1 Timothy 2:13: Another reason 1 Timothy 2:12 is not as clear as it seems
Is 1 Timothy 2:13 (“For Adam was formed first and then Eve”) a reason for the prohibition in 1 Timothy 2:12? Does the created order disqualify women from teaching and leading men?
6 reasons 1 Timothy 2:12 is not as clear as it seems
Taking 1 Timothy 2:12 at face value, with no understanding of the verse’s context and challenges, can lead to a flawed interpretation. This post looks at six factors that must be considered when interpreting 1 Timothy 2:12.
The Regalia of Artemis Ephesia
This essay looks at the distinctive appearance of Artemis of Ephesus, and at what her items of clothing symbolise. A short history of the goddess is also included to help explain her importance and power.
Eternal Torment, Eternal Fire, Eternal Death?
In part two I look at Bible verses which mention the ideas of “eternal” and “fire” in regards to the future judgement. Do these verses speak of eternal conscious torment for unrepentant sinners?
Paul, James, and Jesus on Hell (Gehenna)
Paul never mentions hell in any of his letters. James mentions hell just once. Jesus, on the other hand, mentions hell several times. Is hell a real place? Is it a place of eternal torment?
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 portrayed 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 Roman woman who instructed her husband in the faith sometime in the first century AD.
Jesus on Divorce, Remarriage and Adultery
Churches which misunderstand Jesus’ teaching on divorce increase the suffering and scandal of divorced members. What is the context of Jesus’ teaching on divorce? Did Jesus teach that all second marriages, with a former spouse still living, are adulterous? I argue, from scripture, that he didn’t
God on Divorce (Malachi 2:16)
Traditional translations of Malachi 2:16 are misleading. Here are some better translations that faithfully reflect the Hebrew grammar, and do not have God saying, “I hate divorce.”
1 Timothy 2:12, the created order, and Bible men who were guided by godly women
Does the created order of man first, woman second, signify a timeless principle that only men can teach and have authority. Is the created order the reason for the prohibition in 1 Timothy 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 (late 1st and early 2nd centuries) 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
In this terrific article, Michael Jensen (a Sydney Anglican minister) notes that there are different forms of feminism, and that feminism is not necessarily against Christian principles. He writes: “a Christian point of view has more in common with feminism than not.”
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” in Genesis 2:18 & 20 speak about a defining gender role for women? Does the Bible teach that all women are the auxiliaries, or helpers, of men?
How Christian Egalitarians understand “Equality”
A common misunderstanding about what Christian egalitarians believe concerns the words “equal” and “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 and judgment 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 in much the same way as Jesus will present the church to himself? (Cf. Eph. 5:25-27)
Qualified for every good work (2 Timothy 2:2; 3:16-17)
A thorough knowledge of scripture is an important qualification for many Christian ministries. 2 Timothy 3:16-17, which mentions this qualification, does not exclude women, women like Priscilla.