Women & Others by Robin Gallaher Branch

Robin Gallaher Branch received her Ph.D. in Hebrew Studies from the University of Texas in Austin in 2000. She was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship for the 2002–2003 academic year to the Faculty of Theology at North-West University. 

The links and images below are from Robin Gallaher Branch’s “Latest at BAS”as of 3/3/2026.

Feb 26 – Who Was Phoebe? By: Robin Gallaher Branch

Who was Phoebe? That’s a good question! This first-century C.E. leader of the early Christian community makes a cameo appearance in Romans 16:1–2. Paul graciously […]

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Nov 6 – Laughter in the Bible? Absolutely! By: Robin Gallaher Branch

Robin Gallaher Branch on the lighter side of the Bible.

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Aug 21 – Judith: A Remarkable Heroine By: Robin Gallaher Branch

The Book of Judith presents a truly remarkable heroine. Judith is introduced as a devout, shapely, beautiful and wealthy widow who exhibits characteristics equal to those of Israel’s finest warriors.

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Jul 24 – Anna in the Bible By: Robin Gallaher Branch

Anna is one of the Bible’s most unusual women. Introduced at the end of the Birth Narrative (Luke 1:1-2:40), Anna concludes the sextet of named, pious Israelites surrounding the miraculous births of John and Jesus.

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Jul 23 – “Hey, Turtledove!” By: Robin Gallaher Branch

Biblical writers in both testaments are known for their excellent writing, vibrant verbs, limited descriptions, and—above all!—brevity. Instead of lengthy explanations, they control the narrative […]

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May 6 – Tabitha in the Bible By: Robin Gallaher Branch

Biblical studies scholar Robin Gallaher Branch explores Luke’s depiction of a woman set on doing good for the poor and serving her friends, the widows, for whom she makes robes and clothing.

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Apr 12 – Eleazar in the Bible By: Robin Gallaher Branch

Eleazar, Aaron’s son and successor as high priest, witnessed some of the most dramatic events in Israel’s early history. Mentioned more than 60 times in […]

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Apr 3 – Martha: A Remarkable Disciple By: Robin Gallaher Branch

The New Testament mentions Martha, a disciple of Jesus, three times (Luke 10:38–42; John 11:1–44; 12:2). Her actions, statements, and profession of faith reveal a […]

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Apr 2 – Who Is Jethro, Priest of Midian? By: Robin Gallaher Branch

The Bible introduces Jethro, who is also called Reuel, as a non-Israelite, a priest of Midian, and the father of seven daughters who are shepherdesses […]

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Feb 27 – Deborah in the Bible By: Robin Gallaher Branch

Deborah, the only female judge in the Bible, excelled in multiple areas. She served ancient Israel as a prophet, judge, military leader, songwriter, and minstrel.

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Aug 24 – Barnabas: An Encouraging Early Church Leader By: Robin Gallaher Branch

Who is Barnabas in the Bible? In part one of this two-part study, Robin Branch describes the traits that define Barnabas as an early church leader.

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Sep 3 – Part II—Barnabas: An Encouraging Early Church Leader By: Robin Gallaher Branch

Who is Barnabas in the Bible? In part two of this two-part study, Robin Branch further analyzes the traits that define Barnabas as an early church leader.

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Feb 1 – Judith: A Remarkable Heroine, Part 2 By: Robin Gallaher Branch

This article continues Robin Gallaher Branch’s earlier post discussing the character Judith, the remarkable heroine of the book bearing her name.

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Dec 17 – The Bible and Sexuality in South Africa By: Robin Gallaher Branch

With the Bible used as both tool and resource, human sexuality is being openly discussed in South Africa, according to a paper presented recently by Gerald O. West at the annual meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature in Chicago.

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May 10 – With Age Comes Experience By: Robin Gallaher Branch

During her time at the 2011 conference of the Society of Biblical Literature in San Francisco, California, BHD contributing blogger Robin Gallaher Branch enjoyed many stimulating lectures, including one by New Testament scholar Mona Tokarek LaFosse on the important role played by older women in the patriarchal society of the New Testament world. While there were certainly competing ideas about the proper role for women in society, LaFosse concludes that older women were especially valued for their ability to influence family relationships and mold, teach and guide younger women.

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Apr 26 – What’s Funny About the Gospel of Mark? By: Robin Gallaher Branch

During her time at the 2011 conference of the Society of Biblical Literature in San Francisco, California, BHD contributing blogger Robin Gallaher Branch enjoyed a stimulating lecture by New Testament scholar Kelly Iverson on the role of humor in the Gospel of Mark.

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Apr 2 – SBL Meeting Gives New Insights on Paul By: Robin Gallaher Branch

While attending the Society of Biblical Literature’s November 2011 conference in San Francisco, California, BHD contributing blogger Robin Gallaher Branch heard two intriguing lectures that presented new ways of thinking about the apostle Paul and his letters.

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Nov 2 – Studying the Ancient Israelites By: Reviewed by Robin Gallaher Branch