Ben Witherington III changed his position between 1981 and 2009 without building a bridge

In 1981 (Rite and Rights for Women), Witherington argued Galatians 3:28 does not rule out function differences — his work was evidence-based and rigorous. In 2009 (What's in the Word), he reproduced his article with changes, now stating that ethnic, social, and sexual distinctions 'do not determine one's soteriological, spiritual, or social standing in the body of Christ, nor do they determine the ministerial roles one can play in Christ.' But Witherington provides no argument for why he changed his view — the new conclusion is simply stated with no bridge built between belonging in Christ and ministerial roles. This is why Mike focused on Westfall instead: she at least attempts to build bridges.