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Originally Posted by TaylorOtwell  Quote:
Originally Posted by Davidius But if it does more than that, you need to look at the passage within the context of the entire New Testament's teaching on how instruction during worship is supposed to take place. Again, I certainly think it is up for discussion whether discussion/questions should be allowed, but you seem to be overlooking both immediate context and other relevant NT passages as it concerns who can stand up and teach. | Which other relevant NT passages are you referring to?
I definitely understand where you are coming from, since I'm sorting out these issues myself!
It just seems to me that we have outlawed anyone except the pastor (and maybe a music minister) from speaking in the church gathering, and all other men and women fulfill the command to be silent. It seems like this practice has absolutely no Biblical basis. Actually, it seems like there is Biblical basis to the opposite.
I understand that there are those elders who labor in preaching and teaching; however, that Scripture does not rule out that other brothers could give a teaching.
Also, how does one recognize someone has the spiritual gift of teaching, it seems fairly subjective...? Some godly men may think he is a great teacher, and some may think he is mediocre. |
My understanding is that the gift of teaching and the call to be an elder go hand in hand. Whoever has the latter has the former by nature of being called as an elder. This, of course, opens up another can of worms depending on whether one thinks that ruling elder is a separate office, but I think most would agree that the gift of teaching does not exist apart from the office of teacher/elder.
As far as worship is concerned, I would argue that the idea that anyone may give a teaching is automatically ruled out until it is established from scripture that anyone else may teach, based on the Regulative Principle of Worship. Again, Paul seems to be speaking specifically about prophets in this passage, based on the solution that he gives to the Corinthians, which is to allow two or three prophets to speak while the other prophets judge. All men teach at home in their families, but those gifted to teach and ordained as teachers/elders teach during corporate worship.
Per your statement about "all other men and women remaining silent" other than the pastor, this is why I admitted that I'm curious to know others' opinions about having a time of discussion/questions after an elder has given a scripture lesson. Of course, Paul does say regarding women that they are supposed to remain silent and ask their husbands at home if they have any questions.