Is it scriptural for a sister in Christ to give comments after the “Bible Study” period, instead of asking questions submissively (as was the case of the women in the worship service of I Corinthians 14:34-35)? Is such a sister in violation of I Timothy 2:12? Is such a sister usurping authority over the men?

QUESTION: Is it scriptural for a sister in Christ to give comments after the “Bible Study” period, instead of asking questions submissively (as was the case of the women in the worship service of 1 Corinthians 14:34-35)? Is such a sister in violation of 1 Timothy 2:12? Is such a sister usurping authority over the men?

ANSWER: If a woman is responding to a man who is in authority during a “Bible Study” period, she would not be in violation of scripture. If she, as the question implies, takes a position of authority over the men in the class by assuming the leadership, she would be sinning, as would all others participating in such an arrangement (I Timothy 2:11-12). The same is true of the formal worship services to God. The woman must be in subjection, not usurping the authority of the man. This means that she cannot participate in a leading or authoritative way.