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Priscilla, Where Are You? A Call to Joyful Theology
“What we believe about God is the single most important thing about us.”
This is a call to all Christians—but especially to Christian women—to engage more deeply in the joys of theology.
Priscilla was a woman of sound doctrine who wasn’t afraid to share what she knew with others.
And this is the privilege of every believing woman: we can explore truth and revel in God’s mysteries; we can live as God intended, with real spiritual strength and heartfelt praise. Then we, too, will want to share our discoveries with others.
This is a call to all Christians—but especially to Christian women—to engage more deeply in the joys of theology.
Priscilla was a woman of sound doctrine who wasn’t afraid to share what she knew with others.
And this is the privilege of every believing woman: we can explore truth and revel in God’s mysteries; we can live as God intended, with real spiritual strength and heartfelt praise. Then we, too, will want to share our discoveries with others.
96 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2023
10 people are currently reading
264 people want to read
About the author
Natalie Brand
9 books39 followersNatalie Brand (Ph.D., Trinity St David) is a writer, Bible teacher, and theologian. She has lectured in theology at Union School of Theology, Oak Hill, and London Seminary. And speaks at women’s conferences worldwide. She is currently working on her first children’s book for Lithos Kids.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
June 26, 2024
This small book is filled with great wisdom and encouragement. Women, biblical theology will give you joy! Mine deeply into the glorious truths of Christ and the Bible!
March 22, 2023
Small things sometimes can accomplish big things - think Frodo et al. (and no, saying that is not cheesy, because Tolkien is never cheesy).
This short book has an ambitious goal - to see women in our churches actually going beyond serving proverbial teas and biscuits, and to take the task of being healthy church members seriously. The way to do it is by knowing and understanding more and more what God has revealed, and what are the implications of it. But this book is not designed to send anyone on a guilt trip, but rather it is rich in encouragement, and even (despite size limitations) seeks to offer some help with where to begin if what Dr. Brand has written has convinced you about the need to dig deeper.
In 4, manageable-sized chapters, she seeks to 1. introduce what Priscilla was really about, and where lies her heart, 2. show that theology is for ALL people in the church and not just for men, 3. how the goal of it all is really ending in the heavenly praise, which is as rich and robust as it can possibly be, and 4. the book itself ends with encouragement. And in all that, she is frequently referring to the Bible itself, but also to many great figures from across church history.
What I really liked is Dr. Brand's use of illustrations, it made her case more approachable and digestible. My favourite is when she speaks about sherpas. If you want to climb Mount Everest, you need a guide ('sherpa' in Tibetan dialects). So the point is - use the 'sherpas' whom God has blessed the church with when climbing the Mount Everest of His Word!
She avoids the question of 'complementarianism vs. egalitarianism' debate which is wise because 1. that would distract from what she seeks to achieve, and 2. with this page count given by the publisher, do you really think she could write what she has written AND write enough to persuade someone from the other side of the barricade? As a conservative, Reformed minister, I saw nothing there which would go against my strict complementarian views.
So - tolle lege! and then, tolle lege what she lists on p.70-71 (Further Resources).
This short book has an ambitious goal - to see women in our churches actually going beyond serving proverbial teas and biscuits, and to take the task of being healthy church members seriously. The way to do it is by knowing and understanding more and more what God has revealed, and what are the implications of it. But this book is not designed to send anyone on a guilt trip, but rather it is rich in encouragement, and even (despite size limitations) seeks to offer some help with where to begin if what Dr. Brand has written has convinced you about the need to dig deeper.
In 4, manageable-sized chapters, she seeks to 1. introduce what Priscilla was really about, and where lies her heart, 2. show that theology is for ALL people in the church and not just for men, 3. how the goal of it all is really ending in the heavenly praise, which is as rich and robust as it can possibly be, and 4. the book itself ends with encouragement. And in all that, she is frequently referring to the Bible itself, but also to many great figures from across church history.
What I really liked is Dr. Brand's use of illustrations, it made her case more approachable and digestible. My favourite is when she speaks about sherpas. If you want to climb Mount Everest, you need a guide ('sherpa' in Tibetan dialects). So the point is - use the 'sherpas' whom God has blessed the church with when climbing the Mount Everest of His Word!
