p. 7 | Question Corner

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jun 29, 1904

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 30, No. 26.

Question Corner

1528.—I Tim. 2:11, 12.

Does 1 Tim. 2:11, 12 mean that women must not teach man or speak in public at all? READER.

The passage means what it says when read altogether. The strongest ruling power in women is not assumption of authority, but modesty, sweetness, and tact. The passage does not mean that women should not speak in public, for God chose Miriam and Deborah and Huldah as prophetesses. Philip had four daughters who prophesied or taught. Acts 21:9. Priscilla expounded with her husband the Word of God to Apollos. Acts 18:24–26. But in all these cases we suppose there was womanly modesty, with no assumption of authority. In 1 Cor. 11:5–13 the apostle gives instruction as to the appearance of women who speak or pray in public. Not only has God not debarred any soul from confessing Him, but He demands it as a duty and grants it as a privilege.

1529.—Bishops. 1 Tim. 3:1.

Should not the true believers in Christ have bishops among them? READER OF THE SIGNS.

Nearly all do, sometimes too many. The word “bishop” comes from episkopos, meaning an overseer, an overlooker, a shepherd, and is used synonymously with “elder.” See Titus 1:5–7. The elders were the overlookers of the churches.

1530.—What is Covetousness?

Is it covetousness to want things that one can pay for, yet can do without? or is it covetousness to want things that are not absolutely necessary? J. P.

We should say yes and no to both questions. Sometimes the things we want, yet could do without, greatly help us in our work. The things absolutely necessary are very few, but many things not necessary are lawful, useful, expedient. It depends on how much we want the things not needful. See short article on “Covetousness” in another column.