Junia, woman apostle.
Junia was "noted among the apostles", a statement which has left those who wish that the Bible hadn't said such things in some discomfort. Some have tried to twist the meaning of this verse, even going so far as to say that Junia was a man!However, the definitive work demonstrating once and for all that Junia was in fact an apostle has been released. It is Junia: The First Woman Apostle by Eldon Jay Epp, Harkness Professor of Biblical Literature (Emeritus) at Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, Ohio), and the President of the Society of Biblical Literature (2003–4). He is the author of Studies in the Theory and Method of New Testament Textual Criticism (Eerdmans, 1993). The ISBN for this book is 0800637712
The following is from the notes on Romans 16:7 in The Source New Testament:
The female name Junia occurs more than 250 times in inscriptions found in Rome alone, whereas the name “Junias”, has not been found anywhere. Origin (185-253), the earliest commentator on Romans 16:7, referred to Junia as female. Jerome (c.340-420) did likewise. Chrysostom (4th century), writes, “To be an apostle is something great. But to be outstanding among the apostles: just think what a wonderful song of praise that is! They were outstanding on the basis of their works and virtuous actions. Indeed, how great the wisdom of this woman must have been that she was even deemed worthy of the title of apostle.” The earliest suggestion that Junia was a man is from the 13th century, when Aegidius of Rome (1245-1316) referred to Andronicus and Junia as “honorable men”.
posted by Ann Nyland @ 6:38 PM
2 Comments:
Re: Junia, woman apostle,
You quoted Chrysostom (4th century):
"They were outstanding on the basis of their works and virtuous actions. Indeed, how great the wisdom of this woman must have been that she was even deemed worthy of the title of apostle.”
I am certainly glad Chrysostom said this but it is a bit patronising.
I just wonder if Chrysostom would have made the same comment "works and virtuous actions" if Junia were a male. Perhaps instead he would have explored the title of Apostle a bit more and have said such things about Junia as 'Teacher', 'courageous in the faith', an 'exemplary leader', and as such, Junia would have, like Paul, recognised, appointed and encouraged church leaders as Paul did, instructing them in matters of doctrine and church government etc etc.
Patricia
Yay, Dr. Ann Nyland has a blog! Oh happy day. The Source is my favorite translation. It has revolutionized my desire to study scripture.
Becky :)
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home