This study explores the traditionally misunderstood or despised women of the Bible and reveals what their stories have to tell us today. Included are questions for reflection and discussion.

This book presents the stories of fourteen, well-known men in the Bible -- who are strong and weak, faithful and challenged. Cain, Abraham, Moses, Samson, Saul, David, Judas, and Pontius Pilate are some of the men included.

Providing balance to her earlier book, Bad Girls of the Bible: Exploring Women of Questionable Virtue, Barbara J. Essex uncovers the life stories of the male "giants" of faith -- who have also committed outrageous acts.

Essex reveals a side of biblical men not often reflected or considered in most preaching and teaching. Their lives are a mixture of curiosity, shame, anger, sadness, and triumph. She presents the men in the context of their culture, leadership style, and basic human characteristics as they attempt to work on behalf of God and God's people.

The book contains:

-- 14 Bible study units on selected "bad boys" with an overview of biblical texts, context, and reflection questions

-- Suggestions for using this material in preaching and teaching

-- Bibliography for further study

This resource is informative, fun, and written for the average layperson who may not have extensive knowledge of the Bible.

Deciphering women's stories in the Bible can be frustrating and lead to dead ends. So many women appear once and then disappear. Most are not even given a name. Women in the Bible uncovers women's stories and provides tools for studying women in the Bible. Each chapter examines a particular group of women, such as wives and mothers, prophets and leaders, then focuses on individual women.Insights: Bible Studies for Growing Faith is a fresh and timely Bible study series. In these short-term, thematically based resources, individuals and groups are invited to find meaning and direction for their lives by exploring the Scriptures in a way that is both thoughtful and thought-provoking.

This is the tenth anniversary edition of a Pilgrim Press favorite. Jesus and Those Bodacious Women is well known for its new spins on the stories of biblical women such as Mary Magdalene, the Bent-over Woman, Queen Esther, and Mary, among others. The tenth anniversary edition contains spins on the stories of five additional biblical women: Vashti, Jezebel, Cozbi (the prostitute in the Book of Numbers), Dorcas, and Lydia.