Mutuality Matters

Dr. Sunberg highlighted the overarching biblical (prescriptive and descriptive) texts supporting women’s shared leadership such as: Genesis 1:26–30, and Galatians 3:28, and Romans 16:1–16. These texts are the “rings that rule overall rings” to use a JRR Tolkien image. Even more, throughout Scripture we see, the power of the Holy Spirit empowering, guiding, encouraging women leaders. Paul’s Gospel vision clearly includes women as part of the Great Commission, to share Jesus with the entire world. Phoebe’s leadership cited in Romans 16:1–2 implemented Paul’s vision. Paul’s vision of church planting takes shape and flourishes beside his female workers, like Junia, Phoebe, and Priscilla. While many Christians tend to gloss over these details, they are crucial in planting, serving, and leading churches today.  

Citing an extensive history noting the steady growth of women leaders/pastors in the Wesleyan Holiness church that began initially with only 2% women, to now 20% of clergy are women in the Church of the Nazarenewhich Carla is a member. Carla and discussed meeting this year, in person for the first time, during the recent Wesleyan Holiness Women Clergy Conference held in Minneapolis. This event aimed at supporting women clergy and CBE was invited to join in to support their inter-racial, international women’s leadership which parallels that of CBE’s ministry.  

We ended by discussing the needs women clergy have for flexibility given all they manage in their lives. women need support for the many responsibilities of being a Christian mother, wife, pastor, scholar, etc. Often these women are a minority serving beside men who have centuries of traditions supporting male-leaders. We ended in prayer. This was indeed an information, wisdom, holiness packed podcast!! 

Books Carla has contributed to: 

Viewing the whole sweep of scripture, Carla edited the book: Faithful to the Call, Women in Ministry. She wrote, The Christian Life: A Nazarene Perspective and Why Holiness?: The Transformational Message That Unites Us and Teach us to Pray: What We can Learn from Scripture.     

Carla coauthored, Reclaiming Eve: The Identity and Calling of Women in the Kingdom of God; Color: God’s Intention for Diversity; The Cappadocian Mothers: Deification Exemplified in the Writings of Basil, Gregory and Gregory; Uncommon Virtues: Seven Saints Who shaped our Faith; Reflecting the Image: Our Call to Mirror Christ to the World, and Pulling Back the Curtain on the Former Soviet Union. 

On this episode of Mutuality Matters, Dr. Mimi Haddad meets with Dr. Preston Sprinkle to discuss his new book, "From Genesis to Junia: An Honest Search for What the Bible Really Says about Women in Leadership." A deeply committed Christian, husband, and father, Preston Sprinkle said his career has focused on serving the church as a scholar. As such, he approaches questions concerning faith and life through a deep dive exegetical analysis of the related biblical passages and related historical contexts. For many years, as a complementarian, Preston read the key passages (1 Timothy 2:11–15, 1 Corinthians 14:34–36, and Ephesians 5:21–33) at face value—through a plain reading of the text which, seemingly, supports male leadership in church and the home. Yet, over time, he noticed how the Greek syntax in these passages was complex. Attending more carefully, he began to focus on single words in the text like “silent.” This practice was quite fruitful in helping him realize how women were not silent in Scripture contra 1 Corinthians 14:34–36. This seeming inconsistency evoked questions around what NT women were talking about. Clearly, they had a voice. In fact, leading Bible women were far from silent. God called and gifted women to speak as prophets, judges, warriors, and diplomats. Women were Christ’s disciples, and women served beside Paul as deacons, apostles, church planters, and his coworkers. Romans 16 abounds with the voices of women, slaves, and non-Jews—aligning with the welcome of women as Gospel agents (Gal. 3:28). Stunningly, women’s voices were heard in Corinth, as they prayed and prophesied in the church (1 Cor. 11:5), raising questions about the meaning of 1 Corinthians 14:34–36. Other passages in 1 Corinthians, such as 1 Corinthians 7:4-5, 1 Corinthians 11:7, and 1 Corinthians 11, challenged Preston as a complementarian because:  

Preston cited as a helpful resource, Gregory Dawe’s works on head metaphors in Ephesians, The Body in Question: Metaphor and Meaning in the Interpretation of Ephesians 5:21–33 (Biblical Interpretation Series, 30)  

