Reading 1 Timothy 2:8–15 Closely Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 2:8–15, “I do not permit a woman to teach or have authority over men in the church,” continue to generate a lot of discussion, in large part because of their significant relevance for men’s and women’s roles in the church. In my chapter in the… Read More
The Proverbs 31 Woman
Who is the epic woman of Proverbs 31? It has been said that she possibly could be Ruth, King David’s grandmother. More likely, though, she is an ideal woman—a picture of a perfect type of woman—not an actual person. She is one of four fictional women in the book of Proverbs that are upheld as… Read More
10 Things You Should Know about the Bible’s Teaching on Men and Women
We were created male and female by divine design. According to the Genesis creation account, God created humanity male and female (Gen 1:26–28). Maleness and femaleness are creational, not contractual. They are divinely instituted rather than socially defined. Thus our gender identity cannot simply be renegotiated the way in which we refinance a mortgage or… Read More
The Story of the Magi (Matthew 2:1–12)
“Where is he who has been born King of the Jews?” the Magi asked, as they searched intently for Jesus. Which prophecy or event did they base their pursuit on? Was it the prediction of a messianic “star” arising out of Jacob (Numbers 24:17)? Did they fulfill Isaiah’s vision that “A multitude of camels …… Read More
Sowing to the Spirit (Galatians 6:6–10)
No doubt you’re aware of the agricultural law: you’ll reap what you sow. You sow carrots, you reap carrots. You sow corn, you reap corn. The same law, Paul tells the Galatians, applies to the spiritual realm as well: you’ll reap what you sow. Now what’s tricky is that sowing involves a process of time…. Read More