The Myth Behind the Meaning of Paul’s Words on Women and Childbearing

Sandra Glahn studies the record of an Ephesian goddess to aid our reading of a challenging passage.As a female New Testament scholar, I simply do not have the luxury of avoiding 1 Timothy 2:11–15, where Paul, after stating that women should “learn in quietness and full submission,” claims they “will be saved through childbearing.” The “saved through childbearing” verse has been quoted to me by more strangers and (possibly) well-meaning acquaintances than