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Women and the Church: Paul, Women, & Biblical Texts

A guide highlighting resources on women's historical and current contributions to the Church, as well as the various viewpoints on what those roles should be. This includes resources exploring the Pauline texts associated with this topic.

Paul and Women

When considering women and the church, in particular gender roles and church leadership, one must consider Paul's letters. The three main texts are found in 1 Corinthians, 1 Timothy, and Ephesians. Highlighted below are books by biblical scholars and theologians exploring Paul's letters, as well as commentaries on these biblical texts. When searching for books on Paul and his work, enter Epistles of Paul. Look for this subject with Criticism, Interpretation, etc. attached to it. You can also enter Paul, the Apostle, Saint. When searching commentaries either enter Epistles of Paul with Commentaries attached, or the specific Bible book name with Commentaries (i.e., 1 Timothy Commentaries). Commentaries on 1st Corinthians are found in 227.207(7), with Commentaries on 1 Timothy in 227.8307(7) and commentaries on Ephesians in 227.507(7).

Resources Exploring Paul's Letters

A Selection of Commentaries on Paul's Letters