Doctrinal Points of our Assembly

Galatians 3:19
Ordinances Against Us?
The Apostolic Letter to Gentiles
The Law of Yahweh & of Moses
The Veil Over Their Minds
Yoke Our Fathers/Unable to Bear
Yahshua: The End of the Law
Yahshua was not a Lawgiver

Acts 20:7 From Several Versions
How to Count to Pentecost
Yahweh's Passover

Halleluyah
Love the Heavenly Father
Salvation & the Sacred Names
The Creator/What is His Name?
The Father's Name
The Importance of the Name
Read & Restore Sacred Names
What is the Messiah's Name?

Hebrews 10:25
John 5:18
The Sabbath

Baptism
Clothing for Men and Women
Feet Washing
Is This Your Ancestor?
Speaking in Tongues
The Plan of Salvation
The Soul of Man
When does the Day Begin?
Wine in the Bible
What Body are the Dead Raised?
Women
Yahweh's Dietary Laws

Women

by Voy Wilks

11/15/88

What do we believe about women teachers? We feel that as long as it is not in the assembly it is acceptable, even proper, for a woman to teach. Philip the evangelist had four daughters who prophesied (Acts 21:9). Scripture says Priscilla (the wife) and Aquila (her husband Acts 18:2) took Apollos and taught him the way more perfectly (Acts 18:26). In olden times there was an occasional woman prophet: Miriam, Moses sister (Ex. 15:20); Deborah (Jude 4:4); Huldah (2 Kgs. 22:14, 2 Chr. 34:22); Anna (Lk. 2:36). Also it is of interest that the most blessed good tidings of all time, perhaps, was delivered by women. The two Mary's went to see the tomb in the end of the Sabbath and an angel instructed them to "Go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; ..." (Mt. 28:7). None of this was in the worship service in the assembly, of course.

When the saints gather for worship, women are not allowed to speak in the assembly. Let the women keep silent, "... as also saith the law" (1 Cor. 14:33 - 38; 2 Tim. 2:11 - 15). The law (the Torah) tells us Aaron and his sons were ordained to the priesthood. Not one of his daughters was ordained as a priest. Yahshua chose twelve Apostles, not one of whom was a woman.

There seems to be one exception about the women remaining silent. Apparently it was proper for them to sing in the assembly. This is indicated in the NT, though not stated specifically (Eph. 5:19; Col 3:16). When the exiles returned with Ezra, he records there were "200 singing men and singing women" (Ezra 2:65; Neh. 7:67). In part, their purpose in returning was to re-establish the temple worship, thus mention is made of the singers, both men and women. 2 Chronicles 35:25 may refer to women singing in the worship, or it may refer to their singing at other times. It would seem that women will be included when the "ransomed of Yahweh shall return, and come to Zion with singing; ..." (Isa. 51:11).

"Thy solemn processions are seen, O Elohim, the processions of m y Elohim, my king, into the sanctuary - the singers in front, the minstrels last, between them maidens playing timbrels: 'Bless Elohim in the great congregation, Yahweh, O you who are of Israel's fountain!'" (Ps. 68:24 - 26 RSV).

In view of the prohibition against women speaking when the assembly is gathered for formal worship, we feel it is improper for women to lead the prayers (even at informal gatherings) when men are present. Men should take all responsibilities of the worship. Singing, as noted above, is the only exception.

* "If anyone thinks he is a prophet, or SPIRITUAL, he should acknowledge that what I am writing to you, is a command of Yahweh. If anyone does not recognize this he is not recognized" (1 Cor. 14:37, 38 RSV).

Additional Evidence

Man was first formed, then the woman (Gen. 2:21 - 24).
Man is to rule over the woman (1 Tim. 2:13; Gen. 3:16).
Women should be "keepers at home" (Titus 2:5).
Older women should teach younger women to love t heir husbands (Titus 2:4).
The gospel of the kingdom is to be entrusted to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also (2 Tim. 2:2)
According to Yahweh's command, Moses ordained Aaron's sons as priests, none of his daughters ( Ex. 29).
Yahshua's Apostles consisted of twelve men (Mt. 10:1). Not one woman was chosen.
Every Assembly should be directed by a bishop, who is able to teach, and is the husband of one wife (1 Tim. 3:2). A woman cannot be a bishop because she cannot be the husband of one wife.
Women should be submissive to their husbands (1 Titus 2:5)
A man can void his single daughter's vow, and a husband can void his wife's vow (Num. 30:1-16). This indicates women do not have autonomous authority.
First Corinthians 14:33 - 38 and 1 Tim. 2:11 - 15 are addressed TO MEN; "let your women keep silence in the assembly, ... I suffer not a woman to teach [in the assembly]. Any who are spiritual must acknowledge these as commands of Yahweh."

Men have at least two obligations:

To conduct the public worship
To order their women to keep silent in the assembly.

* My preference is, "Let the men keep silent in the Assembly, " but we do not have a choice. It is Yahweh's decision, and his decision is final.

ORDERLY WORSHIP

THE ROLES OF MEN AND WOMEN

Lev. 23:3 THE FOUNDATION - A "special", or sacred assembly is to be held on all of Yahweh's Sabbaths. These have unique rules and a specific order. Lk 4:16; Gen. 1:27, 31.
1 Cor. 14:26 - 28 ORDERLY WORSHIP TAUGHT BY THE APOSTLE PAUL - Vs. 26 Meetings to be free and open enough to allow for orderly participation of all the brethren. The clergy/laity distinction as commonly practiced is unscriptural. The move of Yah's spirit amongst us supernaturally occasionally, is to be expected.

Vs. 27, 28 Don't forbid tongues, but they must be interpreted.

VS. 29 - 33 THE MEN - Be willing to have your words tested! Eph 4:29; 1 Pet. 4:11; Titus 2:1, 1, 6 - 8; 1 Tim. 3. The sacred assemblies are no place for jokes, foolish talk, or to showoff. We are here to honor the King!
Vs. 33 - 38 THE WOMEN - Women are not allowed to speak. This is not simply a custom of Paul, because he references the Law (Num. 12).

VS 36 - 40 These are Yah's commands. This is not repression of women.

Col. 3:19 Men are commanded to love and respect their wives. This has nothing to do with a woman's
competence.

James 3:1 This relieves women of this serious responsibility.

1 Tim 2:8 - 14 ...Again this concept goes all the way back to Adam.

Titus 2:3 - 5 Older women are to teach the younger women, not the men.

Isa. 3:12 A nation out of order depicted here.

Some Common Objections

Gal. 3:26 - 28 This concerns justification, not the unique roles of men and women, Paul wrote Corinthians also!

Acts 2:17 This is a general statement and cannot override the specific instructions concerning an orderly assembly.

Judges 4 This is during Israel's apostasy and an exception to the rule. Yah can do as He pleases, but we must obey.