She avoids the question of 'complementarianism vs. egalitarianism' debate which is wise because 1. that would distract from what she seeks to achieve, and 2. with this page count given by the publisher, do you really think she could write what she has written AND write enough to persuade someone from the other side of the barricade? As a conservative, Reformed minister, I saw nothing there which would go against my strict complementarian views.
So - tolle lege! and then, tolle lege what she lists on p.70-71 (Further Resources).
May 22, 2023
This book should be sitting freely available for women in our churches to grab and read over the summer. Short, punchy, witty, encouraging, delightful, robust.
December 30, 2024
📖 From the book: Doctrine is the flesh and bones of our faith. Have you ever wanted to explain a Christian belief but found your mouth dried up as well as all the relevant Bible verses evaporated from your head? I sure have. And many of us know those cold waves of uncertainty and doubt that wash over us as we answer the tricky questions: “Why did Jesus need to die? Can we lose our salvation? How, exactly, is God three-in-one?”
💭 My thoughts:
What a great book on why women specifically should study theology! At just under 70 pages, it’s a quick read, but don’t let its size fool you—it packs important spiritual truths and wisdom. Each chapter includes discussion and reflection questions, making it an excellent resource for Christian women in any season of life, no matter where you are in your walk with the Lord.
Some gems:
✨Theology is mining. It is digging deeply into God’s mighty Word to find rivers of gold—rivers that declare God’s attributes, the splendor of his glory, the mystery of a three-persons-in-one God, and the mighty generosity of his salvation in Christ.
✨When it comes to sharing our faith and building one another up in doctrine, we need to widen our vision. As women, we have often focused so much on what we can’t do, and been incapacitated as a result. Priscilla‘s legacy of teaching and safeguarding her brother’s and sisters in Christ, remembered in her shout out by the apostle Paul and Luke’s narrative, helps us look beyond our contemporary infatuation with position and profile. Interestingly, not once does Paul rave in his letters about anybody’s preaching or public speaking gifts. If we really want to build a platform for Christ in the lives of other people, why are we so caught up in becoming public influencers, instead of private ones like Priscilla and Aquila?
💭 My thoughts:
What a great book on why women specifically should study theology! At just under 70 pages, it’s a quick read, but don’t let its size fool you—it packs important spiritual truths and wisdom. Each chapter includes discussion and reflection questions, making it an excellent resource for Christian women in any season of life, no matter where you are in your walk with the Lord.
Some gems:
✨Theology is mining. It is digging deeply into God’s mighty Word to find rivers of gold—rivers that declare God’s attributes, the splendor of his glory, the mystery of a three-persons-in-one God, and the mighty generosity of his salvation in Christ.
✨When it comes to sharing our faith and building one another up in doctrine, we need to widen our vision. As women, we have often focused so much on what we can’t do, and been incapacitated as a result. Priscilla‘s legacy of teaching and safeguarding her brother’s and sisters in Christ, remembered in her shout out by the apostle Paul and Luke’s narrative, helps us look beyond our contemporary infatuation with position and profile. Interestingly, not once does Paul rave in his letters about anybody’s preaching or public speaking gifts. If we really want to build a platform for Christ in the lives of other people, why are we so caught up in becoming public influencers, instead of private ones like Priscilla and Aquila?
March 3, 2024
Ladies, 67 pages worth reading.
November 10, 2023
Good little book encouraging us to dwell a little more on Priscilla in Acts 18. Brand's exhortation to women to be theologians who worship the Lord, study His Word and build up the body is full of joy. It'd be hard to read this and not feel spurred on to study and share God with others.
January 16, 2025
*Audiobook*- a short, sweet book calling women to jump into theology and understand doctrine! Very encouraging ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 11, 2025
It was a good Sunday read and an excellent reminder to truly study God's word (and even be excited by it!).
August 3, 2024
good intro to the importance of theology in women’s lives!! i recommend this to anyone who questions why it’s important to study theology, what that truly means, and where to start. plus you can read this book in a day
June 1, 2025
“For too long we have caused havoc in our own spiritual lives by divorcing God-truth from God-enjoyment… Our enjoyment of God will only be as full as our gospel understanding.”
