Service in the Assembly

Brothers James & John

James and John (or their mother) asked that they be given seats next to Yahshua in the kingdom (Mt. 20:21), but Yahshua answers [23] To sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.

Everyone wants to be important, to have the lead part in the play for it’s a human characteristic because the flesh desires approval.  That’s why in Yahweh’s service He must decide what is needed to carry out His purpose. It takes teamwork, and every team needs different workers to accomplish a variety of tasks. Only Yahweh knows who can best achieve each task. Read 1 Co. 12: 4-28.

1 Co. 12:28  And Yahweh hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. [29]  Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?

Can every man be an apostle or teacher?  Indeed not, for the order is established by Yahweh despite what the churches of today may tell you. Leadership roles, such as teachers and elders, make up approximately 3% of the entire assembly, leaving 97% to sit and learn, only able to contribute in other ways.  Read Ro. 12:6-8 and Ep. 4:11-12.

In an assembly an usher or custodian might serve all his life, never realizing (along with most of the assembly) the important part he plays. Yahweh knows.  In Jer. 17:10 He says, “I Yahweh search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve (NIV).

Is the husband to exercise authority in the home?

Gen. 3:16 - (Woman) thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule [4910] over thee.

1 Ti. 3:4 - One (elder) that ruleth [4291] well his own house.

Nu. 30:13 - Every vow, and every binding oath to afflict the soul, her husband may establish it, or her husband may make it void. {15} But if he shall any ways make them void after that he hath heard them; then he shall bear her iniquity.

1 Co. 11:3 - The head [2776] of the woman is the man.

Ep. 5:22 - Wives, submit [5293] yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto Yahweh. {23} For the husband is the head [2776] of the wife. {33} The wife see that she reverence [5399] her husband..

Col. 3:18 - Wives, submit [5293] yourselves unto your own husband.

1 Ti. 2:11 - Let the woman learn in silence with all [3956] subjection [5292]. {12} But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence (in assembly).

Tit. 2:5 - (Women vs. 3) Be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

1 Pe. 3:1 - Wives, be in subjection [5293] to your own husbands.

Why was the husband given this responsibility?

Ep. 5:24 - Therefore as the assembly is subject unto Messiah, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. {30} For we are members of his (Yahshua) body. {31} For this cause shall a man ...be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.

For what reason or cause?  Just as we, the assembly, which is the Messiah’s bride, have left our past life and joined to Yahshua as one spiritual flesh, so the woman, who was taken out of the man, returns to him and they are one again.

1 Co. 11:3 - The head of every man is Messiah; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Messiah is Yahweh.

We can see how Yahweh has established an order which is to be followed.

{7} For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of Yahweh: but the woman is the glory [1391] of the man.

Again we see this order, man came from Yahweh and represents His glory, while the woman came from man and represents the man’s glory.  It’s imperative that we respect this standard for we risk dishonoring Yahweh and Yahshua before angels and men (1 Co 4:9).

{8} For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. {9} Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.

It’s not hard to see that man was put above woman, and as Yahshua is in charge of his assembly, and thus responsible for the assembly, so the man is also responsibly for the woman.

Responsibility is charged to the man.

1 Ti. 2:13 - For Adam was first formed, then Eve. {14} And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.

Yet Adam was held responsible, just as the husband is held responsible in Nu. 30:15.

Ro. 5:12 - By one man (Adam vs. 14) sin entered into the world. 1 Co. 15:21 - For since by man came death ...{22} For as in Adam all die.  Even though Eve sinned first it was Adam’s sin that was judged.

Does not Gal. 3:28 make all equal?

Gal. 3:28 - There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for we are all one in Messiah Yahshua.

Does this verse mean we are now all one in the flesh or in the spirit?

{29} And if ye be Messiah’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

The new criterion to qualify as a son of Abraham, was no longer being born into a Jewish family, but being born into Abraham’s family through faith in Yahweh’s only begotten Son. (Mt. 3:9; Jn. 8:39; Ro. 8:14-17, 9:6-8 & 24-26, 11:16-21; Gal. 3:7; Ep. 1:5.)

Gal. 4:1 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be master of all; {2} But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.

A child cannot make decisions on their own and so would be under a tutor, having no more power then a servant even though they rightfully could be considered in charge of all they will inherit at the appointed age of responsibility.

