This book offers a comprehensive collection and analysis of early Christian traditions about Martha. It shows that the significance of Martha has been seriously underestimated and recovers a widespread tradition of Martha as apostle and authority figure for early Christians.

This interdisciplinary volume of text and art offers new insights into various unsolved mysteries associated with Mary Magdalene, Mary of Bethany, Mary the Mother of Jesus, and Miriam the sister of Moses. Mariamic traditions are often interconnected, as seen in the portrayal of these women as community leaders, prophets, apostles and priests. These traditions also are often inter-religious, echoing themes back to Miriam in the Hebrew Bible as well as forward to Maryam in the Qur'an. The chapters explore questions such as: which biblical Mary did the author of the Gospel of Mary intend to portray-Magdalene, Mother, or neither? Why did some writers depict Mary of Nazareth as a priest? Were extracanonical scriptures featuring Mary more influential than the canonical gospels on the depiction of Maryam in the Qur'an? Contributors dig deep into literature, iconography, and archaeology to offer cutting edge research under three overarching topics. The first section examines the question of "which Mary?" and illustrates how some ancient authors (and contemporary scholars) may have conflated the biblical Marys. The second section focuses on Mary of Nazareth, and includes research related to the portrayal of Mary the Mother of Jesus as a Eucharistic priest. The final section, “Recovering Receptions of Mary in Art, Archeology, and Literature,” explores how artists and authors have engaged with one or more of the Marys, from the early Christian era through to medieval and modern times.

This book gathers together a selection of essays and articles by the author that have as their main focus the Gospel of John. They explore the symbolism of the text and the way it communicates key Johannine themes, using a narrative critical approach, with attention to the theology emerging from the literary structures. The contents employ but also seek to move beyond critical methodology to a perspective that takes seriously feminist studies, as well as Eastern Orthodox theological emphasis on the integrity of creation.

This stimulating collection of essays by prominent scholars honors Carolyn Osiek. The essays reflect her career and attempt to pay tribute to both the unity and the diversity of her accomplishments. The authors interpret early Christians in their social world and women in early Christianity, with interpretations spanning the New Testament and early church documents. The editors have brought together an international group of scholars. The book includes both a comprehensive bibliography of Osiek's work as well as a brief introduction by the editors reflecting on their experiences with her during her career. Contributors: David Balch Jeremy W. Barrier Terri Bednarz, R.S.M. Laurie Brink, O.P. Warren Carter Adela Yarbro Collins Amy-Jill Levine Margaret Y. MacDonald Jason L. Merritt Halvor Moxnes Barbara Reid, O.P. David Rhoads Donald Senior, C.P. Yancy W. Smith

Over 3 million LifeChange studies sold LifeChange Bible studies train you in good Bible study practices as you enjoy a robust and engaging topical study. Learn the skill as you study the Word. Your study of the Scriptures will never be the same! Women are everywhere in the New Testament. They follow and serve Jesus, seek Him for healing, and play creative and essential roles in the early church. For much of our history, however, their stories have been mediated and interpreted through a male-centric lens. This may mean that you will be surprised when you see what an active and courageous role women played in the days when Jesus and His apostles announced the arrival of the Kingdom of God and the role Jesus continues to invite all of His disciples into today. In this LifeChange study guide, we will study how Jesus welcomes marginalized and culturally neglected people as disciples, publicly affirms their faith as examples for others, and empowers them to lead and use their gifts. Over the course of 8 sessions, we will learn about . . . Mary and Elizabeth The Samaritan Woman The Bleeding Woman The Canaanite Woman Martha Mary of Bethany Mary Magdalene The Women of Romans The LifeChange studies are optimized for small group use. Every study is broken down into 8–9 sessions of about 45 minutes. Each session includes: Questions, interpretation, and application of a passage to the topic Personally focused “Your Response” question “For Further Study” section that gives readers another passage to explore around the topic Callouts that include language study, historical context, and illuminating quotes from commentaries

This volume examines characters in the Fourth Gospel and provides an in-depth look at different approaches currently employed by scholars working with literary and reader-oriented methods. Divided into two sections, the book first considers method and theory, followed by exegetical character studies using a literary or reader-oriented method. It summarizes the state of the discussion, examines obstacles to arriving at a comprehensive theory of character in the Fourth Gospel, compares different approaches, and compiles the diverse methodologies into one comparative study. Through this detailed exegesis, the various theories will come alive, and the merits (or deficiencies) of each approach will be available to the reader. This volume is both a comprehensive study in narrative/reader-oriented theories, and a study in the application of those theories as they apply to characterization. Summing up current research on characters and characterization in the Fourth Gospel, this book also provides a comprehensive presentation of different approaches to character that have developed in recent years.