Inspired by a recent reading in Acts, I’ve taken a close look at a common Greek expression that Paul uses when addressing Euodia and Syntyche. What was Paul saying to these women in the Philippian Church?
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In this post I argue against the idea that gentleness, or meekness, is an especially feminine virtue (cf. 1 Peter 3:4), a faulty idea I’ve heard too many times.
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Eve, Delilah, Bathsheba, Mary Magdalene, and the Samaritan woman have often been portrayed as immoral. What’s with that? This article looks at the Samaritan woman without negative prejudices.
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Why did Peter use the phrase “weaker vessel” in 1 Peter 3:7? This article takes into consideration how the word “weak” was used in papyrus legal documents by women seeking justice.
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What was the ‘place of prayer’ in Philippi where some women, including Lydia of Thyatira, had assembled (Acts 16:13-15)? Was it a Jewish ‘prayer-house’?
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Some Christians believe the Trinity is a model for marriage. Does the Trinity model distinct roles and separate spheres? Is there a hierarchy and subordination in the Divine?
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[Week 16 study notes] 1 Peter 4:12 marks the beginning of a new section in First Peter. In verse 12 and the following few verses, Peter touches on subjects already mentioned in his letter. He writes about trials and tests, rejoicing though suffering, being blessed, doing good, and judgement.
This post is dedicated to Christians in Pakistan.
[Week 15 notes] Peter ends the second section of his letter with the statement: “The end of all things is near”. The knowledge that the end, consummation, completion of everything is near is a great motivator. It should motivate, inspire and inform our behaviour, values and ethics.
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Some Christians seem to enjoy thinking and speaking about God’s Judgement, other Christians avoid the subject altogether. Both positions are a mistake.
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This passage is all about Jesus: Jesus, the triumphant victor. He has won the victory over sin and death through his death, the Righteous for the unrighteous, once and for all.
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Peter reassures the persecuted Christians in Asia Minor that God is with them and watching over them, and he urges them to should seek peace and pursue it. Peter also tells the Christians to be ready to given an answer (apologia) about their faith to anyone who asks.
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Many Christians believe that submission in marriage is the duty only of wives. In 1 Peter 3:7 Peter comes very close to saying that husbands are to be submissive to their wives too.
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