Weak Christian Women?

In 1 Peter 3:7, Peter says women are the "weaker vessel." Here's how the 2020 NASB translates it: "You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life...." There …

No Braids for Women? (Blomberg)

In 1 Timothy 2:9 it seems like Paul tells Christian women that they cannot braid their hair. Here's what the verse says: "...Likewise the women are to dress in suitable apparel, with modesty and self-control. Their adornment must not be with braided hair and gold or pearls or expensive clothing" (NET). Does this mean no …

She Was Devoted to Serving the Church

Around 395 AD some Christians in and around Constantinople were being persecuted for their faith. One such Christian who faced persecution was Pentadia, a deaconess of the church there in Constantinople. After her husband was found and banished from the city, Pentadia was also targeted. Her story intersects with that of Chrysostom. Here's how one …

To Elsie, My Dear Friend in Christ (Luther)

Here's a great Reformation resource: Luther's Letters to Women. It was originally translated by Georgiana Malcom and published in 1865. It contains quite a few letters Luther wrote to his wife Katherine and other female Christian friends of his. These letters are not just a window into the Reformer's historical context, life, and thought, they …

The Woman of Samaria (John 4)

One of the many astounding stories in the NT is found in John 4. In this story Jesus encountered a Samaritan woman at Jacob's well near Sychar. The story is astounding because Jesus asked her for a drink, dialogued with her, and even shared with her some of the deep truths of God. In that …