A wife has no authority of her own body? (1 Cor. 7:4)
What did Paul mean by “A wife/ husband does not have authority of her /his body” in 1 Cor. 7:4? This verse has been terribly misunderstood by some.
The Virgin Mary Consoles Eve
I love this powerful image of Mary consoling Eve. Just look at their feet!
Was it Adam’s responsibility to relay God’s command to Eve?
Was the first man authorised by God to relay the command about the forbidden fruit to the first woman? What does the Bible say about Adam’s responsibility and authority?
“Unexpected Love” by Julie Zine Coleman
“Unexpected Love” is a book about Jesus’ conversations with nine women, as recorded in the Gospels. This book would make a lovely gift.
A Sympathetic Look at Bathsheba
Bathsheba has been described as a seductress and as a conniving political opportunist. Who was she really? What does the Bible say?
(7) Phoebe: Deacon of the Church in Cenchrea
This is a summary of the previous 6 parts. Paul was not reticent about using the same ministry terms (or titles), including deacon, for both men and women ministers.
(6) Phoebe: Deacon of the Church in Cenchrea
In Part 6 we look at more evidence that deacons in the apostolic and post-apostolic period were travelling envoys and agents, and that some were teachers.
(5) Phoebe: Deacon of the Church in Cenchrea
In Part 5, I look at 1 Timothy 3:8-13, concerning male and female deacons in the Ephesian church, and at Phoebe as a prostatis (patron). I briefly compare her ministry with that of Olympias and also Stephanas (1 Cor. 16:15-18).
(4) Phoebe: Deacon of the Church in Cenchrea
In part 4 I look at the deacons in the Philippian church and at the development of church offices in the apostolic and post-apostolic churches.
(3) Phoebe: Deacon of the Church in Cenchrea
We have only two lines about Phoebe in the Bible, but Theodoret of Cyrrhus has more information about her. Did Phoebe travel to Spain with Paul? Did she deliver his letter to the Romans?
(2) Phoebe: Deacon of the Church in Cenchrea
In Part 2, I look at what Romans 16:1–2 in the ancient Latin texts say about Phoebe. These indicate she was recognised as an official deacon (or deaconess).
(1) Phoebe: Deacon of the Church in Cenchrea
Here I look at Paul’s introduction of Phoebe to the church at Rome. I also look at the ministry of certain women in the Gospels, and Tabitha’s ministry in Acts, and compare them with Phoebe’s ministry.
My Perspective of Christian Egalitarianism
Some Christians have a mistaken view of our mutuality, or equality, in Christ. In this post, I briefly explain my perspective of Christian Egalitarianism
The Status of Christian Women, in a Nutshell
A short post on why Christian women, as well as Christian men, are sons of God. What does it mean to be an adopted son of God?
The First Century Church & the Ministry of Women
In this article I provide a brief overview of church life in the first century and I highlight the ministry contributions of women.
Paul and Women, in a Nutshell
Here is a brief overview of eighteen women mentioned by the apostle Paul in his New Testament letters, as well as Lydia who is mentioned in Acts.
1 Corinthians 14:34–35 in a Nutshell
Some people are still using 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 to silence all women in church meetings. Here is my quick take of these two verses.
The Politics of Bible Translations
Scot McKnight observes that the rhetoric about English Bible translations is more about politics than it is about reality.
“Workers at home” or “keepers at home” in Titus 2:5?
Titus 2:5 contains a Greek word usually translated as “workers at home,” but the King James Bible has “keepers at home.” Which is the correct? What did Paul mean?
The Prominence of Women in the Cults of Ephesus
A few Ephesian women held the position of high-priestess in pagan cults. Was there a culture of prominent women in Ephesus that influenced Christian women?
Why masculine pronouns can be misleading in English Bibles and in the Church
We need to use gender-accurate and gender-inclusive pronouns so that we do not imply a gender bias in the Bible and in church when none is intended.