Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 21
August 21, 1969
NUMBER 16, PAGE 6b

Can A Woman Teach A Male Member In A Bible Class?

Carol R. Lumpkin

This subject has been considered by most all Christians at one time or another. Some take the position that when a boy obeys the gospel a woman can no longer teach that boy in a Bible class; while there are others who contend that she can under certain conditions.

There are usually two scriptural references used in a study of this nature. We now consider these. "Let the woman keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but let them be in subjection, as also saith the law. And if they would learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home: for it is shameful for a woman to speak in the church." I Cor. 14:34-35. Paul here instructs the church at Corinth, and the church today, that the woman is to be refused a leading part in public worship. In public worship God has assigned the leadership to men. In private both men and women may pray, teach, exhort, and admonish others. Paul is not considering woman taking an active part in worship, if so she could not sing; but rather that she was not to assume a leading part in the public worship.

The second scriptural reference is, "Let a woman learn in quietness with all subjection. But I permit not a woman to teach, nor to have dominion over a man, but to be in quietness. For Adam was first formed, then Eve; and Adam was not beguiled, but the woman being beguiled hath fallen into transgression:" (I Tim. 2:11-14). The position of woman in public worship is that of a quiet learner, accepting the position God had in placing man as leader in worship. This is true because, (1) Adam was first created and was given the right to lead and rule over woman, and (2) because woman was deceived and led into transgression. The point to be guarded against, as expressed in verse 12, is woman's assuming authority over man, which is wrong. It is not wrong for woman to teach the word of God unless she so teaches to assume authority or superiority over man.

In a Bible class of boys and girls, where there is a male church member, a woman may teach providing, (1) she is asked by the elders to do so, and (2) she does not assume authority over man. The class is not the church assembled for public worship, but only a segment assembled for Bible study. If a woman cannot teach such a class, then by the same token she cannot comment in an adult (mixed) Bible class, less (1) she teaches a man, and/or (2) she assumes authority over man.

Paul's instructions in both the scriptural references cited above are pertaining to public worship and is not considering a woman who teaches in a Bible class, over a male member.

Some brethren are of the opinion that when a boy obeys the gospel of Jesus Christ that he at once becomes a man. This is no more true than that a girl, say eleven or twelve years old, who obeys the gospel becomes a woman. It is quite true that the boy becomes a child of God; yet, he is only a babe in Christ. No one would believe that this boy could assume a leading part in worship without and before proper teaching and growth. "As new-born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby." (I Peter 2:2)

It is my convictions that a Christian woman may teach a Bible class which may consist of boys who are church members. Those who take the position that she cannot so teach must be able to present the scripture which so teaches. The two references cited above do not so teach.

— Marvell, Arkansas