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.
The thing that fell down from heaven (Acts 19:35)
What was the thing that fell down from heaven and was housed in the temple complex of the Ephesian Artemis? Was it a statue or a sacred stone?
The Holy Spirit and Masculine Pronouns in John’s Gospel
Did the author of John’s Gospel break grammar rules and use masculine pronouns in John 14–16 to masculinise and personalise the Holy Spirit?
Being an ezer is not a gender role
I look at how the word ezer is used in the Hebrew Bible, including how it is used in people’s names in the Bible. And I show that being an ezer is not an especially feminine role or obligation.
“Covering” or “Testicle” in 1 Cor. 11:15? (Part 2)
In part 2, I look at the two texts Troy Martin uses to support his “testicle” idea, at ancient Jewish texts that mention the Watchers, and at what Paul meant by “nature teaches” (1 Cor. 11:14).
“Covering” or “Testicle” in 1 Corinthians 11:15?
With some trepidation, I critique Troy Martin’s idea that peribolaion means testicle in 1 Cor. 11:15 and his idea that Paul thought hair is a conduit of semen.
What does submission “in everything” mean?
I look at how Paul uses the phrase “in everything” in his letters and at what it means in, “wives submit to your husbands in everything.”
5 Inspiring Blog Posts That I Love
Here are five of my all-time favourite blog posts (not written by me), plus a fantastic series. They all critique, in some way, attitudes held by many Christians about the supposed roles of women and men.
Common Misconceptions about Christian Egalitarianism
In this short blog post (less than 400 words), I address persistent and common misconceptions about Christian egalitarianism or mutualism.
A note on “everything I ever did” (John 4:29)
What did the Samaritan woman mean when she told the folk of Sychar, “Come, see a man who told me ‘everything I ever did'”?
Are the branches lifted up or taken away in John 15:2a?
John 15:2a is usually understood as being about unproductive branches being removed, but some propose a new way of interpreting this phrase.
The Biblical Basis of Egalitarianism in 500 Words
Here’s a 500-word biblical defence for Christian egalitarianism/ mutualism. Plus a link to a podcast I did with James Pruch on “Mutuality in the Garden.”
Is Martha Missing in the Oldest Surviving Text of John 11?
Was Martha initially missing in Papyrus 66, the oldest text of John’s Gospel? Is Mary of Bethany in John 11-12 really Mary Magdalene?
An Overview of Paul’s Use of Kephalē (“Head”)
In this article, I provide an overview of how Paul uses the word kephalē (“head”) in his letters, and I give a brief note on each verse that contains the word.
Kephalē (“head”) as Metaphor in First-Century Texts
Here are some first-century Greek texts that use the word kephalē (“head”). They show how the word was used in Paul’s day.
A Close Look at Colossians 3:19 (Husbands)
In this post, I discuss Paul’s instructions to husbands in Colossians 3:19. I look at this verse within the broader context of Colossians and I explore what “bitter” means.
A Close Look at Colossians 3:18 (Wives)
Paul’s words to wives in Colossians 3:18 contains a phrase that doesn’t occur elsewhere in the New Testament. What does it mean to submit “as is fitting in the Lord”?
The Woman on the Scarlet Beast in Revelation 17
Some are disturbed by the female figure in Revelation 17. What does she suggest about John’s attitude to women, or about women in general? Who or what is Babylon the Great?
Is the Beloved Disciple in John’s Gospel a Woman?
In this somewhat technical post, I quote the 5 verses in John’s Gospel that mention “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” Is the beloved disciple a woman?