Queries And Answers
Bro. Turner:
What is the meaning of I Tim. 2:15, notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing———? W. W.
Reply:
There is plenty of variety in the guesses on this one. I have heard (a) Eve will be saved because women bear children; (b) women will he saved through Christ, borne of woman; (c) women will .have safety in the process of bearing children; (d) they will go to heaven because they bear children; even, (e) childbearing is the punishment through which women pay the price of Eves sin; etc.
It seems to me that women have been indicted in the preceding verses: in that Eve was first deceived; and now Paul holds forth hope and encouragement to them. They are to dress modestly, learn in quietness, and are to evidence subjection unto man. Does this make them second—rate saints? By no means. Paul has said, There is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. (Gal. 3:28) Men and women have their place (see 1 Cor. 11:3) and Paul wants women to know that their place is a noble and honored place. I believe the word childbearing in 1 Tim. 2:15 is used as indicative of the whole realm or place of women and Paul is saying that her salvation (in heaven) is not through immodest fashions, mounting the speakers stand, or in any way taking authority over man, but in faithfully performing her God-given work.
The physical function of childbearing is not alone intended. This is metonymy, by which a portion of her function is put for the whole. It suggests her role as Queen of the household (1 Tim. 9:14), a worthy woman who, fearing Jehovah, shall be praised. (Prov. 31: 10-31) The if clause (if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.) denotes tile Christian life in its various aspects says Meyer, and shows us that Paul is not hinging her salvation on some physical act.
Saved In Childbearing
The womens lib movement is not going to like this; but saints should be interested in eternal salvation as revealed in His word, rather than in some supposed improvement in this life, through doubtful social moves.
Women, like men, must fulfill the role God has assigned them if they are to be acceptable in His sight.
Bro. Turner
What passages authorize dividing the congregation for teaching? L.S.
Reply:
The question assumes that teaching a congregation necessitates all members being assembled in one place. But the church exists before it is assembled (Acts 14:27) and even when some have not yet arrived (1 Cor. 11:18, cf. v.33). The very emphasis upon whole church (Acts 15:22 1 Cor. 14:23) is with reference to the situation or point being made, and shows it was not a universal thing. Saints may be taught apart from the whole church. (Acts 18:26; 19:9; 20:17-f.