New Testament History and Literature with Dale B. Martin

The Acts of Paul and Thecla has a narrative quite similar to those in ancient Greco-Roman novels: Thecla becomes enamored of Paul and they share a number of adventures. However, the Acts redirects eroticism towards a belief in a gospel of purity and asceticism. The Acts of Paul and Thecla present an ascetic, anti-marriage, anti-family message that would break the cycle of sex, birth, death, and decay that was so obvious in the ancient world. Given that Thecla emerges from the story as the true hero (and not Paul), is it possible to read the story as a feminist one?

All Episodes - Season 1

Episode 1

Introduction: Why Study the New Testament?

Episode 2

From Stories to Canon

Episode 3

The Greco-Roman World

Episode 4

Judaism in the First Century

Episode 5

The New Testament as History

Episode 6

The Gospel of Mark

Episode 7

The Gospel of Matthew

Episode 8

The Gospel of Thomas

Episode 9

The Gospel of Luke

Episode 10

The Acts of the Apostles

Episode 11

Johannine Christianity: The Gospel 92,407 views

Episode 12

Johannine Christianity: The Letters

Episode 13

The Historical Jesus

Episode 14

Paul as Missionary

Episode 15

Paul as Pastor

Episode 16

Paul as Jewish Theologian

Episode 17

Paul's Disciples

Episode 18

Arguing with Paul?

Episode 19

The "Household" Paul: The Pastorals

Episode 20

The "Anti-household" Paul: Thecla

Episode 21

Interpreting Scripture: Hebrews

Episode 22

Interpreting Scripture: Medieval Interpretations

Episode 23

Apocalyptic and Resistance

Episode 24

Apocalyptic and Accommodation

Episode 25

Ecclesiastical Institutions: Unity, Martyrs, and Bishops

Episode 26

The "Afterlife" of the New Testament and Postmodern Interpretation