There is much evidence from archeology and the writings of early Christian leaders that women held leadership positions in the early church.  But within half a millennia of the church's beginning, the restriction of women's leadership had become the "traditional" view. In this issue of Priscilla Papers, we rediscover and contemplate women who lead and ministered in the New Testament and the early church.

Carrie L. Bates starts us off with a thoughtful analysis of ontology and how notable women in the early church may have viewed themselves. J. David Miller then offers us a rich and well-researched portrait of Phoebe and her part in the ministry with the Apostle Paul. Lisa Baumert reviews how scriptural interpretation affects our understanding of the epistle to the Ephesians, and Ruth Hoppin offers further evidence that Priscilla may have been the author of the book of Hebrews. Beth M. Stovell reviews The New Testament in Antiquity, and H. Edgar Hix concludes our issue with a vivid and powerful poem, “The Shepherd.”
 

IN THIS ISSUE:

• Editor's Reflections
  by WILLIAM DAVID SPENCER 
   
• Gender Ontology and Women in Ministry in the Early Church
  by CARRIE L. BATES
   
• What Can We Say about Phoebe?
  by J. DAVID MILLER 
   
• Biblical Interpretation and the Epistle to the Ephesians
  by LISA BAUMERT
   
• Responding to Questions about Priscilla as Author of Hebrews
  by RUTH HOPPIN 
   
• Book Review: The New Testament in Antiquity
  by BETH M. STOVELL  
   
• Poem: "The Shepherd"
  by H. EDGAR HIX