Women and Weapons from Ephesians 5:12-28 & 1 Timothy 2:9-15

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Paul uses a lot of military imagery in Ephesians. He uses words of fealty, like soldiers who give their loyalty to their commanders. He uses words of armor, shields, and swords. Why? Because military images conferred status and honor in Roman society. It made sense to fight off evil using these spiritual weapons. This was especially important to the Ephesians who worshipped the warrior goddess Artemis. Artemis was a very positive figure in Ephesus, especially for women. Paul's appeal to the Ephesians used the military imagery of Artemis to show that Jesus was their true protector.

Reference: "Nobody's Mother" by Dr. Sandra Glahn, Professor at Dallas Theological Seminary