Hell (1): Paul, James, and Jesus on Gehenna
Paul never mentions Gehenna (“hell”) in his letters. James mentions it once. Jesus mentions it several times. Is it a real place? Is it a place of torment for people?
Two Brave Women in 2 Samuel 17
This post is about two brave unnamed women mentioned in 2 Samuel 17 who each risked their lives to help King David’s, and God’s, cause.
The Samaritan Woman of Sychar (John 4)
Eve, Delilah, Bathsheba, Mary Magdalene, and the Samaritan woman have often been thought of as immoral. What’s with that? This article looks at the Samaritan woman without negative prejudices.
The Roman woman who instructed her husband in the Faith
Here are a couple of lines from the Acts of Peter about Candida, a woman who instructed her husband in the faith in the first century.
Jesus on Divorce, Remarriage and Adultery
What is the context of Jesus’ words on divorce with the Pharisees? Did he teach that all second marriages, with a former spouse still living, are adulterous? Probably not.
God on Divorce (Malachi 2:16)
Here are some better translations of Malachi 2:16 that faithfully reflect the Hebrew grammar and do not have God saying, “I hate divorce.”
1 Timothy 2:12, the Created Order, and Bible Women who Led Men
Does the creation of Adam first mean that only men may teach? Is the created order a reason for the prohibition in 1 Tim 2:12?
The Church at Smyrna and her Women (Part 2)
This is the second part of a two-part series which looks at the women in the church at Smyrna in the post-apostolic period. This article focuses on Gavia.
The Church at Smyrna and her Women (Part 1)
In Christian writings known as the Apostolic Fathers, we discover that women were active in ministry in the church at Smyrna. Part 1 looks at Alke (or Alce) of Smyrna.
Perhaps Feminism is not the Enemy
Michael Jensen: “It is no surprise to learn that many of the early feminists were evangelical Christians. … Feminism is a response to a deeper problem in human relations – not the problem itself.”
Jesus, Women, and Theology: “Jesus said to her …”
Jesus talked about theology with women, a life-giving, vital theology. He answered their theological questions which answered their deepest needs, and he equipped them to talk theology to others.
Jesus, keep me near the cross
As followers of Jesus we need to keep our eyes on our risen and exalted Lord. But on this Good Friday, I’m praying using Fanny Crosby’s words, “Jesus, keep me near the cross.”
Do women have a special obligation to be helpers?
Does “a suitable helper for him” (ezer kenegdo) in Genesis 2:18-20 speak about a defining gender role for women? Are all women “helpers” of men?
How Christian Egalitarians understand “Equality”
One misunderstanding about what Christian egalitarians believe concerns the words “equal” or “equality.” How do egalitarians understand and use these words?
Does Isaiah 3:12 show that women leaders are a bad thing?
Does God’s lament in Isaiah 3:12 (“women rule over them”) show that the leadership of women is a bad thing? What does Isaiah 3:12 mean?
The Responsibilities of Husbands in Ephesians 5
Do husbands have a particular responsibility for the spiritual growth of their wives? Will husbands one day present their wives to Jesus?
Qualified for Every Good Work (2 Tim. 2:2; 3:16–17)
A good understanding of scripture is an important qualification for many Christian ministries. 2 Tim. 3:16-17 mentions this qualification and does not exclude women like Priscilla.
Celibacy, Salvation, and 1 Timothy 2:15
Are ascetic teachings that emphasise celibacy behind Paul’s statement in 1 Timothy 2:15? What does “saved through childbearing” mean?
The Countess of Huntingdon and Gospel Ministry
Selina Hastings, the Countess of Huntingdon, was a tireless leader and an influential benefactor of the Methodist movement in Britain in the 1700s.
Why 1 Tim. 2:12 and 1 Cor. 14:34 are not universal regulations
One reason I believe 1 Tim. 2:12 and 1 Cor. 14:34 were ad hoc regulations addressing local problems is because of a Greek verb found in both verses.
Theonoe and Myrte: Prophetesses in Corinth
Several ancient documents show that women were prominent ministers in the early church. Two such documents mention Theonoe and Myrte, prophetesses in the church at Corinth.