The Curmudgeon’s Chronicle

God’s Design for Man and Woman: A Comprehensive Case for Complementarianism, Part 12

Posted on 09/01/2025 at The Curmudgeon’s Chronicle

Resources to Dig Deeper into God’s Design

What a journey! Over 11 articles, we’ve explored Scripture’s blueprint for gender roles: men and women, equal in worth (Genesis 1:27), serving distinctly in marriage (Ephesians 5:22-33), church (1 Timothy 2:12), and society (Proverbs 31). From Eve’s role as ezer (Genesis 2:18) to the gospel’s beauty (Ephesians 5:32), complementarianism offers clarity amid cultural confusion, reflecting Christ’s love for His church. Now, in our final post, we equip you to dig deeper with resources – books, lexicons, and tools – to study God’s design. Whether you’re wrestling with 1 Timothy 2:12 or applying Proverbs 31 in your career, these tools will anchor you in Scripture. Join me as we close this series, praying for wisdom to live out the gospel’s beauty.

Recapping the Journey: A Gospel-Centered Blueprint

This 12-part series set out to make a biblical case for complementarianism, engaging opposing views fairly and fostering unity among God’s people. We began in Genesis 1-3, where God created men and women equal in dignity yet distinct in roles – Eve as ezer kenegdo (helper corresponding to Adam, Genesis 2:18), setting the stage for complementary partnership. New Testament passages like 1 Timothy 2:12, Ephesians 5:22-33, and 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 clarified male leadership in church and home, rooted in creation’s order. We examined egalitarianism’s claims – Galatians 3:28’s equality and women like Priscilla – finding they often overextend Scripture’s scope, while complementarianism aligns with God’s design. We explored biblical masculinity and femininity, calling men to humble leadership (Mark 10:45) and women to vibrant strength (Proverbs 31:26). We applied these truths to marriage, church roles, and society, addressing practical questions like women in politics or the workplace. We tackled objections – Is complementarianism oppressive or outdated? – showing Scripture’s timeless wisdom. Finally, in our last article, we tied a “gospel bow,” revealing how complementarianism reflects Christ’s sacrificial love for His church (Ephesians 5:32).

This journey wasn’t just academic. It’s about living out God’s design in a world torn between egalitarian sameness and patriarchal control. Whether you’re a husband leading like Christ, a wife partnering like the church, a single Christian serving vibrantly, or a church fostering unity, complementarianism equips you to glorify God. Now, let’s dive into resources to keep studying, ensuring your convictions rest on Scripture’s rock-solid foundation.

Resources to Explore God’s Design

Article 1 promised tools to dig deeper, from books to lexicons. Below is a curated list to help you study complementarianism, understand egalitarian arguments, and navigate cultural debates biblically. These resources – many cited in the series – are for everyone: pastors, couples, singles, or curious skeptics. Approach them with discernment, testing all against Scripture (Acts 17:11), and pray for wisdom to apply God’s truth (Proverbs 15:22).

Books on Complementarianism

These works defend complementarianism with biblical rigor and practical insight:

• Recovering Biblical Manhood & Womanhood by John Piper and Wayne Grudem (Crossway, 2006): A foundational defense of complementarianism, unpacking Genesis 2, Ephesians 5, and 1 Timothy 2.
• God, Marriage, and Family by Andreas J. Köstenberger and David W. Jones (Crossway, 2010): Explores biblical roles in marriage, family, and society, grounding complementarianism in creation and redemption.
• Men and Women in the Church by Kevin DeYoung (Crossway, 2021): A concise, accessible introduction to complementarianism, perfect for beginners.
• Women in the Church by Andreas J. Köstenberger and Thomas R. Schreiner (Crossway, 2016): A deep dive into 1 Timothy 2:9-15, addressing women’s roles in church.
• Evangelical Feminism & Biblical Truth by Wayne Grudem (Crossway, 2012): Answers over 100 egalitarian arguments with scriptural clarity.

Books on Egalitarianism

To engage opposing views fairly, as promised in Article 1, explore these egalitarian works, but test their claims against Scripture:

• Discovering Biblical Equality by Ronald W. Pierce and Rebecca Merrill Groothuis (InterVarsity Press, 2005): Argues for equal roles based on Galatians 3:28, it’s a key egalitarian text.
• Man and Woman, One in Christ by Philip Barton Payne (Zondervan, 2009): Offers exegetical arguments for egalitarianism, focusing on Paul’s letters.
• Paul, Women & Wives by Craig S. Keener (Hendrickson, 1992): Contextualizes Paul’s teachings, emphasizing cultural factors.
• Slaves, Women & Homosexuals by William J. Webb (InterVarsity Press, 2001): Explores hermeneutics, challenging cultural readings of gender roles.
• God and the Rhetoric of Sexuality by Phyllis Trible (Fortress Press, 1978): A literary analysis of Genesis 1-3, influential for egalitarian interpretations of creation’s equality.
• Battered Love: Marriage, Sex, and Violence in the Hebrew Prophets by Renita J. Weems (Fortress Press, 1995): Critiques patriarchal metaphors, aligning with egalitarian concerns about oppression.
• Good News for Women: A Biblical Picture of Gender Equality by Rebecca Merrill Groothuis (Baker Publishing Group, 1997): Advocates for egalitarian roles based on biblical equality.

Other Books on the Subject

• Two Views on Women in Ministry edited by Stanley N. Gundry and James R. Beck (Zondervan, 2005): Presents complementarian (e.g., Craig L. Blomberg) and egalitarian (e.g., Linda L. Belleville) arguments, encouraging dialogue.
• Recovering from Biblical Manhood and Womanhood by Aimee Byrd (Zondervan, 2020): Critiques domineering leadership while advocating for women’s contributions, leaning egalitarian.

