As a child, I developed some interesting theologies. I figured God created everything in the world except for yellowjackets and poison oak. I also wondered if Jesus could truly relate to me because of my femaleness. After all, he never had periods, the bane of my twelve-year-old life. It took some growing up to realize to my beautiful Savior is not hindered in any way from understanding and caring about women. In a YouTube video series by Seminary Now, Dr. Cynthia Westfall explains a different approach in understanding what Jesus accomplished on the cross. I’d always understood Continue Reading
Why Junia the Apostle wasn’t Imprisoned for Organizing Church Potlucks
As the couple enters the courtyard, a joyful cheer erupts from the fifty Jesus-followers gathered in the enclosure. “Praise God! You’re home again. The Lord has spared you—glory to his name!” The brothers and sisters crowd around the man and woman, hugging them, weeping with joy and relief. The woman wipes a tear from her eye, careful to avoid the large purple welt on her cheek and the bloody gash on her eyebrow. Several sisters surround her, anxious to help. “We’re so grateful our prayers for your release have been answered. You have suffered much for the Name. Please, be seated Continue Reading
How Priscilla Inspires Today’s Female Teachers and Leaders
The Jewish crowd buzzes, a hornet’s nest of heated discussion. Some of the men, visibly upset after the debate, can’t seem to beat the visiting Alexandrian’s arguments proving Jesus is the Christ. One man stands off to the side, stroking his beard thoughtfully. He heard the Alexandrian teach from the Scriptures before, when he took a trip to Ephesus a few months ago. Apollos’ words flowed with compelling eloquence even then. But something is different today. A new authority rings in Apollos’ tone. Somehow, he’s gained greater understanding about this Jesus, tying in elements he Continue Reading
What Phoebe’s Story Tells Us about How Paul Saw Women
Rolling the scroll back together carefully, the woman tucks it into a smooth leather satchel. She wriggles into her sandals and secures them, slips the satchel over her head onto her shoulder, and grabs her favorite traveling cloak. As a businesswoman, this is not the first time she’s made the trip from Cenchreae to Rome, nor will it be the last. But this trip is special. At the door, she takes a deep breath and pauses for a moment, her hand on the satchel. A smile plays across her lips. She’s tasked with carrying her dear friend Paul’s letter to the believers who gather in Rome. Continue Reading