Miriam, Maria, Mariamne, and Mary in the Bible
I look at all the Miriams, Marias, and Marys in the Bible (there are 7 in the NT), and at Mariamne in Josephus, and discuss what their names might mean.
What does “saved through childbearing” (1 Tim. 2:15) mean?
There are various interpretations of “she will saved through childbearing” put forward by scholars, but in this article, I explain how I understand the phrase.
Publia and her Plucky Choir of Virgins (AD 360s)
In this post, I quote a story from Theodoret of Cyrrhus’s Church History about Publia, a daring deaconess who lived in Antioch in the 360s, and her brave choir.
A Female Teacher and Deacon in Antioch (AD 360s)
In Theodoret of Cyrrhus’s Church History there is an interesting story of a brave woman who was a teacher and deacon in Antioch in the early 360s.
A Christian Lady Teacher in Egypt in the 300s AD
In this blog post, I look at a papyrus letter, written between Christians in the early 300s AD, which plainly mentions a woman teacher (kyrian tēn didaskalon).
Submission in 1 Corinthians 15:28 and in Marriage
The Son’s submission to God the Father in 1 Cor. 15:28 should not inform our understanding of submission in marriage. Here’s why.
Revisiting Eshet Chayil (“Woman of Valour”)
I look at the Hebrew word chayil, used in Proverbs 31:10 for an eshet chayil, and at the Greek word andreia (“courageous”), used to describe some Bible and early Christian women.
Women and Men and Ministry in First-Century Churches (3)
This is the 3rd post taken from my chapter in “Co-workers and Co-leaders.” I look here at some of the men and women who were involved in difficult and dangerous ministries.
Women and Men and Ministry in First-Century Churches (2)
This is the 2nd post taken from my chapter in “Co-workers and Co-leaders.” Paul’s letters show that he ministered alongside women. Women were among his coworkers and were deacons (diakonoi).
Women and Men and Ministry in First-Century Churches
This is the 1st of 3 blog posts taken from my chapter in the book “Co-workers and Co-leaders: Women and Men Partnering for God’s Work.” I look here at the women who followed Jesus and the women who hosted house churches.
“Uncover-Cover” Words in 1 Corinthians 11:2–16
A short discussion on the adjective akatakalyptos and the verb katakalyptō (“cover”) used in 1 Corinthians 11:2–16.
The Daughter of the King of the South (Daniel 11:6)
In Daniel 11:6 it says that “the daughter of the king of the South will go to the king of the North to seal the agreement.” Who was this daughter? What do we know about her?
3 Formidable Bible Women with Strange Stories
Rahab, Tamar, and Rizpah were in precarious social situations. They each took matters into their own hands, and the consequences of their daring, unorthodox actions were life-changing.
Why 1 Timothy 2:12 shouldn’t be used to ban women ministers
1 Timothy 2:12 (“I do not permit a woman to teach …”) is the only Bible verse that places a restriction on a woman teaching. It shouldn’t be used to ban women ministers.
Philip Payne on Hairstyles vs. Head Coverings in Corinth
In his book, The Bible vs. Biblical Womanhood, Philip Payne outlines 3 reasons why Paul’s concern in 1 Cor. 11:2–16 was not head coverings for women, but hairstyles.
Did Jesus aim to spare women from persecution?
Lately, I’ve been hearing some suggest the reason Jesus chose only men to be among the Twelve is because he knew the harsh persecution the Twelve would face. Is this reason valid?
Jesus Called Her “Woman”
In this article, I look at every verse where Jesus directly addresses a woman as “woman.” These verses can sound cold and even rude in English. This article was first published in Mutuality magazine.
The Holy Spirit as Mother in Early Syriac Texts
In early Syriac texts (2nd–4th centuries), the Holy Spirit and even God are described using feminine and maternal imagery. In this article, I quote from these texts.
Paul’s Theology of Ministry: 1 Tim. 3:2 and Priscilla
What did Paul mean when he said “husband of one wife”? What was Priscilla’s role in Ephesus and Rome? What is Paul’s overall theology of ministry and women?
Paul’s Theology of Ministry: 1 Timothy 2:12
Here is more from a talk I gave on February 11. In part 2, I look at 1 Timothy 2:12 within its immediate context and within the context of First Timothy.
Paul’s Theology of Ministry: 1 Corinthians 14:34–35
This is part 1 of a talk I gave recently which looks at Paul’s overall theology on ministry and the verses often used to limit women.