{3} Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: {4} But when the fulness of the time was come, Yahweh sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, {5} To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. {6} And because ye are sons, Yahweh has sent forth the Spirit of his son into your hearts, crying, Abba [Heb. for father] Father. {7} Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of Yahweh through Messiah.

Likening us to this heir under tutors, Paul, in the previous chapter makes almost an identical statement,

{3:24} Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Messiah, that we might be justified by faith. {25} But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. {26} For ye are all the children of Yahweh by faith in Messiah Yahshua.

When an heir’s father dies it is usually then he takes possession of his inheritance, he no longer is an heir. In our case our Father cannot die so when will we gain our inheritance.

Ep. 1:13 RV - In him (Yahshua) you also, who have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, {14} Which is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

Ph. 3:11 RV - That if possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. {12} Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect; but I press on to make it my own, because Messiah Yahshua has made me his own. {13} Brethren, I do not consider that I have made it my own.

The resurrection is when we are all changed, from this body to our glorious body. [1 Co. 15:35-38]

Lu. 20:35 - But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: {36} Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of Yahweh, being the children of the resurrection.

Slaves still serve

Ep. 6:5 - Servants [1401], be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh.

Paul tells all slaves to continue as such for they are under masters according to the flesh, making a distinction from Yahshua, our Master according to the spirit. He even sent Onesimus, a slave, back to his master Philemon. [See also 1 Co. 7:21; Col. 3:22; 1 Ti. 6:1; Tit. 2:9 & 1 Pe. 2:18.]

Ep. 6:8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of Yahweh, whether he be bond or free.

In Messiah Yahshua do Jews and Gentiles start to live alike? Do women begin to act like men or vice versa? Are slaves set free? Paul could also have added, there are neither rich nor poor, intelligent nor dumb, old or young. Now when we look at Gal. 3:28 we see there still remained a clear distinction between Jew and Greek in this life, here in the flesh.  Jews had restrictions imposed upon them in many places and the laws in Israel also restricted Gentiles. Slaves were still bound to their masters, while those free remained so. Most obvious of all, male and female continue as such, lest the human race cease.

Southern Baptist 18th Article

Southern Baptist 18th Article of The Baptist Faith and Message (June ’98)

“A husband is to love his wife as Christ loved the church. He has the God-given responsibility to provide for, to protect, and to lead his family. A wife is to submit herself graciously to the servant leadership of her husband even as the church willingly submits to the headship of Christ.

Someone in the Southern Baptists must’ve been reading the Bible. 

Edwin Bacon, an Episcopal Church minister and a leading advocate in same-sex marriages had this to say, “It (18th Article) ignores a central teaching of Christianity that in Christ there is neither male nor female.”

Gal. 3:28 does not make us all equal here in the flesh, wives are still subject to their husbands, slaves to their masters and children to their parents. However we are all equal in the eyes of Yahweh through His Spirit. Paul was telling the Galatians in chapter 3 that the law bound everyone, whereas Yahshua sets us all free. In verses 7 & 14, we see how, through faith, we become one in Yahshua and through Him we receive the promise of the Spirit.

1 Co. 12:13 - For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. {14} For the body is not one member but many. {18} But now hath Yahweh set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.

Women in the armed forces

Yahweh has established the order of, not just the assembly, but the human race as a whole. Regardless, man continually seeks to overrule Him and take control as they see fit. Take a look at the world around you and see the results. A prime example is the effort to insert women in the armed forces, despite the tragic results, such as rapes and many other wicked acts, which doesn’t just happen in isolated countries, but take place in every, single, solitary country that disregards Yahweh instructions. We should have no part in this insubordination.

What should apply in the assembly?

1 Ti. 2:11 - Let the woman learn in silence with all [3956] subjection [5292]. {12} But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence (in assembly). [13] For Adam was first formed then Eve.

1 Co. 14:34 - Let your women keep silence [4601] in the churches: for it is not permitted [2010] unto them to speak [2980]; but [they are commanded] to be under obedience, as also saith the law. {35} And if they will learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame [149] for women to speak [2980] in the church.

In 1 Co. chapter 14, Paul, now having dealt with all the problems affecting behavior in the assembly from verse 1 right through to verse 35, seals his instructions with a rebuke.

