Nobody's Mother: Artemis of the Ephesians in Antiquity and the New Testament

How Has Misinterpreting Paul Led to the Silencing of Women?

Some Christians interpret Paul’s statement that women will be “saved through childbearing” in 1 Timothy 2:15 to mean that their primary purpose is in delivering and raising children. Alternative readings sometimes fail to consider the best historical and textual evidence.

Sandra Glahn argues that misunderstandings about Paul stem from a lack of context about the society to which he wrote. A key to interpreting 1 Timothy, she suggests, is understanding a mysterious figure in the letter: the goddess Artemis.

Based on groundbreaking research into Artemis of the Ephesians, Nobody’s Mother:

• Demonstrates how deeper background knowledge supports a faithful interpretation,
• Combines spiritual autobiography with scholarly exploration, transporting readers to ancient Ephesus and across early church history, and
• Shows how the cult of Artemis helps us grasp the radical, countercultural community that New Testament writers envisioned.

This book is ideal for readers who want to uphold a high view of Scripture while reconciling complex interpretations of gender. By examining Paul’s advice to Timothy and leveraging insights from ancient Greek myths, Nobody’s Mother lays a foundation for men and women serving side by side in the church.

---

REVIEWS

"Nobody's Mother is a witty title for a brilliant work on first-century Artemis of the Ephesians. Sandra Glahn's encyclopedic research brings the goddess into sharp focus, dispelling 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, Houston Christian University

"Nobody’s Mother is an impressive contribution to the discussion of women in church leadership and the background of 1 Timothy. With attention to archaeological and exegetical details, Sandra Glahn dives deep into the complexities of one of the most debated passages in the New Testament. Her scholarly, responsible work is essential for anyone studying 1 Tim 2:8-15."
—Preston Sprinkle, author, speaker, and host of Theology in the Raw podcast

"Sandra Glahn brings the significance of Artemis worship to bear in understanding 'saved through childbearing' (1 Tim 2:15). By exploring who Artemis was and how this context shaped Paul's writings, Nobody’s Mother provides essential insights for applying these texts accurately today."
—Christa L. McKirland, theology lecturer, Carey Baptist College

"Nobody’s Mother offers fresh insights into 1 Timothy 2. With her close attention to material culture and biblical text, Glahn’s evidence challenges us to see Artemis differently, encouraging a fresh reading of this passage."
—Amy Peeler, professor of New Testament, Wheaton College

"Sandra Glahn’s in-depth study of Artemis from ancient sources reconstructs some long-held views and provides a unique cultural and theological understanding of 1 Timothy. This work will remain foundational for understanding Artemis and her implications in the biblical narrative."
—Octavio Javier Esqueda, professor, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University

"Sandra Glahn’s meticulous research on Artemis offers compelling scholarship that should be read by every serious student of the New Testament. Nobody’s Mother revitalizes the conversation on 1 Timothy and other Ephesus-related passages."
—Kelley Mathews, coauthor of 40 Questions About Women in Ministry

"Nobody's Mother provides a clear and compelling interpretation for one of the most unclear passages in Scripture. By examining the historical context, Glahn reframes how we view the spiritual value of women beyond motherhood."
—Beth Allison Barr, professor of history, Baylor University

---

CONTENTS

• Introduction

1. Why Take a Fresh Look?
2. The Story of Ephesus in Stone and Scripture
3. Artemis in the Literary Sources
4. Artemis in the Epigraphic Sources
5. Artemis in Architecture and Art
6. Saved Through Childbearing

• Acknowledgments
• Abbreviations
• Bibliography
• General Index
• Scripture Index
• Ancient Writings Index

---

About Sandra L. Glahn
Sandra L. Glahn is a professor of media arts and worship at Dallas Theological Seminary. She specializes in first-century cultural contexts, especially those related to women, gender, and the arts. Her previous works include Vindicating the Vixens, Earl Grey with Ephesians, and Sanctified Sexuality (coeditor).