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Nobody's Mother: Artemis of the Ephesians in Antiquity and the New Testament Paperback – October 10, 2023

4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 103 ratings

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Christianity Today Book Award Finalist―Biblical Studies

How Has Misinterpreting Paul Led to the Silencing of Women?

Some Christians think Paul's reference to "saved through childbearing" in 1 Timothy 2:15 means that women are slated primarily for delivering and raising children. Alternate readings, however, sometimes fail to build on the best historical and textual evidence.

Sandra Glahn thinks that we have misunderstood Paul by misunderstanding the context to which he wrote. A key to reading and applying 1 Timothy, Glahn argues, lies in getting to know a mysterious figure who haunts the letter: the goddess Artemis.

Based on groundbreaking research and new data about Artemis of the Ephesians, Nobody's Mother:

  • Demonstrates how better background information supports faithful interpretation,
  • Combines spiritual autobiography with scholarly exploration, taking readers on a journey to ancient Ephesus and across early church history, and
  • Unveils the cult of Artemis and how early Christians related to it can give us a clearer sense of the type of radical, countercultural fellowship the New Testament writers intended Christ's church to be.

This book is for those who want to avoid sacrificing a high view of Scripture while working to reconcile conflicting models of God's view of women. Through the unexpected channel of Paul's advice to Timothy―and the surprising help of an ancient Greek myth―Nobody's Mother lays a biblical foundation for men and women serving side by side in the church.

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From the Publisher

Text "'Has Misinterpreting Paul led to the Silencing of Women?" on a blue background
'Nobody's Mother' Book cover on a blue background

Interview with Sandra L. Glahn, author of 'Nobody's Mother'

What led to your interest in researching and writing about Artemis and the context of Paul's letters?

As a Bible teacher experiencing infertility and pregnancy loss, I read Paul's statement that "she will be saved through childbearing" (1 Tim 2:15 NRSV) and was told it meant women (including me) needed to redirect teaching gifts away from the church and toward our own children-which I lacked. In making this statement about childbearing, was Paul laying out a universal truth rooted in creation order, or was he drawing on the Genesis creation story to correct a local one in Ephesus, where Timothy the recipient of his words-resided? The answer lies in understanding the spiritual and cultural context, part of which Acts 19 provides. The goddess Artemis had a stranglehold on Ephesus at the time of the earliest Christians. So, who was Artemis of the Ephesians at the time of Paul and Timothy? The answer is essential to determining a biblical anthropology of woman: Who is woman and what did God make her to do?

What do you hope your book contributes to the field of New Testament studies?

  • Corrects falsehood relating to biblical anthropology and ecclesiology about woman
  • Provides social and spiritual context for 1 Timothy (with ramifications for other pastoral epistles)
  • Lays to rest the myth that Artemis was a nurturing mother goddess or bringer of some sort of feminine principle
  • Establishes the identity of the Ephesian Artemis described in Acts 19

Chapters include

  • Why Take a Fresh Look?
  • Ephesus: The City's Story in Stone and Scripture
  • Artemis in the Literary Sources
  • Artemis in the Epigraphic Sources
  • Artemis in Architecture and Art
  • Saved Through Childbearing

Praise for 'Nobody's Mother'

Praise from Amy Peeler about 'Nobody's Mother'

Praise from Preston Sprinkle about 'Nobody's Mother'

Praise from Kelly Mathews about 'Nobody's Mother'

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Nobody's Mother is a witty title for a brilliant work on first-century Artemis of the Ephesians. Sandra Glahn's encyclopedic research into the literary, epigraphic, and iconographic evidence brings the goddess into sharp focus, dispelling persistent myths. In accessible prose, Glahn persuasively argues that understanding Artemis is key to unlocking 1 Timothy 2:15's enigmatic phrase, 'saved through childbearing.' A must-read for students and scholars alike." -- Lynn H. Cohick, distinguished professor of New Testament and director of Houston Theological Seminary at Houston Christian University, and associate editor of the Dictionary of Paul and His Letters, second edition