Great little book showing why it is important for women to be theologians, have sound doctrine, and why knowing about God should also lead to worship and intimacy with God.
Great little book showing why it is important for women to be theologians, have sound doctrine, and why knowing about God should also lead to worship and intimacy with God.
August 20, 2024
Brand broadens our minds and shows us that theology is an all-of-life thing, far beyond the dusty-old-white-man-head-bent-over-a-textbook image that often comes to mind when we think about theology.
A short and simple little book that shows what we can know about Priscilla from the Bible and how we can grow in these attributes.
The book is specifically directed towards women of the reformed tradition, many of whom wonder what point here is to learning theology when the options to teach are limited.
Brand points us to classical theologians, male and female, and encourages to mine the riches of God's word and Christian classics to discover (or rediscover) the rivers of gold that is growing in knowledge and love of God. She calls us to come to Bible study and church prepared to ask thoughtful questions that challenge and encourage others to mine God's word and experience the joy of relationship with God. I came away from this delightful little book motivated to invest time and energy in theology once more.
This is a great book to read and give your female Christian friends to encourage all of us to channel a bit more Priscilla into our Christian lives.
A short and simple little book that shows what we can know about Priscilla from the Bible and how we can grow in these attributes.
The book is specifically directed towards women of the reformed tradition, many of whom wonder what point here is to learning theology when the options to teach are limited.
Brand points us to classical theologians, male and female, and encourages to mine the riches of God's word and Christian classics to discover (or rediscover) the rivers of gold that is growing in knowledge and love of God. She calls us to come to Bible study and church prepared to ask thoughtful questions that challenge and encourage others to mine God's word and experience the joy of relationship with God. I came away from this delightful little book motivated to invest time and energy in theology once more.
This is a great book to read and give your female Christian friends to encourage all of us to channel a bit more Priscilla into our Christian lives.
April 22, 2025
Such a great book filled with wisdom, encouragement and rebuke. ALL Christians should find joy and spend time on theology.
“Priscilla‘s Legacy also demonstrates that regardless of age, gender race education and intellectual ability. The word of God belongs to all.”
“Priscilla‘s Legacy also demonstrates that regardless of age, gender race education and intellectual ability. The word of God belongs to all.”
June 8, 2025
If you are asking, why is theology (especially for women) important, this is a case and call for strong theology. Its short, incorporates Scripture and well-known theologians and may convince you. It doesn't dig into actual theology, just talks about why it's important which left it lacking for me. Almost felt like it could've been the intro of a larger book.
October 4, 2023
A delightful and simple little book that points us to see the beauty and value of theology. Super encouraged by the author’s call for all of us - men and particularly women - to dig deep and feed ourselves in the knowledge of God revealed in the scriptures. Keen to pass this book on!
June 5, 2024
Very worth reading, such an encouraging and convicting little book to stir you up to know more of God, and to be practical in understanding and using more of theology. Well written, and a very easy read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2025
An excellent little book about the blessings for one's soul, worship and service to others thru the joyful passion to dig deeper into theology.
January 24, 2024
4/29/23 * 4 to 4.5 Stars
Updating because otherwise it looks like I didn't read this book last year.
A BookstaGrammer I follow recommended this book, and even though I'd never heard of it or the author before, it sounded good so I "had" to read it. It's a short little book, so a quick read (even with lots of interruptions) and I found myself highlighting quite a few quotes. I just wish it had been longer and a little more in-depth. And while she included a good selection of titles in her Resources section, I really wish she'd listed a lot more titles, especially more Christian classics.
Two of my favorite quotes:
•"The fruit of healthy theology is godliness. 'In order for doctrine to be fruitful to us, it must overflow into our hearts, spread into our daily routines, and truly transform us within.' In a self-controlled, holy life, we adorn and rightly arrange our doctrine of God."
•"Think of a good classic as a great tree, a wide oak standing tall and steadfast for many centuries, drawing many varied readers under its shade—whilst many new books (perhaps even the one you are holding) become regurgitated sawdust. We do better to stick to the ancient oaks. Their roots run deep, and they have withstood the test of time."