[36] What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? 

HELLO!  Who do you think you are, abusing the gifts, sowing confusion as well as unsanctioned speaking in the assembly? Some people, notably those who refuse to acknowledge Yahweh’s subordinate role for women, would have us believe verse 36 only applies to verses 34 and 35. Going as far as to say Paul is sarcastically chiding the Corinthian men for initiating and promoting the context of verses 34 and 35. By fabricating this theory it is possibly the only way to circumvent such a blatant, scriptural, straightforward direct commandment. Several reasons make this assumption preposterous, the first being scripture. In verse 34 Paul employed the law to support his statement, “as also saith the law.” Are we next to be told the law is done away with? Paul is referring to the Jewish ordinance where women were forbidden to teach in the synagogues or the temple, or even to ask questions. Adam Clarke elaborates, “It was permitted to any man to ask questions, to object, altercate, attempt to refute, &c., in the synagogue; but this liberty was not allowed to any woman. St. Paul confirms this in reference also to the Christian Church; he orders them to keep silence; and, if they wish to learn anything, let them inquire of their husbands at home; because it was perfectly indecorous for women to be contending with men in public assemblies, on points of doctrine, cases of conscience, &c.” Clarke’s Commentary, vol. 2, pg. 279.

To tell women to not even ask questions but wait till they’re home seems, at first, to be an extremely harsh and inflexible demand. But keep in mind, Paul would not have instructed wives in 1Co 11:5 & 7; Ep 5:22, 24 & 33; Col 3:18, (not to mention Peter in 1Pe 3:1 & 5) to submit, honour, reverence and be subject to their husbands, only to then encourage them to bring disrepute and shame upon them in a public forum. This may be puzzling for us, as we are accustomed in our society to seeing both men and women discussing anything and everything in open debate, with no reproach placed on either party. This was not the case in Paul’s day, whether you see it as retrogression or not is immaterial, such behavior would still have brought disgrace upon the husband.

Many young women not yet married, widows, or women married to unbelievers, might feel left out, abandoned or helpless. This would never be the case in an assembly that adhered to the instructions of Yahweh’s holy word. Daughters were under the teaching and protection of their father (Nu 30:5-7, 1 Co 7:36-38) until they were married. Widows and others, such as wives of unbelievers, Paul gives instructions for in First Timothy chapter five and in his letter to Titus.

Even without Paul’s direction women at that time, and more so today, could easily acquire instruction or answers despite being without a husband. Women were not forbidden to speak to men and were always able to talk to anyone who visited their home, or for that matter, anyone they came across in the street or market. Older women were looked toward to guide and advise the younger ones and pastors of course were approachable. Remember many of the apostles communicated openly with women, (Ac 9:36, 16:14-15; Ro 16:12; 2 JO 1). Most significant is the fact Yahshua Himself set us an example by not only teaching to and speaking out for women, but used an outcast to spread the word for him (Jo 4:39).

What we must not lose track of is that Paul is not forbidding women to speak, ask questions, voice their opinions, expound their own ideas or even teach. He is directing them on when, what, where and how this is to be done. And not women only, although they are given more restrictions then men, just the same, in his instructions men as well are to exhibit proper conduct.

It also must be pointed out that verses 34 and 35 make up the final segment in Paul’s instructions regulating behavior in the assembly. They are not isolated from the rest of this chapter dealing with inappropriate conduct but blend in perfectly. What Paul does in verses 36-38 is underscore the Corinthians unauthorized actions as well as their unscriptural motives, while invoking his own Yahweh invested authority. He challenges all, “If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of Yahweh.

What substantiates the fact that all Paul’s instructions are inclusive from verses one straight through to and including verse 35 is his closing. Verses 39 and 40 encompass, summarize and punctuate the entire chapter. They also revert back to the main issue, the only issue, (which he left only momentarily, using verses 36-38 to drive home his dictum) and that issue is the proper way to worship Yahweh in His assembly. This is, most assuredly, confirmed with his final sentence, which indicates his intention for writing, “Let all things be done decently and in order.”

His letter to Timothy echoes the same message.

1 Ti. 3:14 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: {15} But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

What about women praying and prophesying?

Ac. 2:17 - And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith Yahweh, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy [4395]. {18} And on my servants and on my handmaiden [1399] I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. [See Joel 2:28]

Ac. 21:9 - And the same man (Philip) had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.

1 Co. 11: 4 - Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head. {5} But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head.

Whom does a man dishonor with his head covered?  The answer is in verse 3, “the head of every man is Messiah.”  Women dishonor? “The head of the woman is the man.”

Why did Paul only mention praying and prophesying?  Praying is our direct communication with Yahweh, whereas prophesying is Yahweh’s direct communication with us.

He. 10:19 - Having therefore brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Yahshua, {20} By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh.

Never had a woman ever entered into the most Holy place, but Yahshua said in Jn. 4:23 “The hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.” And this He said to a woman.

Ep. 2:18 - For through him (Yahshua) we both have assess by one Spirit unto the Father.      

We can boldly enter into Yahweh’s presents without the fear and trembling the High Priest felt as he entered, knowing that if he had not followed, to the detail, all the necessary requirements he could very well be struck dead.  It is important today that we respect Yahweh’s instructions, lest we dishonor His only begotten son.

1 Corinthians 14 Examined

Prophecy rarely contained the foretelling of future events, however when this was the case it was obviously a direct message from Yahweh, that’s easy to see. Why is it so hard to recognize that prophesy is a divine message without the future foretold? The definition [#4395] doesn’t mention anything about preaching or teaching, simply inspired speaking.

Let’s jump ahead to verse 3 where Paul explains, “But he that prophesies speaks unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.” Yahweh, using a member of the assembly, edifies (to build, confirm), exhorts (call to one’s side or aid, appeal, encourage), and comforts (console). No preaching or teaching here. Teaching is a completely separate gift from prophecy or tongues, (1 Co. 12:9 & 28, Ro. 12:6-7, Ep. 4:11).

Remember Philip’s daughters prophesied (Acts 21:9), and it would be unlike Paul to encourage women to prophesy if it meant teaching, and then within the same chapter order them to remain silent. Women can prophesy and still abide by Paul’s instructions because it is the Holy Spirit that speaks, using their voice (1 Co. 12:6-11). While praying or prophesying a person enters into the most Holy Place (He. 10:19), in direct communion with Yahweh, for this reason women must have their heads covered (1Co. 11:5). Again this demonstrates that Gal. 3:28 can not possibly mean men and women are equal here in the flesh. This also shows that in the assembly, whether prophesying or praying, women must show that they are honoring their husband.

Prophecy is not teaching but is voicing the words of Yahweh.

2Sa. 23:2 David wrote: The Spirit of Yahweh spake by me, and his word [was] in my tongue.  

Mr. 12:36 For David himself said by the Holy Ghost.  

Lu. 1:70 As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets.

Ac. 28:25 Well spake the Holy Ghost by Isaiah the prophet unto our fathers.  

Ac. 1:16 The Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas.  

He. 3:7 Wherefore as the Holy Ghost saith.

2Pe. 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake, moved by the Holy Ghost.   

The reason for these roles assigned to men and women go beyond culture. Paul appeals to the creation (1 Ti. 2:13) and the fall of mankind (14) for authority for such instruction. These injunctions are not based upon ability nor inability, goodness nor wickedness, value nor worthlessness. They are based upon Yahweh’s design for men and women.

Strong’s Numbers: Hebrew

120, adam: a human being (an individual or the species, mankind), person.

376, iysh: a man as an individual or a male person.

802, ishshah: Fem. of 376 (man); a woman, female, wife.

4910, mashal: to rule, have dominion, governor, reign, have power.

Greek

149, aischron: a shameful thing, i.e. indecorum- shame.

1391, doxa: glory - dignity, honour, praise, worship.

1399, doule: a female slave, handmaiden.

1401, doulos: a slave (lit. or fig., invol. or vol.; frequently therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency):              bond(-man), servant.

2010, epitrepo: to turn over (transfer), i.e. allow, give leave (liberty, license), let, permit, suffer.

2776, kephale: the head, both of men and often of animals; metaph. anything  supreme, chief, prominent; master lord: of a husband in relation to his wife; of Christ: the Lord of the husband and of the Church.

2980, laleo: to talk, i.e. utter words- preach, say, speak (after), talk, tell, utter.

3956, pas: all, any, every, the whole, thoroughly, whatsoever.