"Nobody's Mother is an impressive contribution to the discussion about women in church leadership and the background of 1 Timothy. With studious attention to archaeological and exegetical details, Sandra Glahn dives deep into some of the most complex questions surrounding one of the most complicated passages in the New Testament. Not every reader will agree with Glahn's conclusions, but everyone who is interested in what Paul was trying to say in 1 Tim 2:8-15 must wrestle with Glahn's scholarly, responsible work. I found this book very hard to put down!" -- Preston Sprinkle, author, speaker, and host of the Theology in the Raw podcast

"In this masterful literary, epigraphic, architectural, and exegetical study, Sandra Glahn brings the significance of Artemis worship to bear in the interpretation of being 'saved through childbearing' (1 Tim 2:15). This text is critically linked to the seemingly transcultural prohibition of women teaching men (1 Tim 2:12). However, anyone seeking to be faithful to Scripture should remember that these texts were first God's Word to others before they were God's Word to us. By understanding who Artemis of the Ephesians was and how this likely influenced these texts, Glahn exposes the context of 1 Timothy to apply these words more accurately today. This book is a game changer." -- Christa L. McKirland, theology lecturer at Carey Baptist College and executive director of Logia International

"It seemed highly unlikely to me that anyone could say anything fresh about 1 Timothy 2. Sandra Glahn has proven me wrong. With its close attention to material culture and biblical text, Glahn's evidence demands that we understand Artemis differently and therefore read this passage with fresh eyes. Immediately compelling through Glahn's honest personal narrative, Nobody's Mother kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't wait to see Glahn's conclusions. Now that I've read them, I know I'll be thinking about them, and changing how I teach this text, for a long time." -- Amy Peeler, professor of New Testament at Wheaton College

"Paul's phrase 'saved through childbearing' becomes controversial to modern readers who approach the text from afar and yet attempt to apply it to their present contexts. An incorrect biblical interpretation leads to incorrect applications that, in some instances, like the one in this passage, bring devastating consequences for women who have had an unsupported and extrabiblical burden imposed on them. Sandra Glahn provides a unique cultural, historical, and theological understanding of this passage. In fact, Nobody's Mother is a masterful work that will remain the foundational text for understanding Artemis of the Ephesians and her implications in the biblical narrative. This work exemplifies how cultural, historical, and biblical scholarship serve the body of Christ worldwide." -- Octavio Javier Esqueda, director of the PhD and EdD programs in educational studies and professor of Christian higher education at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University

"Sometimes biblical scholars don't know what they don't know. Then, like a restoration specialist removing layers of superfluous material to uncover the original beneath, a scholar unveils new research that cuts through old assumptions and suppositions. Sandra Glahn's meticulous exploration of Artemis of the Ephesians offers compelling and unavoidable scholarship necessary for every serious student of the New Testament. Nobody's Mother will revitalize the conversation around 1 Timothy and other Ephesus-related biblical writings." -- Kelley Mathews, coauthor of 40 Questions About Women in Ministry

"I appreciate this extensive study of Artemis from ancient sources that may not have been available to previous interpreters. Glahn's findings not only deconstruct some long-held views of the goddess, they also add depth to our knowledge of this leading deity in the social world of Ephesus in the first century. Nobody's Mother gives readers fresh perspective on texts like 1 Timothy 2:15 for modern interpretation by shining light on local, cultural realities that have previously lurked in the shadows." -- Gary G. Hoag, author of Wealth in Ancient Ephesus and the First Letter to Timothy

"What a clear and compelling explanation for one of the most unclear passages in Scripture! This eye-opening book evaluates all the available evidence―literary, archaeological, and biblical―to help us better understand not only the historical context of Paul's words but also how the spiritual worth of a woman is not tied to the physical state of motherhood. Glahn's own story of infertility will encourage women in the modern church just as powerfully as her argument reframes women in first-century Ephesus." -- Beth Allison Barr, James Vardaman Professor of History at Baylor University and author of The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth

Review

"What a clear and compelling explanation for one of the most unclear passages in Scripture! This eye-opening book evaluates all the available evidence―literary, archaeological, and biblical―to help us better understand not only the historical context of Paul's words but also how the spiritual worth of a woman is not tied to the physical state of motherhood. Glahn's own story of infertility will encourage women in the modern church just as powerfully as her argument reframes women in first-century Ephesus."

