The Apostle Paul’s Maternal Masculinity

Abstract

What are we to make of Paul’s use of nursing and birthing as metaphors to describe his dealings with some of the earliest churches? The appropriation of nursing and birthing imagery in 1 Thess 2:7b–8, 1 Cor 3:1–3, and Gal 4:19 is a surprising choice for the apostle who seems to disregard his own advice elsewhere about needing to “act like men” (ἀνδρίζομαι, 1 Cor 16:13). Paul’s metaphorical maternal performances have generated numerous gendered readings but have yet to be explored collectively through the lens of masculinity studies. In doing so, and by paying attention to the ways in which the metaphors differ, Paul’s shifting maternity reflects a shifting masculinity. Earliest in their infancy appear to be the Galatians, still in the process of being delivered via a painful labour. Next are the Thessalonians, early on in their new journey as Christ-followers but delighting Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy who long to be with them and nurse them. Finally, there are the needy Corinthians who have yet to move on from milk and still require breastfeeding. Paul’s authority, and in turn his masculinity, is nuanced differently in each of these texts.