Turning to 1 Timothy 2:11–12, Preston points to the extreme use of authority (authentein) Paul evokes in this passage that mirrors the unilateral, domineering authority of slave owners over their slaves as it demeaned slaves ontologically as lesser humans for a lesser purpose. It was a devaluation Jesus challenged in Matthew 20:25–28: “Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”  

Summing it up, Preston suggests that three complex, poorly translated texts cannot overturn the “wide ocean of women leaders in Scripture.” Which is why he cautions against silencing women based on a plain reading of the Bible. Add to this the many women scholars he admired even before becoming an egalitarian. Women like Drs. Linda Belleville Sandra Ritcher, Lynn Cohick, Cynthia Westfall, and others are deeply regarded and highly respected throughout the Christian world. We add Preston to the list of egalitarian scholars and leaders, thanking him for his very insightful work throughout this podcast and in his newest book, From Genesis to Junia: An Honest Search for What the Bible Really Says about Women in Leadership, available in CBE’s bookstore. Enjoy! 

00:56 Welcome and Guest Intro 

02:59 Preston’s Journey Shift 

04:56 Deep Dive Research Process 

06:31 Key Textual Turning Points 

11:04 Women Scholars and Influences 

13:24 Feedback and Early Critiques 

19:51 Jesus Centered Vision for Women 

21:46 Conference Invitation Chicago 2026 

24:39 Hopes for the Book 

25:33 When Egalitarianism Gets Real 

26:45 Why Change Takes Time 

30:37 Texts of Terror Overview 

31:06 Women Silent in Church 

33:29 Marriage and Household Codes 

35:18 Authority in 1 Timothy 

37:32 Hardest Passage 1 Corinthians 11 

40:24 Mutuality in Paul 

42:07 Conference Invite and Thanks 

43:29 Closing Prayer and Support 

On this episode of Mutuality Matters: Women and Words, Host Dr. Mimi Haddad interviewed Rev. Dr. Ingrid Faro. Ingrid described her challenging childhood and young married life as one of abuse, both psychologically and physically. Her early church experience was equally difficult, as women were to be seen but not heard. In her family of origins, she felt invisible and unimportant. She was terrified of her mother and had no real relationship with her dad. Ingrid was struggling to figure out who she is and even wondered if it was safe to think her thoughts. She also wanted out of the church because, as Ingrid describes, she so wanted God to be fair, but life didn’t seem to be fair.  

Ingrid shared how her first husband (a preacher and NT scholar) was unfaithful to her. He was also violent and broke her nose, landing her in the ER, where she told the attending doctors that she had an “accident,” but they were unconvinced. These and other experiences led to her struggle with the question of “theodicy,” whether God is just and good. Ingrid wondered if she could ever really trust God. This led to an exploration of God theologically. She became acquainted with and greatly admires the scholarship of the OT scholar Dr. Abraham Joshua Heschel. A passion for the OT was part of her journey. 

Her second husband nurtured honest, even blunt communication, or as Brené Brown says, “clarity is kindness.” As Ingrid studied Scripture, she encountered many bold women who henceforward served as her role models! In them she found a sense of release, or as she said, “I didn’t know the weight that was on my shoulders until it was lifted off me.” Ingrid began to see God’s clear anointing on women which began with the Apostle Paul. Ingrid began to sense a calling to an academic study of Scripture, which gave her pause. She was given opportunities to say what was on her heart but felt conflicted. Then she asked herself, “Can I stand before God and say, ‘I can’t.’” She had to distinguish between a fear of people and a fear of God. 

Yet the biblical “texts of terror” that appeared to silence women were very limited compared the many, many texts that welcomed their wisdom, voice and leadership. Consider Paul’s texts that seem to silence women (1 Cor. 14:34–36, 1 Tim. 2:11–15, Eph. 5:22&FF) compared to the many women Paul celebrates as co-leaders with him in preaching the gospel and leading churches, like those cited in Romans 16. More recently, Ingrid has considered the challenge of abuse in the church one of the most pressing challenges the church must address. She sometimes feels that the church is one of the most abusive places women encounter. Yet this was certainly an issue noted in Genesis 2. Here Ingrid notes the challenge of Bible translation as too often Genesis 2:18 is translated “The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” The Hebrew word for “helper,” is ezer, which means “a strong rescue,” as Dave Freedman notes. “Helper” fails to describe the true meaning of ezer.  