-- Beth Allison Barr, James Vardaman Professor of History at Baylor University and author of The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ IVP Academic (October 10, 2023)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 200 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1514005921
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1514005927
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.7 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 103 ratings

About the author

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Sandra Glahn
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Sandra Glahn (ThM, Dallas Theological Seminary; PhD, UT Dallas) aspires to "Making scholarship accessible through story and analogy"—whether about art, culture, gender, women's issues, first-century backgrounds, or the body. And she wears many hats: Marriage partner. Mother. Novelist. Seminary professor. Mentor. Advocate. Women in antiquity fan. Reader. Blogger for bible.org's Engage blog for women in ministry leadership on second and fourth Tuesdays. Author of 20+ books including the Coffee Cup Bible Study series. General editor of *Vindicating the Vixens: Revisiting Sexualized, Vilified, and Marginalized Women of the Bible" and "Sanctified Sexuality: Valuing Sex in an Oversexed World." Her most recent work is Nobody's Mother: Artemis of the Ephesians in Antiquity and the New Testament" (IVP Academic).

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
103 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's research quality scholarly yet accessible. They appreciate the well-researched background and culture surrounding Paul. The book is clear and easy to understand, providing insights into confusing passages of the New Testament. Readers are grateful for the work done by women scholars in the field.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

30 customers mention "Research quality"30 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's research quality good. It provides a thorough background and culture around Paul, with an interesting review of stories and inscriptions regarding Artemis of the Ephesians. The book provides insights into what Paul's intent might have been, and the end notes provide great resources for further reading. While not long, it's packed with information and insightful historical data.

"...This book is wonderful and deeply insightful! It truly is a treasure to the church and helps us examine difficult texts in a helpful and compelling..." Read more

"...such a deep subject, I found the research solid and the explanations and stories interesting as she looked at the apostle Paul's words to Timothy..." Read more

"...as better understanding Paul's style of writing, the importance of Ephesus in the New Testament, and the larger role, often forgotten by most..." Read more

"...Dr. Glahn’s book is not long, but is packed with information - plenty of Scriptural references as well as historical references...." Read more

12 customers mention "Accessibility"12 positive0 negative

Customers find the book accessible and well-written. They say it's a useful academic resource that is clear and easy to understand. The author provides helpful insights into how to interpret confusing passages in the New Testament. Readers appreciate the personal writing style and references to Scripture, literature, and inscriptions from that era.

"...the role of women in the Church, as well as better understanding Paul's style of writing, the importance of Ephesus in the New Testament, and the..." Read more

"...It was challenging for me, but still very accessible if you are a student (lay student) of the Bible." Read more

"...Sandra Glahn is a quality writer and researcher. Read the end notes for great resources for further reading. Also catch her podcasts on Alabaster Jar." Read more

"...Written in a clear, easy-to-understand method, Dr. Glahn’s words and evidence build a compelling case...." Read more

4 customers mention "Gender equality"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the gender equality in the book. They find the answer restores dignity to women and are grateful for the work done by women scholars. The book encourages a deeper understanding of teaching and leadership roles for women, setting them free.

"...all available records to answer this question, and the answer restores dignity to women while exposing the fact that, contrary to Occam's Razor, the..." Read more

"...As the church forms and deploys women in teaching and leadership roles, this book encourages a deeper perspective and provides more insight into..." Read more

"...is incredible, the best thing about Nobody's Mother is that it will set women free and create a bridge for so many who have been hurt by the words..." Read more

"...I couldn't put the book down! I'm grateful for women scholars in the field and the work that went into this book." Read more

