Paul's arguments in 1 Corinthians 11-14 - from the role of women in public worship, to the value of speaking in tongues and prophecy for the unbeliever - have long posed challenges to the lay reader and scholar. Despite numerous explanations offered over the years, these passages remain marked by inconsistencies, contradictions, and puzzles. Lucy Peppiatt offers an interpretation in which she proposes that Paul was in conversation with the Corinthian male leadership concerning their domineering, superior and selfish practices, which included coercing women to wear head coverings, lording it over the 'have-nots' at the Lord's Supper, and ordering married women to keep quiet in church. Peppiatt's bold arguments not only bring internal coherence to the text, but also paint a picture of the apostle gripped by a vision for a new humanity 'in the Lord', resulting in his refusal to compromise with the traditional views of his own society. Instead, Paul tells the Corinthians to become more like Christ, to make 'love' their aim, and to restore dignity and honour to women, outsiders, and the poor.

Synopsis: In The Disciple, Lucy Peppiatt addresses the question of what it means to "become like Jesus" in the context of our everyday lives. Through the gifts of the Word and the Spirit, our communities, and our circumstances in life, God forms us into the likeness of his Son and leads us into a life of freedom, in relationship with the Father, where we experience what it means to become truly and fully human. The Disciple brings together theological depth, stories from Scripture, and examples from everyday life to paint a picture of the dynamic work of God in our lives and how we might respond to his work so that we are brought into the richness and reality of the life of the kingdom. Following Jesus means being apprenticed and schooled in the ways of freedom and the fullness of life. The Disciple combines theology and practice, including suggestions of how to respond in practical ways, as individuals, and in our communities, to the calling of God on our lives to "follow him." Endorsements: "In Peppiatt we find that all-too-rare combination of biblical scholar, academic theologian, and church planter who brings her winsomeness and wisdom, her gifts as teacher and pastor, to show us how we can develop a church community whose members really do look like Christ " --Simon Ponsonby, Dean of Studies, Oxford Centre of Church Growth "This is a wise book. It shows wisdom gained through Peppiatt's journey of discipleship and her vast experience of accompanying and nurturing others in faith. It is an account written by someone who knows the way of faith passes through the wilderness, that there are Gethsemanes to be faced. Yet this account of Christian discipleship is, above all, a testimony to the sufficiency of God's grace. I warmly commend it to you." --From the Foreword by Murray Rae, University of Otago, New Zealand "The Disciple is deceptive in its simplicity. It is a work of theology, shaped by a deep understanding of the great doctrines regarding the person of Christ, the work of the Holy Spirit, and divine providence. Yet it is everywhere pastoral rather than polemical, making space for the gospel to bring Christian life to fruition and form among those willing to reflect on its grandest themes." --Alan Spence, author of Justification: A Guide for the Perplexed "With the head of a theologian and the heart of a pastor, Peppiatt has written a work of profound and searching spiritual theology. This is a book that teaches what it means to be a disciple of Christ, apprentice to the Master. Whether you are new to the faith or someone who has been a follower for many years, there is much in this little book that will challenge, encourage, and comfort you." --Oliver D. Crisp, Professor of Systematic Theology, Fuller Theological Seminary Author Biography: Lucy Peppiatt is the Dean of Studies at Westminster Theological Centre (UK) and lectures in systematic theology. She is also a pastor at Crossnet Church in Bristol, UK, which she leads with her husband, Nick Crawley. Crossnet is an Anglican community focused on discipleship and mission.

IVP Readers' Choice Award Does God call women to serve as equal partners in marriage and as leaders in the church? The answer to this straightforward question is deeply contested. Into the fray, Lucy Peppiatt offers her work on interpretation of the Bible and Christian practice. With careful exegetical work, Peppiatt considers relevant passages in Ephesians, Colossians, 1 Peter, 1 Timothy, and 1 Corinthians. There she finds a story of God releasing women alongside men into all forms of ministry, leadership, work, and service on the basis of character and gifting, rather than biological sex. Those who see the overturning of male-dominated hierarchy in the Scriptures, she argues, are truly rediscovering an ancient message-a message distorted by those who assumed that a patriarchal world, which they sometimes saw reflected in the Bible, was the one God had ordained.