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 Col. 3:18 contain 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?
Shekinah: God’s Immanent Presence
What does “shekinah” mean for Christians? Is this concept in the Bible? What, if anything, does “shekinah” tell us about God’s gender?
A Litany for Women Who Carry God’s Grace
Here’s a call and response prayer that thanks God for Bible women who served God and his people with bravery and grace.
Comparing the Anointing Stories
Each of the four Gospels contains an account where a woman anoints Jesus with perfume. In this article, I compare these stories. How many times was Jesus anointed?
A Note on Divorce Terminology in the Bible
In this blog post, I give a brief overview of the Greek and Hebrew words used in the Bible for divorce.
“Brothers and Sisters” (Adelphoi) in Paul’s Letters
The Greek word adelphoi is used over 100 times in Paul’s letters. Is “brothers and sisters” or “siblings” an acceptable translation?
Jesus and the Bent-Over Woman (Luke 13:10–17)
In Luke 13:10–17, Jesus sets free a woman who had been disabled for 18 years. Click to see Barbara Schwarz’s painting and to read the story that inspired her artwork.
Paul Distilled by Gary W. Burnett
“Paul Distilled” is a great book for anyone who wants to read an inspiring overview of Paul’s theology that is short and simple to understand. Here’s my review.
Judith Gundry on the Two Social Contexts of 1 Cor. 11:2–16
Here are a few excerpts from a chapter written by Judith Gundry that are helpful in understanding Paul’s arguments and use of creation in 1 Cor. 11:2-16.
Authentein as Bad Behaviour in Ancient Texts
Drawing on ancient texts, I give 3 reasons why there should be a consensus on the general sense of “authentein” as bad bossy behaviour.
Remembering Theosebia of Nyssa
Theosebia was the biological and spiritual sister of Gregory of Nyssa. Surviving sources show that she was deeply loved and admired.
Rachel Speght Replies to a Misogynist in 1617
Rachel Speght responded to a misogynist in the early 1600s by writing a witty piece that encourages respect for women. It still entertains.
Damaris in Athens (Acts 17)
Who was Damaris? What was her social status? What does her name mean? What was her role in the church? Evidence from ancient inscriptions help to answer some of these questions.
Woman’s Authority or Subordination in 1 Cor. 11:10?
Paul said in 1 Cor. 11:10 that a woman should have “authority on her head.” Whose authority is it?
A Quick Comparison of Genesis 3:16 and Genesis 4:7
Gen 3:16, about Eve, and Gen 4:7, about Cain, both contain the Hebrew words teshuqah (“desire”) and mashal (“rule”). Does 4:7 help us to understand 3:16?
Who are the 144,000 and why are they all men?
Who are the 144,000 in Revelation 7 and 14? What do they symbolise? Are women really excluded from this group?
Malachi 2:16 and the Priest who Divorced his Wife
What if Malachi 2:16 isn’t a general statement on divorce but about a priest named Manasseh who divorced his first wife in around 350 BCE? It’s likely.