Lexicons and Theological Dictionaries

For deeper word studies, these tools unpack Hebrew and Greek terms:

• A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (BDAG) by Arndt et al. (University of Chicago Press, 2000): Essential for terms like kephalē (head, Ephesians 5:23), authenteō (authority, 1 Timothy 2:12), and hypotassō (submit, Ephesians 5:22).
• A Greek-English Lexicon (LSJ) by Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, and Henry Stuart Jones (Clarendon Press, 1996): Covers broader Greek usage, complementing BDAG for terms like boēthos (helper, Genesis 2:18 in LXX).
• A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament (BDB) by Brown, Driver, and Briggs (Clarendon Press, 1977): Key for ezer (helper, Genesis 2:18) and eshet-chayil (woman of strength, Proverbs 31:10).
• Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (TDNT) by Kittel and Friedrich (Eerdmans, 1964-1976): Offers theological depth for terms like boēthos.

Primary Sources for Context

These provide cultural and historical insight:

• Letters by Pliny the Younger, trans. B. Radice (Penguin Classics, 1963): Illuminates Greco-Roman culture, contextualizing Paul’s writings.
• BGU 1208, A Letter from Tryphon to Asclepiades: Translation and Explanation by Gary Manning (unpublished, Academia.edu): Clarifies authenteō in 1 Timothy 2:12 with a 27 BC papyrus.
• Moralia by Plutarch (Loeb Classical Library): Offers Greco-Roman perspectives on social roles, including gender.
• Philo by Philo, trans. F. H. Colson et al. (Loeb Classical Library): Provides Jewish-Greco-Roman insights into family and gender dynamics.

Online Resources

These websites provide articles, sermons, and discussions:

• The Gospel Coalition (TheGospelCoalition.org): Provides articles and talks, such as Jen Wilkin’s 2024 panel on women’s roles, alongside broader biblical resources.
• Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood (CBMW.org): Focuses on complementarianism, offering articles, statements, and resources defending biblical gender roles.
• Reformation 21 (Reformation21.org): Features Reformed theology articles, including critiques of patriarchal extremes relevant to gender debates.
• The Aquila Report (TheAquilaReport.com): Covers Presbyterian and Reformed news, with occasional discussions on gender roles and church practice.

Study Tools

These platforms aid personal Bible study:

• Bible Gateway (BibleGateway.com): An accessible online Bible that offers multiple languages and is easy to search and reference.
• Blue Letter Bible (BlueLetterBible.org): Another great online Bible that also offers great interlinear tools for Hebrew (ezer) and Greek (kephalē, authenteō), enhancing word studies.

Podcasts and Sermons

Hear complementarian perspectives through audio:

• Desiring God (DesiringGod.org): Features John Piper’s sermons on gender roles, defending complementarianism.
• The Gospel Coalition Podcasts (TheGospelCoalition.org): Includes discussions on biblical manhood and womanhood, like Jen Wilkin’s talks.
• Women in Ministry – EVERYTHING the Bible Says and ALL the Debates About It by Mike Winger (YouTube): A comprehensive video series defending complementarianism with scriptural depth.

How to Use These Resources

Start with DeYoung’s Men and Women in the Church for an accessible overview or Piper and Grudem’s Recovering Biblical Manhood & Womanhood for depth. Use BDAG, LSJ, or BDB to study key terms like ezer (Genesis 2:18) or authenteō (1 Timothy 2:12) – Blue Letter Bible’s interlinear makes this easy. Read Pliny’s Letters or Moralia to grasp Greco-Roman context behind Paul’s writings. For balance, explore Trible or Payne’s egalitarian arguments, but test them against Grudem’s responses. Join a church study group to discuss these texts, praying for insight (Proverbs 15:22).

Study Questions to Dig Deeper

Reflect on these questions, alone or in a group, to apply God’s design:

• How does Genesis 2:18’s ezer design shape your view of women’s roles in church or home?
• How does Ephesians 5:32’s gospel mystery inspire your marriage or singleness?
• In what ways can Proverbs 31’s eshet-chayil model guide women in modern vocations?
• How does 1 Timothy 2:12-13's creation order inform church leadership today?
• How can men and women reflect Christ’s love (Ephesians 5:25) in society?

Key Passages for Study

To guide your study, here’s a table summarizing the core Scriptures shaping complementarianism. Use these as a starting point to explore God’s design, reflecting on their implications for your life and church.

Living It Out: A Call to Action

These resources aren’t just for study – they’re for living. Men, lead like Christ, sacrificially loving your wife or church (Ephesians 5:25). Women, shine like Proverbs 31’s woman, mentoring or serving boldly (Titus 2:3-5). Churches, teach God’s design clearly, fostering unity (Ephesians 4:3). Singles, serve Christ undividedly (1 Corinthians 7:7). Share your insights in the comments – how do these resources shape your walk? What questions linger? Join a study group, discuss with your pastor, or mentor others, letting God’s Word guide you (Psalm 119:105).

The Gospel’s Beauty: A Final Reflection

Complementarianism isn’t a rulebook but a reflection of Christ’s love for His church (Ephesians 5:32). From Genesis 2 to Titus 2, God’s design equips us to flourish as equals with distinct callings. In a world swayed by egalitarian sameness or patriarchal control, Scripture offers joy: men leading humbly, women partnering vibrantly, all pointing to Jesus. My own study – hours poring over Genesis, Paul’s letters, and lexicons – deepened my awe at this gospel picture. I pray you’ll dig into these resources, finding the same clarity and joy. How has this series shaped your view of God’s design? What step will you take to reflect Christ’s love?