In this two-part article, I present what I’ve been learning about the Greek “submit” word, and I look at what it meant to Paul that Jesus is the “saviour of the body” (Eph. 5:23). This article is based on a talk I gave in London last month.
Women have always played important roles in the mission of the church and they are a part of our history. I highlight some of these women here.
I look at the Hebrew word chayil, used in Proverbs 31:10 for an eshet chayil, and at the Greek word andreia (“courageous”), used to describe some Bible and early Christian women.
This is the 3rd post taken from my chapter in “Co-workers and Co-leaders.” I look here at some of the men and women who were involved in difficult and dangerous ministries.
This is the 2nd post taken from my chapter in “Co-workers and Co-leaders.” Paul’s letters show that he ministered alongside women. Women were among his coworkers and were deacons (diakonoi).
Introduction I have several articles on my website about Priscilla, a woman mentioned by name six times in the Greek New Testament. I often make
I look at how Paul uses the phrase “in everything” in his letters and at what it means in, “wives submit to your husbands in everything.”
Here’s a 500-word biblical defence for Christian egalitarianism/ mutualism. Plus a link to a podcast I did with James Pruch on “Mutuality in the Garden.”
What does “shekinah” mean for Christians? Is this concept in the Bible? What, if anything, does “shekinah” tell us about God’s gender?
In this blog post, I give a brief overview of the Greek and Hebrew words used in the Bible for divorce.
This is part 3 of a three-part series on ancient evidence for women elders in the early church. Part 1, which looks at women elders
“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.
Drawing on ancient texts, I give 3 reasons why there should be a consensus on the general sense of “authentein” as bad bossy behaviour.
Here’s a complete list of women identified as prophetesses in the Bible, with a note on each. There was a recognised place for such women in Israel.
Some Christians claim that submission is always to a person in authority. In this article, I quote early church bishops who spoke positively about mutual submission.
In her book The Making of Biblical Womanhood, Beth Allison Barr argues that the concept of “biblical womanhood” doesn’t come from the apostle Paul.
In this article I answer the question, Where in the New Testament does it say women were pastors? There is a biblical case for female pastors.
I’ve seen people express dismay that Paul disparages women in 2 Timothy 3:6–7. Here’s a short note looking at Paul’s words here and at his main concern.
Miriam is identified as a prophet and leader in the Bible, but some say her ministry was only to women. Was this the case? What does the Bible say?
In this article, I briefly explain what I think it means to be made in the image of God and why it doesn’t have much to do with either God’s gender or ours.
Chrysostom (d. 407) praised Priscilla, Phoebe, Euodia, Syntyche, and Junia. He acknowledged that these women were leading ministers in their churches.
Jesus used hyperbole in his Sermon on the Mount, especially in Matt 5:17-48 and perhaps also in the phrase “makes her an adulterer.”
When we understand “preaching” words in the way New Testament authors used these words, we see that some New Testament women preached.
Wayne Grudem now accepts that abuse is a valid reason for divorce. This is good news for some but Grudem’s approach is problematic.
Were Andronicus and Junia “outstanding/ notable among the apostles” (Rom.16:7 KJV, NIV) or “well known to the apostles” (ESV, NET)?
In this article, I look at 4 passages from the Hebrew Bible (Leviticus 27, Numbers 30, Ecclesiastes 7:28, Isaiah 3:12) which are sometimes used to diminish women.
The role of the Holy Spirit as helper (given in John’s Gospel) does not inform our understanding of Eve as helper/ ezer (in Genesis 2), and vice versa. Here’s why.
Paul included women as ministry partners and used the same ministry terms for his male and female co-workers. He didn’t restrict the ministry of godly and gifted women.
Timothy knew Paul’s views on ministry and it’s unlikely he needed to be reminded of them. 1 Tim. 2:11-15 is not Paul’s general teaching on ministry but something else.
Does Paul’s teaching on divorce in 1 Corinthians 7 allow for an abused spouse to leave their abuser? What is the context of his words in this passage?
Alguns versos nas cartas de Paulo são freqüentemente citados pelos cristãos que excluem as mulheres de certos ministérios. Mas Paulo restringiu o ministério das mulheres? Qual foi a atitude dele em relação às mulheres ministras? E o casamento? Existem papéis de gênero no casamento?
Here’s a look at a common Greek phrase used in Phil. 4:2 concerning Euodia and Syntyche. What did Paul want them to think? Were the women quarrelling?
A few verses in Paul’s letters are frequently cited by Christians who exclude women from some ministries. Did Paul really restrict women in either ministry or marriage? This is part 3 of a series on gender roles in the Bible.
Was there a difference between the ministries of male and female prophets in the Bible? Did male prophets minister publicly and female prophets privately?
Lydia of Thyatira (Acts 16:14ff), and women like her, were vital and strategic players at the forefront of the expanding Christian mission.
What do the New Testament and other early Christian and Jewish documents say about meekness and gentleness? (cf. 1 Peter 3:4)
Here is a close look at the word authentein (translated as ‘to usurp authority’ in 1 Tim. 2:12 KJV). A brief history of how authent- words and their meanings developed is included.
Not all first-century women fit the stereotype of being hidden and housebound. Some were influential and prominent in society and in the church.
Here are four short clever videos which look at 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 and 1 Timothy 2:11-14 and intelligently discuss whether women can teach in church.
This is a somewhat technical look at the word presbyteroi (“elders”) in New Testament letters, including the presbyterai (“women elders”) 1 Timothy 5:2.
Three times this past week I’ve been in online conversations where a person has stated that women were not leaders or elders in early churches. Was this really the case?
Apphia, a woman, is greeted by Paul in his letter to Philemon. What was her role or position at Colossae? Was she Philemon’s wife or another Phoebe?
Many Christians are dissatisfied with English translations that seem biased towards men when, in fact, many passages are gender-inclusive. So, what is the best Bible translation?
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 included to help explain her importance and power.
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.
Do husbands have a particular responsibility for the spiritual growth of their wives? Will husbands one day present their wives to Jesus?
En este artículo utilizo la lista de Pablo como punto de referencia, y demostrar que hubo al menos una mujer en el Nuevo Testamento que cumplió cada uno de estos roles de liderazgo ministeriales.
What do Jesus and Paul say about purity, modesty, and lust?
If Paul had meant for only men to be leaders and teachers, why doesn’t he mention this in his lists of ministries in Rom. 12:6–8, 1 Cor. 12:28, and Eph. 4:11?
Have you heard people say that all sins (wrong doings) are the same before God? I have wondered about this belief. What does the Bible say about this?
Would you like to support my ministry of encouraging mutuality and equality between men and women in the church and in marriage?
© 2022 Marg Mowczko