A fascinating examination of Artemis and her impact on scripture
5 out of 5 stars
A fascinating examination of Artemis and her impact on scripture
It’s hard to know where to start when talking about this book. Nobody’s Mother speaks into the ongoing discussion about gender roles in the church. Sandra brings a personal touch that carries through the book. Her long examination of this topic is clear in the depth of information shared, not just assumption, but literary and historical evidence that Artemis was not the god of fertility, but instead her focuses were virginity, she was the midwife, but not a modern feminist. Thank you, Dr Glahn for expanding the research in this field. I recommend this book to all pastors and theologians, especially those working in ministry today.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2024
    First off, I don’t quite know what I was expecting as I started this book, other than taking a good look at the words in 1 Timothy in light of the whole of the Scriptures. Instead, Glahn blew me out of the water with her research, exposition, and conclusions. This book is wonderful and deeply insightful! It truly is a treasure to the church and helps us examine difficult texts in a helpful and compelling way! Definitely recommend.
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2023
    As a young girl, I desperately wanted to be the woman God wanted me to be and I looked to the Bible for understanding. I have struggled between the teachings I heard from pastors around the role of a woman (conflicting accounts or ridiculous expectations) as well as confusing commentaries written by men who view things literally. For this reason, I jumped at the chance to read Sandra Glahn's book "Nobody's Mother". I found her research compelling as she dove into cultural context, Scriptural interpretation, and a desire to understand what was being said. While a fairly small book for such a deep subject, I found the research solid and the explanations and stories interesting as she looked at the apostle Paul's words to Timothy and God's intent for women. Will this sway the most ardent defenders of the literal interpretation of Scripture? Probably not, but I feel if you can maintain an open mind and look at the evidence, you may find that God's intent is not what you thought it was. Definitely worth a read!
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2023
    Nobody's Mother explores some of Paul's more difficult statements in 1 Timothy 2 related to women, specifically "saved through childbearing" (1 Timothy 2:15). However, the majority of the book builds up the historic background and context of 1st century Rome and Ephesus, the city in which Paul's recipient Timothy was ministering. This background is presented in a very engaging and revealing way that kept me turning pages and excited to learn what was coming up in each successive chapter.

    The final chapter brings everything together and delivers the payoff remarkably well. I was delighted with the insights Dr. Glahn pulled in from Paul's other writings, especially those written from or to Ephesus, as well as the comparison with 1 Peter. I enjoyed the thoroughness of the research and the carefully considered delivery of the conclusions.

    I think Nobody's Mother is and will continue to be an important volume for understanding the role of women in the Church, as well as better understanding Paul's style of writing, the importance of Ephesus in the New Testament, and the larger role, often forgotten by most Westerners, of established cult practices that Christianity was displacing.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2023
    Dr. Sandra Glahn has done a masterful job researching Artemis of the Ephesians for the background of her book. If you are not familiar with Greek mythology, you may be a bit overwhelmed (as I was) in some chapters. But hang in there - the background info builds toward her conclusion regarding women teaching in the church and women “saved through childbirth.”

    I gleaned a lot of info that I previously did not know about Ephesus, Artemis and a better understanding of the culture of the people reading the original Pauline letter. I found that much of what I had been taught (and in turn taught to Bible study groups) was incorrect.

    Dr. Glahn’s book is not long, but is packed with information - plenty of Scriptural references as well as historical references. I enjoyed the book, though it will take more than one read to really absorb all the research to the point where I could somewhat explain it. It was challenging for me, but still very accessible if you are a student (lay student) of the Bible.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2023
    I can count the number of reviews I've written on one hand. After I write this, it'll still be true. Not really interested in a summary and critique sort of 'paper in a review' here. I just want to say, I'm pretty conversant with the subject of women's roles in ministry (full disclosure: I'm a former complimentarian). This is exegesis at its best. There are three times when a book has been instrumental in supplying the clarity and support I needed as my theology was/had shifting/ed. The first is Instone-Brewer's work on marriage and divorce, the second is Walton's work on the ANE regarding Genesis 1-2; this is the third. Glahn's book is profound, careful, gracious, and convincing. A must read.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2023
    To that obscure “she shall be saved through childbearing” verse of 1 Timothy 2:15 Sandra Glahn brings some much needed illumination. Bible teachers should always endeavor to teach scripture with the “them then, before us now.” perspective; the epistles were letters with original audiences, those original audiences had a context unique to their time and place. The background of first century Artemis, and her relationship to the city and people of Ephesus has been beautifully brought to light through Sandra Glahn’s careful scholarship.
    This book has some strong implications for how we interpret this controversial passage (including the verses the precede 2:15), but it is also a fascinating read full of intriguing historical data.
    A note of significance is the amount of information that is now accessible to us, which was not even a few decades ago. As we understand more and more of the first century and early church, our lens for viewing and interpreting scripture sometimes needs adjustment. This is not to say that the Word of God changes, it does not, but our understanding of it is hopefully always growing.
    Thank you Dr. Glahn for your work, as well as sharing your story and journey.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2024
    We needed this new look at who Artemis was to the Ephesians in order to better understand the text. Sandra Glahn is a quality writer and researcher. Read the end notes for great resources for further reading. Also catch her podcasts on Alabaster Jar.

