The idea that Artemis of Ephesus was a fertilty or mother goddess is often repeated. Using ancient evidence, Sandra Glahn challenges these ideas, and others, in her book Nobody’s Mother.
What was the thing that fell down from heaven and was housed in the temple complex of the Ephesian Artemis? Was it a statue or a sacred stone?
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.
Are ascetic teachings that emphasise celibacy behind Paul’s statement in 1 Timothy 2:15? What does “saved through childbearing” mean?
What does the ministry of Priscilla and Aquila to Apollos reveal? (Acts 18:18-28). How did others feel about the couple and their ministry? (Romans 16:3-5)
Here are excerpts from ancient Gnostic texts that present Adam and Eve in a very different light. Do they help us to understand 1 Timothy 2:13-14?
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?
This article looks at the goddess Artemis and her magnificent temple in ancient Ephesus. Artemis had a huge influence on the Ephesians!
Paul’s main purpose for writing First Timothy was to address the heresy in the Ephesian Church, possibly a precursor to Gnosticism.
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© 2022 Marg Mowczko