The following "Question" was asked by a member of the congregation at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, and "Answered" by their pastor, John MacArthur Jr. It was transcribed by Anjela Paje of Spokane, WA, from the tape, GC 1301-T, titled "Bible Questions and Answers Part 22."  A copy of the tape can be obtained by writing, Word of Grace, P.O. Box 4000, Panorama City, CA 91412 or by dialing toll free 1-800-55-GRACE.  ©1982. All Rights Reserved.

Question

1 Timothy 2:12 says a woman cannot teach, but in a Bible study situation, what can they do? Can they share, or can they teach?

Answer

Sure! Yes! It says in 1 Timothy 2, "Let the women keep silent in the churches," and what it is talking about is the order of the church. In fact, 1 Timothy, is written to give order to the church. When the church comes together in its formal time, when a church comes together to break bread, when a church comes together to be taught the Word of God, it is not the woman’s place to stand up and take authority in the church, but when individual Christians sit together to share around the Word of God, that is a marvelous opportunity for women to participate. In fact, the Psalmist said, "A great host are the women who publish the good news." And, so, we encourage women to share their insights in the Word of God, to be a part of the fellowship of a Bible study, the discussion of a Bible study. That is a very important thing, but when it comes to the church and its worship and order, there is no place for a woman to take the authority to teach in the church. That is not her God-given role.

Added to Bible Bulletin Board's "MacArthur's Questions and Answers" by:

Tony Capoccia
Bible Bulletin Board
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Columbus, New Jersey, USA, 08022
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Email: tony@biblebb.com
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