90 likes | 234 Views
Can Women Speak In A Bible Class?. There Is Authority For Bible Classes. We are commanded to teach (Matt. 28:19-20) The command is “general” in scope God did not specify how to teach “General” is inclusive of methods and means of teaching Bible classes do not violate 1 Corinthians 1:10
E N D
There Is Authority For Bible Classes • We are commanded to teach (Matt. 28:19-20) • The command is “general” in scope • God did not specify how to teach • “General” is inclusive of methods and means of teaching • Bible classes do not violate 1 Corinthians 1:10 • Bible classes do not create another organization • Work of the church under the oversight of the elders (Acts 20:28)
God Has Given Roles To Men & Women • “But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of every woman is man, and the head of Christ is God” (1 Cor. 11:3). • Based on two things: • Order of creation (1 Tim. 2:13) • Eve’s role in sin (1 Tim. 2:14) • Can women speak in a Bible class? • Whatever the answer is, one must respect the role God has designed for men and women
Two Passages Key To The Question 1 Tim. 2:11-12 – “Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence.” 1 Cor. 14:34-35 – “Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says, And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church.”
Does 1 Tim. 2:11-12 Forbid A Woman From Speaking In A Bible Class? • If It Does, Then … • Women are forbidden to sing (Col. 3:16) • Must learn in silence in every area of life since the context is not identifying the assembly (cf. 1 Tim. 2:8,9) • If It Does Not Forbid, Then … • What does “learn in silence” mean? • What does “all submission” mean?
“Learn in Silence with All Submission” Let a woman learn in silence With all submission • Do not permit a woman to teach • Or have authority • Women are forbidden from teaching and having authority over a man. • “Silence” – (hesuchia) a disposition that is reflected in a quietness; does not mean a total absence of words (cf. 2 Thess. 3:12). • In a Bible class, the teacher is in the position of authority. • With the right disposition, participation in a Bible class is not a sign of usurping authority.
Does 1 Cor. 14:33-34 Forbid A Woman From Speaking In A Bible Class? • If It Does, Then … • Women are forbidden to sing (Eph. 5:19) • Women Cannot Confess Christ (Rom. 10:9) • Women Cannot Teach other women or children (Tit. 2:3) • If It Does Not, Then … • What does “keep silence” mean? • What does “not permitted to speak” mean?
“Keep Silence” and “Not Permitted to Speak” To be understood in relationship to confusion in the assemblies (1 Cor. 14:26, 33, 40) The context speaks of those addressing the assembly (1 Cor. 14:27-28, 29-32) This passage reinforces 1 Tim. 2:11-12.
Conclusion If women maintain a proper attitude, they can participate in a Bible class without violating God’s role for women. Women may never be in a position authority over men in the church. One should not violate their conscience, nor bind their individual conviction on another.