Ingrid also points to the work of Katharine Bushnell who redeems Eve by observing that she was the first person to have faith and hope in God’s promises. She also points to the following authors who have inspired her own scholarship and faith: Karen Swallow Prior, Carol L. Meyers, Edith Deen, Sandra Ritcher, Cynthia Long Westfall, and also biblical models like Abraham and Sarah. 

Guest Bio: 

Related Resources: 

Healing from Hierarchy: https://www.cbeinternational.org/resource/mutuality-healing-from-hierarchy/ 

Silent No More: Exposing Abuse Among Evangelicals: https://www.cbeinternational.org/resource/silent-no-more-exposing-abuse-among-evangelicals/ 

Her Silence Screams: https://www.cbeinternational.org/resource/her-silence-screams/ 

When Religion Hurts: How Complementarian Churches Harm Women: https://www.cbeinternational.org/resource/when-religion-hurts-how-complementarian-churches-hurt/ 

0:00 Called to Seminary 

01:25 Meet Ingrid Faro

03:37 From Trauma to Theology 

06:25 Studying Evil in Genesis 

08:36 Why Theodicy Matters 

10:31 Patriarchy and Abuse 

16:56 Finding Freedom and Voice 

19:31 Leading at Northern Seminary 

23:17 What Did I Tell You? 

26:29 Women in Theology Today 

28:21 Chicago Conference Invite 

29:23 Reading the Clobber Passages 

31:16 Scholars Correcting Exegesis 

34:04 Trauma Abuse and the Church 

35:37 Genesis Reframing Creation 

40:03 Women as Full Image Bearers 

42:47 Old Testament Women with Voice 

46:29 Key Stories Sarah Hannah Ruth 

51:20 Future of Women in Ministry 

54:58 Global Impact and Closing Prayer 

In this podcast, Rev. Dr. Michael F. Bird explores the crucial sociological context that often influences human interpretation of Scripture along with the complexities involved in reading passages from Paul who is considered both the ally of both egalitarians and complementarians. Spending significant time on Paul’s reference to Phoebe (Romans 16:1–2) as deacon in the church of Cenchrea. Too often we allow Paul’s passages that appear to silence women for all time (1 Timothy 2:11-15, Ephesians 5:22&FF and 1 Corinthians 14:34–36 ) overlooking the many women speaking, teaching and leading in the OT and NT, especially beside Paul and throughout Church History. 

Mike considers the impact of sin on God’s original design for women and men in Gen 1:26–31. Because of sin, the mutuality enjoyed by women and men deteriorates into the male rule noted in Gen 3:16.  

Supremely, Mike notes the victories of Christ in conquering sin on Calvary, along with the many passages in the New Testament that speak of the ontological mutuality and equal service of women and men, such as Proverbs 31, Galatians 3:28 but also a passage heavily cited by the Abolitionists that reads: “From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands,” Acts 17:26. Read full chapter. 

Mike masterfully integrates biblical theology, church history, theology, and culture as he explores key topics impacting women, marriage, and service. His sense of humor, use of metaphor and his experiences working in the church and academy brings keen insights into the egalitarian conversation today. We hope you enjoy this episode with Dr. Mike Bird, a dear friend of CBE.  

Mike is Deputy Principal and Lecturer in New Testament at Ridley College in Melbourne, Australia. He is an Anglican priest and is married with four children. He is the author of several books including the awarding winning The Gospel of the Lord: How the Early Church Wrote the Story of Jesus and with N.T. Wright, The New Testament in its World. 

Books published by Michael F. Bird: 

Books published by N.T. Wright and Michael F. Bird: 

In this episode of Mutuality Matters, host Dr. Mimi Haddad continues her interview with guest Dr. Joel B. Green, an expert on the Gospel of Luke, about the portrayal of women in Luke's writings. Together they explore how these depictions challenge traditional gender roles and the importance of translation choices in understanding biblical messages about authority and equality. Dr. Green highlights the radical nature of Jesus' teachings and shares insights on how women in early Christianity were active participants in ministry.