Top reviews from other countries

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  • Sharon E. Leighton
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent scholarship and great readability
    Reviewed in Canada on November 6, 2023
    This very well-written book sheds the light of biblical scholarship and archaeology on the passages in Paul's letters to Timothy that appear to restrict the role of women in the church. It was the author's intent to discover the exact meaning that Paul intended to convey with the phrase generally translated "saved through childbearing". Her exploration of this one phrase leads her through a study of the goddess Artemis, known also as "Diana of the Ephesians", and to the society in Ephesus in Paul's time. Her painstaking scholarship and clear logic surrounding this one phrase are superb.

    Of course, she could hardly address that without addressing also Paul's apparent proscriptions against women speaking or teaching in church or his possible principle that women should submit to men. These sections of her work do shed some light on the issues involved and are a positive contribution to the scholarly dialogue on these matters.

    I did wish that her bibliography had included Bob Edwards, a Canadian scholar whose discussions of the word "authentein" are thorough and, for me, illuminating. Women are not forbidden, in 1 Timothy, simply "to teach", but "to teach authentein". The "authentein", as this and other authors acknowledge, is a second infinitive, which would probably not be read as "to teach or to authentein", as most interpreters, including Ms. Glahn, phrase it. It shows a verbal, that is, a verb used as a noun. In English, we would probably use a gerund: "to teach driving" or "to teach public speaking". This means that what Paul was forbidding was teaching a specific subject.

    As for what subject so horrified Paul that he would forbid its teaching, Bob Edwards has done a lot of good work on this, and argues convincingly that what was being forbidden was to teach castrating men. This is such a shocking idea to the modern mind that few will even take it seriously, even though we know that as late as the Renaissance, young boys were being castrated to preserve their angelic voices. There is evidence from non-polemic sources of the period that when a new priest was dedicated to the service of Artemis, he was probably castrated. And do not forget that later Christian writers, like St. Basil, did indeed teach against the idea that self-castration was a virtuous act. The idea had definitely entered the church somehow. It could easily have been in St. Paul's day, and through the influence of a pagan goddess who rejected sexuality and honored celibacy above all things.

    For this reason, I would not call this book the definitive teaching on 1 Timothy and the goddess of Ephesus, but it is a very worthy addition to the library of anyone interested in accurate readings of Scripture, the culture of Paul's day, the identity of Artemis or Diana of the Ephesians, or the role of women in the church and in Christian society.
  • johannes eichstätter
    1.0 out of 5 stars Enthält nur 80-90 Seiten Text!!!
    Reviewed in Germany on December 19, 2024
    Die genaue Seitenzahl konnte ich auf dem Kindle nicht erkennen, aber nach 45% Lesefortschritt war der eigentliche Text zu Ende und der übrige Teil des Buches war aufgebläht mit Danksagungen, diversen Verzeichnissen, Rezensionen zum Buch etc... Das ist ziemlich frech!
    Inhaltlich ist die Ausführung zu der im Titel angedeuteten These sehr interessant und die Autorin zeigt wie ich finde recht überzeugend nach, dass Artemis eben keine Fruchtbarkeitsgöttin war.
    Der Bezug zu der oft disktuierten Stelle im Brief an Timotheus, dass Frauen "durch die Kindergeburt gerettet werden", erscheint dagegen sehr konstruiert und gewollt. Leider stellt sich also der erhoffte Effekt, dass sich durch das neue Hintergrundwissen eine stimmige und natürliche Lesart ergibt nicht ein. Aus der "Rettung der Frau" wird einfach der Trost, dass ihnen von Artemis keine Gefahr ausgeht und aus dem Zusammenhang zum Schöpfungsbericht wird - tja eigentlich gar nichts. Mal wieder...
  • AFJ La Trobe-Bateman
    5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommend
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 5, 2024
    This little book should be on every pastor's bookshelf.