Men and Women in Genesis 1
Genesis 1 tells us about God’s creation of humanity and the equal status and authority of men and women. This message of equality is lost in some interpretations tainted by influences from the ancient Greeks.
The priority of wifely submission vs mutual submission
Wifely submission is never mentioned in the Old Testament or in the Gospels. It is mentioned, however, in a few of the later New Testament letters. Why is that?
“Kyria” in Papyrus Letters and the Elect Lady
This short article looks at how the Greek word kyria (“lady”) is used in a few ancient letters and texts, and how this usage helps us to understand who the “chosen lady” is in John’s second letter.
Is a Benevolent Patriarchy Good for God’s People?
Apartheid, slavery, and patriarchy are three social systems where one group of people is more powerful than the other group. Does God want these systems operating in the community of his people?
Some girls want to fly paper airplanes too
Some girls want to fly paper airplanes, and some girls are very brave, but a 2011 study put out by Desiring God suggests these roles are for boys.
Bible Women who Led Celebrations and Lamentations
Bible women were involved in the life of their community, some as wailing women and as celebrants (cf. Psalm 68). What was the purpose of this public role?
15 reasons why I support women in church leadership
There are many Bible verses that show women teaching or leading. Here are 15 of them, 15 reasons why I support women in church leadership.
A Note on Hebrews 13:17
In this short post, I look at two keywords in Heb. 13:17a which is poorly translated in the KJV as “Obey them that have the rule over you …”
Add Women, Change Everything
Carolyn Custis James writes that it’s important for women to be included as equals in ministry: “The high price of the missing female perspective is incalculable.”
7 Lessons from the Ministry of Stephanas (1 Cor. 16:15–18)
In 1 Corinthians 16:15-18 Paul mentions Stephanas and his colleagues. There are a few lessons about Christian service and submission that can be gleaned here.
The Passover Meal, the Seder, and the Eucharist
This article looks at the origins and development of the Passover meal as recorded in the Bible. It also looks at the Seder of early Judaism and the Eucharist of early Christianity.
Boldness and Humility in God’s Presence
We don’t need to be fearful of God’s Presence. We can come to him openly and honestly, assured of salvation and our relationship with him.
1 Timothy 2:15: What must a woman do to be saved?
What does “she will be saved through childbearing” in 1 Timothy 2:15 mean? Is being a faithful follower of Jesus not enough? What does Jesus say about this?
3 Obscure Old Testament Women With Clout
Ever heard of Sera, Aksah or Sheerah? Here’s a little something about these three influential Bible women.
Single and Equal
I read this candid comment today from Samira, a single Christian woman who, in a few words, says a lot about some of her struggles and hopes.
“Busy at Home”: How does Titus 2:4–5 apply today?
What are the timeless principles in Paul’s instruction in Titus 2:4-5? Why did he want the young wives at Crete to be workers (or keepers) at home?
The Kingdom of Heaven in the Here and Now and Future
In this post I share some Bible verses and thoughts about God’s kingdom in the here and now and future, and I briefly state the early Jewish understanding of the Kingdom of Heaven.
The Septuagint
This article looks at the Septuagint, the ancient Greek version of the Old Testament. When, where, and why was it produced, and by whom?
Mary, Martha and Lazarus of Bethany
Mary and Martha of Bethany are well-known Bible figures whose characters are often polarized in the retelling of their story. What is the background of these women, their age, marital status, level of wealth?
Sending Sacred Money to Jerusalem
Before its destruction in 70 CE, the Jews in the Diaspora maintained ties with the temple in Jerusalem by sending gifts, tithes, and taxes. This article discusses this practice.
The Propriety of Bible Women with Authority
Here are over 40 women in the Bible who exercised social or political authority. In the stories where they appear, no question is raised about the propriety of their authority.