****
Checking the back of my copy, I wrote 4 to 4.5 stars for my rating, so I'm not sure how I typed the wrong rating here this year. I don't understand why it's listed twice here in GoodReads either, and only a few others have rated this "edition" while the other has a good number of reviews. Maybe I'll copy and paste it there, too because when I first saw it I thought I'd forgotten to include in last year's books read.🤷🏼♀️)
Updating because otherwise it looks like I didn't read this book last year.
A BookstaGrammer I follow recommended this book, and even though I'd never heard of it or the author before, it sounded good so I "had" to read it. It's a short little book, so a quick read (even with lots of interruptions) and I found myself highlighting quite a few quotes. I just wish it had been longer and a little more in-depth. And while she included a good selection of titles in her Resources section, I really wish she'd listed a lot more titles, especially more Christian classics.
Two of my favorite quotes:
•"The fruit of healthy theology is godliness. 'In order for doctrine to be fruitful to us, it must overflow into our hearts, spread into our daily routines, and truly transform us within.' In a self-controlled, holy life, we adorn and rightly arrange our doctrine of God."
•"Think of a good classic as a great tree, a wide oak standing tall and steadfast for many centuries, drawing many varied readers under its shade—whilst many new books (perhaps even the one you are holding) become regurgitated sawdust. We do better to stick to the ancient oaks. Their roots run deep, and they have withstood the test of time."
****
Checking the back of my copy, I wrote 4 to 4.5 stars for my rating, so I'm not sure how I typed the wrong rating here this year. I don't understand why it's listed twice here in GoodReads either, and only a few others have rated this "edition" while the other has a good number of reviews. Maybe I'll copy and paste it there, too because when I first saw it I thought I'd forgotten to include in last year's books read.🤷🏼♀️)
November 18, 2023
What a gem, it will go on my pile of books to recommend and give out to other women. I love that she encourages women to not be afraid of theology, or of reading old classics, but to allow theologians to be our 'sherpas', guiding us through deep and rich doctrines as we seek a richer understanding of our great God.
My only complaint was its length, I'd have loved to have learned more from this excellent author. But perhaps its brevity does make it more approachable and more likely to be read by those I give it to.
My only complaint was its length, I'd have loved to have learned more from this excellent author. But perhaps its brevity does make it more approachable and more likely to be read by those I give it to.
February 7, 2023
Beautifully written call for women to embrace the responsibility and privilege we have as women to know, understand, and teach the truths of God's word to others. A concise, quick read, full of punchy lines that will have you motivated to dig deep into scripture and the "oaks" of Church history. Each of the four chapters has questions at the end making it a great resource for book studies or discipling.
October 1, 2023
A great little book on why women should study theology. I appreciate Natalie's deep love of God and Scripture. It has definitely fanned into flame a determination in me to study doctrine more deeply, and to know and love the Lord even more.
January 21, 2024
The tagline of “A call to joyful theology” was certainly true for me as I read this book. Feeling excited to get stuck into some doctrinal weighty tomes as part of my reading this year. A very engaging read.
February 4, 2025
This is a rich but fast read I don’t know why it took me so long to finish…probably because I have 50 books I’m interested in at any given moment! But I tried to go through the questions provided after each chapter! Would be a nice book to discuss to further sink the truths of it in!
May 16, 2023
Another gem of a book, encouraging, illuminating and inspiring book about the importance of theology and sharing God's word, it migh even prompt you to have Bavinck by your bedside.
July 29, 2023
A real gem of a book. Full of encouragement and truth. The book explores and reflect on Priscilla, how she influenced the church and guided people to the depth of scriptures. A short but fab read.
January 23, 2025
I’m looking forward to reading more of Mrs. Brand’s writings. This is a great little book filled with big ideas that will grow your daily life with Christ.
October 28, 2025
Great book as it challenges us to dive headlong into theology so we can have a more robust relationship with God, worship Him more fully, and share the spoil of His treasure with others.
Read
January 16, 2025Beautifully written from the heart of a woman who loves God, his church, and the study of theology. Short and to the point, but full of encouragement to joyfully pursue theology.
February 12, 2025
A short but sweet book on why women need robust theology using Priscilla(the one who who helped correct the theology of Apollos) as our role model. The more we know God and understand Him, the more we love Him which leads to deeper worship of our Lord. As a theology nerd myself, I really appreciated this book encouraging women toward the study of God.