00:00 Welcome to Mutuality Matters

Guest Bio 

Joel B. Green joined Fuller’s faculty in 2007 and has served several administrative posts: associate dean for the Center for Advanced Theological Studies (2008–2016, 2019–present), dean of the School of Theology (2014–2018), and provost (2016–2018). Prior to coming to Fuller, Dr. Green served for ten years at Asbury Theological Seminary as professor of New Testament interpretation, as dean of the School of Theology, and as provost. Previous faculty and academic-administrative appointments include the American Baptist Seminary of the West / Graduate Theological Union (1992–1997) and New College for Advanced Christian Studies Berkeley (1985–1992). 

Green has written or edited some 55 books, including 8 that have won awards: Connections: A Lectionary Commentary for Preaching and Worship, Year C, Volume 1, Advent through Epiphany (with Thomas Long, Luke Powery, and Cynthia Rigby, 2018), Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels (2nd ed., 2013), Common English Bible Study Bible (2013), Dictionary of Scripture and Ethics (2011), In Search of the Soul: Four Views of the Mind-Body Problem (2nd ed., 2010), Introducing the New Testament: Its Literature and Theology (with Paul J. Achtemeier and Marianne Meye Thompson, 2001), The Gospel of Luke (1997), and Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels (with Scot McKnight, 1992). Among his recent publications are Discovering Luke (2021), Luke as Narrative Theologian (2020), Conversion in Luke-Acts: Divine Initiative, Human Cognition, and the People of God (2015), Why Salvation? (2013), and The World of the New Testament: Cultural, Social and Historical Contexts (with Lee Martin McDonald, 2013). 

He is the editor of the New International Commentary on the New Testament, as well as the Two Horizons New Testament Commentary, and serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of Theological Interpretation, Theology and Science, and Science and Christian Belief. Green has been elected to membership in both Studiorum Novi Testamenti Societas (SNTS) and the International Society for Science and Religion (ISSR). 

Related Resources 

Teach us, Mary: The Authority of Women Teachers in the Church in Light of the Magnificat (Luke 1:46–55): https://www.cbeinternational.org/resource/teach-us-mary/

The Significance of Three Narrative Parallels of Men and Women in Luke 1, John 3–4, and Acts 9:

Whose Wife Will She Be? A Feminist Interpretation of Luke 20:27–38:

In this episode of Mutuality Matters, hosted by CBE International, Dr. Joel B. Green joins the conversation to discuss the importance of Bible translation and interpretation, emphasizing the inclusion of women in the process. Dr. Green, a seasoned Bible scholar and faculty administrator, shares his extensive career and insights on the subject. He underscores the necessity of diverse perspectives in translation teams, discusses common biases in Bible translations, and offers advice on how English readers can detect and overcome these biases. The episode also delves into the significance of various successful Bible translations, the training of translators, and the impact of denominational and gender diversity on the integrity of translations. 

00:00 Introduction to Mutuality Matters 

00:38 Meet Dr. Joel Green 

02:22 Joel Green's Academic Journey 

05:38 Challenges in Bible Scholarship 

06:48 The Importance of Women in Bible Translation 

12:23 Overcoming Translation Bias 

19:38 Training and Selecting Bible Translators 

27:13 Successful Bible Translations 

34:38 Conclusion and Call to Action 

Guest Bio 

Joel B. Green joined Fuller’s faculty in 2007 and has served several administrative posts: associate dean for the Center for Advanced Theological Studies (2008–2016, 2019–present), dean of the School of Theology (2014–2018), and provost (2016–2018). Prior to coming to Fuller, Dr. Green served for ten years at Asbury Theological Seminary as professor of New Testament interpretation, as dean of the School of Theology, and as provost. Previous faculty and academic-administrative appointments include the American Baptist Seminary of the West / Graduate Theological Union (1992–1997) and New College for Advanced Christian Studies Berkeley (1985–1992). 

Green has written or edited some 55 books, including 8 that have won awards: Connections: A Lectionary Commentary for Preaching and Worship, Year C, Volume 1, Advent through Epiphany (with Thomas Long, Luke Powery, and Cynthia Rigby, 2018), Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels (2nd ed., 2013), Common English Bible Study Bible (2013), Dictionary of Scripture and Ethics (2011), In Search of the Soul: Four Views of the Mind-Body Problem (2nd ed., 2010), Introducing the New Testament: Its Literature and Theology (with Paul J. Achtemeier and Marianne Meye Thompson, 2001), The Gospel of Luke (1997), and Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels (with Scot McKnight, 1992). Among his recent publications are Discovering Luke (2021), Luke as Narrative Theologian (2020), Conversion in Luke-Acts: Divine Initiative, Human Cognition, and the People of God (2015), Why Salvation? (2013), and The World of the New Testament: Cultural, Social and Historical Contexts (with Lee Martin McDonald, 2013). 

He is the editor of the New International Commentary on the New Testament, as well as the Two Horizons New Testament Commentary, and serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of Theological Interpretation, Theology and Science, and Science and Christian Belief. Green has been elected to membership in both Studiorum Novi Testamenti Societas (SNTS) and the International Society for Science and Religion (ISSR). 

Green has 12 years of pastoral ministry experience. 

Related Resources 

Intersectionality: Words Matter! Freedom through Lectionary and Bible Translation with Rev. Dr. Wilda C. Gafney: https://www.cbeinternational.org/resource/intersectionality-words-matter/ 

https://www.cbeinternational.org/resource/women-and-words-exploring-womens-biblical-equality-through-bible-translation/ 

Disclaimer 

The opinions expressed in CBE’s Mutuality Matters’ podcast are those of its hosts or guests and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of CBE International or its members or chapters worldwide. The designations employed in this podcast and the presentation of content therein do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of CBE concerning the legal status of any country, area or territory or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers. 

In this episode of the Mutuality Matters podcast from CBE International, hosts Mimi and Charel speak with Dr. Jeannine Brown who discusses the pressing need to interpret the Biblical text of 1 Peter 3:1–7 within its first-century Greco-Roman context. Dr. Brown emphasizes the importance of understanding the cultural and historical background behind the passages on submission, particularly 1 Peter 3:1–7. She explores how Peter's household codes provide agency to often marginalized groups like wives and slaves, contrary to the hierarchical norms of the time. The conversation underscores the relevance today of recognizing and respecting context while interpreting Biblical texts—an essential factor for both scholars and modern readers. 

00:00 Introduction to Mutuality Matters 

00:02 Exploring the Context of Submission in 1 Peter 

00:49 Welcome and Introductions 

01:33 Reading and Analyzing 1 Peter 3:1-7 

02:57 Cultural Background and Interpretation 

03:37 Household Codes in the Greco-Roman World 

07:24 Missional Moments and Divided Households 

08:20 Challenges for Christian Wives in the First Century 

10:03 Slavery and Moral Agency in 1 Peter 

11:28 Understanding Peter's Use of Household Codes 

16:50 Modern Interpretations and Misconceptions 

27:46 The Role of Headings in Biblical Interpretation 

30:15 Instructions for Husbands in 1 Peter 3:7 

36:30 Exploring Social and Physical Vulnerability 

37:19 Interpreting 'Weaker Vessel' in Context 

38:02 Challenging Traditional Views on Gender Roles 

40:18 Co-Heirs and Inheritance in Early Christianity 

41:50 Family Metaphors in 1 Peter 

43:37 Egalitarian Impulses in the New Testament 

45:28 Household Codes and Their Implications 

50:08 Suffering for Good and Loyalty to Jesus 

52:47 Translation Challenges and Responsibilities 

58:01 Applying 1 Peter in Modern Contexts 

01:04:03 Conclusion and Further Resources 

Guest Bio: Dr. Jeannine Brown  

Jeannine Brown is professor of New Testament at Bethel Seminary and Program Director of Bethel Seminary’s Online programs. Jeannine received in MA from Bethel Seminary, Saint Paul, MN. and her PhD from Luther seminary, Saint Paul, MN. Dr. Brown has taught at Bethel Seminary for over 20 years. She teaches in the areas of New Testament, Greek, hermeneutics, and integration. 

Dr. Brown has focused much of her research and writing on the Gospels, hermeneutics, and interdisciplinary integration. In addition to a book on biblical hermeneutics (Scripture as Communication, now in second edition) and two books on integration, she has published three commentaries on Matthew's Gospel and one on Philippians (Tyndale NT series). She is a member of the NIV translation team and is an editor for the NIV Study Bible, revised edition (2020). Her current writing projects include a commentary 1 Peter (NICNT) and book on themes in 1 Peter. Jeannine’s other published works include: Scripture as Communication (2021, 2007); The Gospels as Stories (2020); Relational Integration of Psychology and Christian Theology (2018); Becoming Whole and Holy: An Integrative Conversation about Christian Formation (2011); Embedded Genres in the New Testament: Understanding Their Impact for Interpretation and three commentaries on the Gospel of Matthew (2018, 2015, 2012). Jeannine Brown co-edited the second edition of Jesus and the Gospels (2013). She has published numerous journal articles and book essays on the Gospels of Matthew and John, 1 Peter, and topics of hermeneutics. Some of these have been published in Journal of Biblical Literature, New Testament Studies, Catholic Biblical Quarterly, and Horizons in Biblical Theology. Jeannine thoroughly enjoys teaching in churches and ministries on the topics of Bible interpretation and the New Testament. She is married to Tim Brown, singer-songwriter, and has two adult daughters. 

