timothy 2:11-15

In this article, I look at the language of 1 Timothy 2:12 and discuss the idea that this verse concerns an anonymous couple in the Ephesian church rather than men and women more generally.

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1 Timothy 5:2 elders new testament presbyter prebyteroi Judaism Christianity

Were there women elders in New Testament churches? (Part 2)

This is a somewhat technical look at the word presbyteroi (“elders”) in New Testament letters, including the presbyterai (“women elders”) 1 Timothy 5:2.

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Fresco of literate first century woman, Pompeii

Were there women elders in New Testament churches?

Three times this past week I’ve been in online conversations where a person has stated that women were not leaders or elders in early churches. Was this really the case?

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early christian women priscilla Phoebe Junia

Were Priscilla, Phoebe and Junia friends?

Priscilla, Phoebe, and Junia were Christian ministers who sometimes travelled. The NT shows that, at the very least, their paths crossed one or twice. Were they friends?

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mary eve Christmas

Is it he, she, they or we who crush the serpent’s head? (Gen 3:15)

Who will strike the serpent’s head? Some translations of Genesis 3:15 have “he,” “she,” “it,” or “they.” Is it us?

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Queens in the Bible

The Queen of Sheba and 3 more Female Rulers in the Bible

There were powerful women in Bible times. Some were godly, others were not. This article looks especially at the Queen of Sheba and at Berenice who is mentioned in Acts.

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Philemon and Apphia colossians

Apphia: Philemon’s wife or another Phoebe?

Apphia, a woman, is greeted by Paul in his letter to Philemon. What was her role or position at Colossae? Was she Philemon’s wife or another Phoebe?

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Paul and Subverted Hierarchy

1 Corinthians 11 and Subverted Hierarchy

In this very short post, Matthew Malcolm shows that Paul has a keen interest in setting up hierarchies of human honour and then subverting them by subjecting all humans to God.

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teshuqah teshuqa desire devotion Genesis 3.16 pexels 1218483

Does Teshuqah mean Desire or Devotion in Genesis 3:16?

Is the Hebrew word teshuqah, traditionally translated as “desire” in Genesis 3:16, better translated as “single-minded concentration” or “devotion”?

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Likewise women eshet chayil Lemuel's mother

Which Bible translation is best?

Many Christians are dissatisfied with English translations that seem biased towards men when, in fact, many passages are gender-inclusive. So, what is the best Bible translation?

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second clement apostolic fathers gospel thomas

Did Jesus address only men in Luke 14:25–27?

In Luke 14:25-27, Jesus told his disciples have to hate their father & mother, wife & children, brothers & sisters. Was Jesus speaking to only men here?

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Tertullian equality mutuality marriage

Tertullian on Equality and Mutuality in Marriage

Tertullian wrote about equality and mutuality in marriage; he did not regard the household code in Ephesians as comprehensive or prescriptive.

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1 Timothy 2

1 Timothy 2:13: Another reason 1 Tim. 2:12 isn’t as clear as it seems

Is 1 Tim 2:13 (“For Adam was formed first …”) a reason for 1 Tim 2:12? How is the created order significant? What does “gar” mean?

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1 Tim 2

6 reasons 1 Timothy 2:12 is not as clear as it seems

Not understanding the context and challenges of 1 Timothy 2:12 can lead to flawed interpretations. Here are 6 factors that should be considered when interpreting this verse.

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Artemis Diana Ephesus 1 Timothy 2

The Regalia of Artemis Ephesia

This essay looks at the distinctive appearance of Artemis of Ephesus, and at what her items of clothing symbolise. A short history of the goddess is included to help explain her importance and power.

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Hell (2): Eternal Torment, Eternal Fire, Eternal Death?

I look at Bible verses that refer to a future judgment involving eternal elements including fire and worms. Do these verses speak of eternal conscious torment for the unrepentant?

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