Paul, Women, & Wives: Marriage and Women's Ministry in the Letters of Paul

There's nothing I respect more than Godly men who are not afraid to uplift women and credit us as their equal heirs to God's kingdom. In a new age where most seek equality but some still sadly reach for the 50's, books like Keener's which explore the Biblical definition of women to its very roots are exactly what we need. This is certainly what I needed, anyway; after seeing book after book rip Paul's, Peter's, and several other Biblical men's words out of context to keep women from positions of leadership, this refreshing book is exactly what my tired soul craved. Keener goes straight to the heart of the issue, examining closely many passages in the Bible believed to elevate men over women and his revelations and arguements against mis-interpretation are simply brilliant. You think God meant for women to be followers and that the Bible supports this? I dare you to read this book and feel the same afterwards. Anyone who insists on keeping sexist roles in this day and age is, in my opinion, too concerned with their own insecurity to want to elevate others; I can never understand why some men are so terrified of the idea of women being in equal positions with them and why some women are so frightened at the idea of being credited with more than just house duties. This is perhaps the most thoroughly this topic has ever been explored and I strongly urge Christians of both sexes to read this. It is truly enlightening, especially if you're a woman who wishes to please God, but is afraid He doesn't value you as much because of your gender. Believe me, He does, and sometimes it takes wonderful men like Keener to reveal the truth. Yes, mutual submission IS true and Godly (to the fool who said it's not); this is very apparent in the Bible not just in the passages about marriage, but in teachings of Christian behavior. We are all meant to serve each other in Christ, and only by mutual submission and sacrifice will harmony be achieved. God, thank you for Keener and all those like him. Keener, thank you for this book.

For several years I have struggled with my "role" as a female in the church and what Paul meant in the letters he wrote to the Epheisans, the Galatians, and to Timothy. The exegesis in this book is absolutely wonderful and the research that Keener presents at the end of each chapter is some of the best scholarly research I have seen. If nothing else the bibliography alone is worth the money. Keener presents some of the hard passages and presents to the reader a context of which to base the reading and understanding of the texts. The greek word translations are also quite helpful. In the prologue Keener states that before writing the book he considered himself to be one who simply believed in strict conservative views concerning women and the church. After researching the subject thouroughly he presents some new questions for us to consider. As a woman who has spent several years considering the subject and wavering from side to side I did not feel that the book was offensive to either side of the spectrum but rather it presented some arguments and provides a space for the reader to consider their own place on the subject. Highly recommended!

Craig Keener is a remarkable scholar/writer. Conservative in methodology, nonetheless he explodes the idea that the view of women birthed in 1950s America is somehow rooted in the bible. Going to the root of the issue, Keener's historical reading places Paul's controversial texts about women in a world far different from ours. From that vantage point, the direction they point towards is greater inclusivity, greater mutuality, not the guarding of privilege and certainly not preserving the idea of Male as closer to God or Christ-likeness. You cannot read this book seriously and attentively without at the very least rethinking your point of view.

This book is probably the best evangelical treatment of all of the biblical passages that relate to this issue. Keener looks at issues involving the original language and the cultural setting without making the book inaccessable to average readers. If this is a new issue for you the book may not answer all of your questions, but it is a great starting place

I highly recommend this to laity and seminary students alike. Too many women have been hurt in Paul's name. Women rediscover the depth and brillance of Paul's writing and men gain a deeper understanding of the issues Paul was addressing. For a detailed and honest look at Paul's views on women and the culture he lived in this is the tour de force!