Story Notes 

Today’s podcast focused on 1 Pet 3:1–7. In the NIV it reads: 

"Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear. Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers."

Exploring the cultural background, Jeannine suggests that Peter is calling Christians to display behaviors that reflect Christ even as male dominance was a given. Jeannine explained that in the first century, Roman interest in well-organized households should mirror a well-organized Rome. Roman citizens were to live harmoniously within a well-organized Roman household. Where the passage makes a surprising move is in the call for husbands to have empathy for their wives with a consequence: that God will hear their prayers. Further Christian wives should view themselves beyond the cultural standard of female beauty. As the passage states: it’s not the adorning of women’s outer selves but their inner lives of faith in God. Doing right, and with faith that does not give into fear given God is ultimately in control. This passage is countercultural in its emphasis on Christian faith and the development of a peaceful inner life both of which acknowledge God’s supremacy versus that of emperor’s.  

This passage calls both husbands and wives to do what is right: to be brave, to have faith in God who rules over all of Rome’s emperors, verse 7, to live within a culture with very differing values that offend Christian moral life. In this passage there is a tension in negotiating life lived in a culture at odds with Christian values, supremely concerning the divinity Jesus, or that of an emperor. While Jesus died on a Roman cross, even so, the passage evokes faith and courage in Christian households. The passage is helpful to missionaries in similar circumstances. How to live with courage and faith, elevating the gospel with behavior more often than words in a culture that exploited slaves and women.  

Turning to 1 Peter 3:7 that reads: 

"Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers."  

The Petrine texts lean into sibling language, especially that of children, which overall is very egalitarian in the cultural context of first century. Further, the language of “father” was not very much present in NT as it was in 1st century non-Christian texts. God’s children in Christ were to face each other in humility and this very egalitarian impulse in relating to one another. God is father, but in Christ we’re all siblings. Women and men are co-heirs is throughout NT. Leadership structure are notes but not ones in the NT.  

The whole Petrine text is a significant challenge to the top-down rule from emperor as God down throughout the household structure which was central. Given what Peter is doing with family metaphors—of believers as children / siblings who are to love earnestly as family love each other, and as the elders are a group too much have wisdom but must lead by example. These impulses, leader on top, and wife below: this does simplify decisions, but this is not the texture of Peter. As he thinks of his context, and the household code, it is not a prescription but a triage—a pathway for healing top-down leadership. It’s what Christians do in an emergency. Emergency advice to the Christian community so it can survive. It’s about survival for the most vulnerable. The thrust of text is a call to attentiveness to the most vulnerable. In light of Tom Holland’s book—Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World—in brutal detail reveals the cruelty of Rome. In thinking of our next, the advice is that even if you suffer for doing good, you are blessed. And take comfort in that truth and knowledge that even those who slanders you, remain loyal to Christ, if you suffer as Jesus did, you will also share in his glory. 

In fascinating detail, Jeannine describes the history of Bible translation and the canonical review that follows. For the NIV team, on which she contributes, their voting policy requires a 75% majority in approving translation choices. Thus, the team must make a compelling case to change something, so for 1 Peter, and the NT generally, it’s always wise to examine and read many translations to see differences.  

In considering the backdrop in which the text arises, submission is not a new requirement. What is new for this culture is to ask that all behavior must be Christ-like. While believers are clearly frightened by opposition to Christian faith, the text calls them to act in ways that others will recognize their soul-allegiance to Christ. Win others over to Christ not out of fear but confident behavior that imitates Christ’s live. Jeannine recommends entering the text with a disciplined imagination that brings implications of texts to life then and now. Idolatry is key issue underlining the concerns in this text which encourages faith and living life not with words but by example.  