February 24, 2025
The title of this book intrigued me so I decided to read it. Priscilla, Where Are You? is not a book that dives deep into complex theology, but it does highlight how important theology is for women just as much as it is for men, and how vital it is for our walk with Christ. The author doesn’t take a firm stance on whether women should or should not preach from the pulpit—she encourages you to study that for yourself. But what she does emphasize is how God expects all of us to know His truth and handle it wisely.
What resonated with me is how the author encourages women to embrace their role in the kingdom of God, even when they’re not standing at a pulpit. She mentions several historical figures, including some "dead guys" who have shaped Christian thought (such as Martin Luther), each of whom had profound theological insight that still influences us today. Alongside these figures, she also highlights the importance of godly women, like Katharina von Bora (Luther’s wife) whose faithful lives made a significant difference in the world without needing a formal platform. The women she mentions, along with others from Welsh Christian history, exemplify how a woman’s faithfulness, even in quiet, unseen ways, can leave a lasting impact on God's kingdom.
What I found particularly powerful was her discussion on how women can make the gospel flourish by their behavior. She refers to Titus 2:10 (ESV): "...so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior." This verse reminds us that our actions can "beautify" the gospel, making it more attractive and compelling to those around us. Our lives, by living out godly qualities—self-control, kindness, and purity—become a witness to the world. This idea of adorning the gospel, through everyday actions, challenges us to reflect Christ's love and truth wherever we are, not just in formal leadership roles.
Brand emphasizes that theology isn’t just an academic exercise—it’s deeply connected to worship and living out our faith. As she points out, “Theology is the pursuit of worship. It should drive us to our knees in prayer and adoration. Theology devoid of worship just ain’t theology.” She also references John Piper, who said, “Wimpy theology makes wimpy women.” These quotes made me think about the importance of a robust, living theology—a theology that moves us to action, that drives us to live lives that reflect God’s truth and beauty.
Ultimately, Priscilla, Where Are You? isn’t just about the roles of women in the church. It’s a call for all Christians—both women and men—to dive deep into the truth of God's word, to live it out authentically, and to let our lives adorn the gospel, making it flourish in the world.
What resonated with me is how the author encourages women to embrace their role in the kingdom of God, even when they’re not standing at a pulpit. She mentions several historical figures, including some "dead guys" who have shaped Christian thought (such as Martin Luther), each of whom had profound theological insight that still influences us today. Alongside these figures, she also highlights the importance of godly women, like Katharina von Bora (Luther’s wife) whose faithful lives made a significant difference in the world without needing a formal platform. The women she mentions, along with others from Welsh Christian history, exemplify how a woman’s faithfulness, even in quiet, unseen ways, can leave a lasting impact on God's kingdom.
What I found particularly powerful was her discussion on how women can make the gospel flourish by their behavior. She refers to Titus 2:10 (ESV): "...so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior." This verse reminds us that our actions can "beautify" the gospel, making it more attractive and compelling to those around us. Our lives, by living out godly qualities—self-control, kindness, and purity—become a witness to the world. This idea of adorning the gospel, through everyday actions, challenges us to reflect Christ's love and truth wherever we are, not just in formal leadership roles.
Brand emphasizes that theology isn’t just an academic exercise—it’s deeply connected to worship and living out our faith. As she points out, “Theology is the pursuit of worship. It should drive us to our knees in prayer and adoration. Theology devoid of worship just ain’t theology.” She also references John Piper, who said, “Wimpy theology makes wimpy women.” These quotes made me think about the importance of a robust, living theology—a theology that moves us to action, that drives us to live lives that reflect God’s truth and beauty.
Ultimately, Priscilla, Where Are You? isn’t just about the roles of women in the church. It’s a call for all Christians—both women and men—to dive deep into the truth of God's word, to live it out authentically, and to let our lives adorn the gospel, making it flourish in the world.
July 10, 2025
This little book has great wisdom and encouragement for women to dig deeper and deeper into the truths of God and enjoy Him. Like the author says ‘Theology is uniquely the concern of a Christian because our God has revealed Himself to us entirely and graciously invites us to know Him’
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews