|
 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 Eve’s 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 speaker’s 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
women’s “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.
[Previous
Article] [Next
Article]
|