Jeannine points listeners to the following resources: 

Jeannie will resume this conversation in subsequent episodes of Women and Worlds: Exploring the Difficult Passages. 

Disclaimer 

The opinions expressed in CBE’s Mutuality Matters’ podcast are those of its hosts or guests and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of CBE International or its members or chapters worldwide. The designations employed in this podcast and the presentation of content therein do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of CBE concerning the legal status of any country, area or territory or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers. 

Related Resources

Women and Words: From Oppression to Empowerment with Mayra Ugalde: Part 1

In this episode, Kim talks to Rt. Rev. Dr. Emily Onyango about the East Africa Revival Movement that began in 1927 and is still reverberating through East Africa today. Begun by two people praying for true faith in the Anglican church, the movement grew among laypeople to denominations across East Africa, challenging patriarchy, tribalism, and racism. Because one priest oversaw six or seven churches, women empowered by the spirit preached, shared their testimonies and lead their churches. They dressed in white to mark their new way of living, and today a few of these very elderly women still challenge and influence church leadership today. At the time of the revival, Kenya’s practice of polygamy was at an all-time high, yet these believers lived monogamous, egalitarian marriages. They sent their daughters to school in addition to their sons, and the changed the fabric of society. Today, the leaders against government corruption and tribal sectarianism have their roots in the East Africa Revival Movement.

Watch: Working Towards Mutuality as a Mark of Christian Identity: A Case of the Work of the African Church for Biblical Equality https://www.cbeinternational.org/resource/working-towards-mutuality-mark-christian-identity-case-work-african-church/

Listen: The Challenge of Gender Based Violence in Kenya and the Response of the Church https://www.cbeinternational.org/resource/challenge-gender-based-violence-kenya-and-response-church/

The Challenge of the Resurgence of Negative Aspects of African Cultural Practices Among Christians in Kenya https://www.cbeinternational.org/resource/challenge-resurgence-negative-aspects-african-cultural-practices-among/

Global Impact: The Work of Service Not Power in the Anglican Church of Kenya with Rt Rev Dr Emily Onyango https://www.cbeinternational.org/resource/global-impact-work-service-not-power-anglican-church-kenya-rt-rev-dr-emily-onyango/

Disclaimer : The opinions expressed in CBE’s Mutuality Matters’ podcast are those of its hosts or guests do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of CBE International or its members or chapters worldwide. The designations employed in this podcast and the presentation of content therein do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of CBE concerning the legal status of any country, area or territory or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers.

This episode of Mutuality Matters, hosted by CBE International, interviews Mayra Ugalde who delves into the significant role women played in Paul's ministry and offers insights into commonly misunderstood biblical passages used to limit women's roles in church and society. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the cultural context of scripture, the equality in Christ beyond gender, and the mutual submission in Christian marriage. Various translations of key texts like Ephesians 5 and Genesis 3:16 are compared to highlight biases and interpretations. The episode concludes with a call to read the Bible holistically to grasp its true message of equality and mutuality in Christ.

00:00 Introduction to Mutuality Matters

00:35 The Importance of Bible Translations

02:53 Women in the Bible: Lessons from Mark

03:54 Jesus' Acceptance of Women's Offerings

08:01 Encouragement for Women in Ministry

09:38 Women as Witnesses and Apostles

15:40 Addressing Difficult Bible Passages

24:46 Equality in Christ

25:37 Phoebe and Women Leaders in the Early Church

28:42 Biblical Texts on Marriage and Mutual Submission

39:36 Interpreting Genesis 3:16

43:17 The Role of Sin and Grace in the Bible

46:21 The Church as a Demonstration of God's Kingdom

48:35 Conclusion and Call to Action

Related Resources

Women and Words: From Oppression to Empowerment with Mayra Ugalde: Part 1 https://www.cbeinternational.org/resource/women-and-words-from-oppression-to-empowerment-women-in-scripture/

https://www.cbeinternational.org/resource/women-and-words-the-intersection-of-culture-and-bible-translation/

https://www.cbeinternational.org/resource/women-and-words-the-intersection-of-culture-and-bible-translation-part-3/

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in CBE’s Mutuality Matters’ podcast are those of its hosts or guests and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of CBE International or its members or chapters worldwide. The designations employed in this podcast and the presentation of content therein do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of CBE concerning the legal status of any country, area or territory or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers.