The Journal of Theological Studies Advance Access published online on April 24, 2008
The Journal of Theological Studies, doi:10.1093/jts/fln051
Mirror Reading and Guardians of Women in The Early Roman Empire
Christian Witness Theological Seminary, Concord, CA
Correspondence: estherng{at}cwts.edu
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Abstract |
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Roman laws, as well as papyrus and epigraphic evidence, show that male guardianship over women was a reality in the lives of Roman women both in Rome and in the eastern part of the Roman empire. This requirement, however, seemed burdensome to both women and men, and free-born women who had given birth to three children could claim exemption and men could be excused from guardianship according to the ius liberorum. Again, this exemption not only existed in law but is also evidenced by papyrus and epigraphic data for the first four centuries. Against this background, Ignatius’ exhortation to Polycarp not to neglect widows but to be their guardian takes on a new light. Instead of being a means of patriarchal and episcopal control over women (as alleged by contemporary feminist scholars employing a hermeneutic of suspicion), it is rather an invitation to bear with the inconveniences and burdensome demands as an example of the bishop's endurance of all things and bearing with all people. As such, it is a mark of following Christ who endured all for the sake of his people.