4291, proistemi: to stand before, to preside in rank, maintain, be over, rule.

4395, propheteuo: to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office- prophesy. W. H. Vine: "signifies the speaking forth of the mind and council of God."

4601, sigao: to keep silent; keep close, secret, hold peace.

5293,  hupotasso: to arrange under, to subordinate, to subject, put in subjection, obey.

5399,  phobeo:  to put to flight by terrifying (to scare away); to reverence, venerate, to treat with deference or reverential obedience.

Appendix

Priscilla

Concerning the priority of Priscilla to Aquila it would be speculation to offer a definitive explanation for this since the text offers none. When the couple is introduced in Acts 18:2 Aquila is mentioned first. Thereafter Priscilla is listed first in books written to Rome. In writing to the Corinthians (1 Co 16:19) Paul lists Aquila first. Acts states that Aquila was a Jew, but makes no such statement about Priscilla. In his biography of Paul's associates, The Pauline Circle, historian F. F. Bruce suggests that Priscilla may have been a member of the illustrious Prisca family of Rome and thus more well-known there than her husband, a migrant Jew.  In secular correspondence of the day it was not unusual for the wife's name to be listed first if she was more well known to the recipients of the letter.  William Barclay believes she was a member of a noble Roman family: 'It may be that at some meeting of Christians this great Roman lady met Aquila the humble Jewish tentmaker, that the two fell in love, that Christianity destroyed the barriers of race and rank and wealth and birth, and that these two, the Roman aristocrat and the Jewish artisan, were joined forever in Christian love and Christian service.'  [The Letter to the Romans, Edinburgh: The Saint Andrew Press, 1958, pp. 230-231]

These views are extremely speculative but so is drawing conclusions about the nature of any ministry Priscilla had from the very simple fact that her name is sometimes mentioned first.

Priscilla and Aquila's discussions with Apollos were private meetings. See the different Greek words below used to “relay information.” The text offers no information about the relative role of Aquila and Priscilla in these meetings. There is no reason to suggest that there is some contradiction between their actions and Paul's statements in 1 Co and 1 Ti.

Ac. 18:26; 1620: ektiqhmi, AV-expound 3, cast out 1; 4 to place or set out, put outside, expose, to set up, exhibit; metaph. to set forth, declare, expound.

1 Ti. 2:12; 1321: didaskw, AV - teach 93, taught + 2258 4; 97; to teach, to hold discourse with others in order to instruct them, to discharge the office of a teacher, to impart instruction, instill doctrine into one.

Hosting meetings

Many women, married or unmarried, hosted meetings of the Christian church in their homes, just as they may do today, no conclusions can be drawn one way or the other about the nature of their ministry in the church from the fact that they hosted the service.

1/2 Men 1/2 Women

There is no evidence that men and women were separated in either the churches or synagogues of this time. Most historians believe that was a later development. In all of the scenes where we find Jesus and the apostles teaching there is no evidence women were separated from men.  The disturbing point is most seem to follow the modern critical trend of speculating about things that are not in the text in order to create conflicts or contradictions in Scripture to justify setting aside the direct statements of Paul that he is teaching God's commands in this matter, not his own opinion which they imply is only of limited temporary value. We have to base our principles on what Paul says when he is addressing the subject, not on speculation about things which are not in the text.

"Difficult Texts"    

Many Bible colleges teach courses called "Difficult Texts." Frequently a "difficult text" is simply a Scripture that doesn't jive with what we believe. The text has got to be explained in such a way as not to interfere with our doctrinal beliefs. 1 Co. 14:34-35 and 1 Ti. 2:11-15 are most often included in these courses. Are they difficult because they are hard to “get around” or because they obviously teach what we don't believe.

Conclusion

What we must always be willing to do is trust the scriptures to guide us into all truth through the Holy Spirit.  For we all will adamantly agree the scriptures are forever correct and we, our flesh, are always wrong.  The world has, for a long time now, taken the Bible out of this discussion on serving Yahweh in His assemblies.  In today’s Christianity this subject has been long put to rest and soon they will be able to say the same thing about the subject of homosexuality.  They do this at their own peril for Yahweh’s order, which He established in the beginning with Adam, will not yield for any man.  We can already see the consequences of man’s action in our society today.

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