Truth Magazine

By Donnie V. Rader

In discussions about women in business meetings, one of the main passages that is introduced is Acts 15.This chapter deals with the “conference” at Jerusalem about the matter of circumcision. This passage is cited as proof that women may attend and participate in decision-making business meetings.

Let’s consider the argument that is made from the text and then we’ll see whether Acts 15 supports the contention.

The Argument Made on Acts 15

I. The Argument: Those who think Acts 15 allows women in business meetings tell us that this chapter is an example of women being involved in making decisions for the church. They think they see that in more than one spot in this chapter.

a. These brethren contend that the whole church at Antioch (including women) determined to send Paul and Bamabas to Jerusalem (vv. 2-3). Thus, women were involved in making that determination.

b. We are told that more than just the apostles and elders (v. 6) were present and discussed the matters at hand. The “multitude” (v. 12) or “whole church” (v. 22)was present. Thus, this was a congregational meeting to discuss the problem.

c. The contention says that the “whole church” (including women) was involved in the decision to send a letter to Antioch and in choosing some of their own to accompany Paul and Bamabas to Antioch (v. 22).

d. Then, we are told, that the whole church gathered to receive the letter at Antioch (v. 30) and not just the elders or the men of the congregation.

Their conclusion from the above points is that women may attend and participate in business meetings.

Some are using Acts 15 to say that women may attend business meetings, but she cannot participate. Others are using the same passage to say that a woman may attend and she may participate. Still others are saying that this same text teaches that she must be in the business meetings and be involved in the decision-making process.

Some contend that Acts 15 teaches that women can be in the business meetings in the absence of elders. Others say women are to be a part of the decision-making process even when there are elders. In fact, some are saying that elders cannot make any decision without a congregational meeting.

B. Those who are giving Acts 15 as proof that women are permitted in business meetings. Vance E. Trefethen wrote in his book, Confusion or Consensus,

It is impossible to avoid the conclusion that the whole congregation, under the leadership of the apostles and elders, was involved in the decision to send this letter, and in the drafting of its contents (p. 30).

What’s really amazing about Acts 15 is how similar the pattern of congregational decision-making is with elders as it was without elders in Acts 6 (p. 31).

Acts 15 is the only passage in the New Testament that shows how elders function in the decision-making process of the local church (p. 32).

The same writer used Acts 15 in his recent debate with Tom Roberts (Guardian of Truth, August 18, 1994, p. 495).

Joan H. Rieber wrote an essay entitled “A Woman’s Perspective” which appeared as a chapter in Trefethen’s book, Confusion or Consensus. In it she said,

One of the responsibilities I needed to accept was attending the assemblies of the “whole multitude” to discuss and decide the work of the local church . . . this is the way it was done in Acts 6 and Acts 15 (p. 94).

There are also scriptures that prevent the exclusion of even one woman from congregational assemblies: Acts 6:2-5; Acts 15:12,22 (p. 95).

Dale Smelser’s unpublished essay, “The Rule of Elders,” is quoted in Confusion or Consensus in which he refers to Acts 15 and says,

It is impressive how meticulously the Holy Spirit reiterates the participation of the congregation in all this. Here is precedent illustrating function of elders and congregation. Any oversight that excludes similar participation, is not scriptural oversight. Any oversight that determines everything apart from congregational participation, and simply announces its decision to which all are obligated to submit upon pain of rejecting God’s appointed authority, has rejected God’s authority (p. 36).

The same writer wrote an article, “Business Meetings and Oversight” in Sentry Magazine (December 31, 1986, p. 2) saying,

With elders the body should still function and work together, to the same extent, and even at times be able to meet and participate in discussion (Acts 15).

Again in an article, “Do Men Hold a Monopoly On the Business Meeting?” (Sentry Magazine, December 31, 1987, p. 2-3) Smelser stated,

But if the example of whole church involvement is problematical to you, it is in harmony with what took place in Jerusalem and afterward at Antioch and Jerusalem again … “they” (the brethren of Acts 15:1) determined to send Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem, and they were brought on their way “by the church” (Acts 15:2-3). It was the whole church that did all this. That includes women. … That the whole church was present for the discussion and its resolution is evident from the fact that it seemed good to the apostles and elders, “with the whole church,” to choose and send men with Paul and Barnabas to Antioch to confirm the acceptance of the Gentiles (Acts 15:22).

Lynn Trapp is quoted from The Messenger (Glen Burnie, MD Church of Christ, December 13, 1987) in Confusion of Consensus (p. 107),

If we are intent on following the New Testament in every way, isn’t it necessary that we observe all of its teachings? The closed door “business meeting” (except as a part of a general congregational meeting, Acts 15:1-12) is just as foreign to the New Testament as is instrumental music in worship.

Alpha (an anonymous writer) in debate with Omega on women in business meetings affirmed the proposition, “The scriptures teach that Christian women may attend and participate in the decision-making meetings of the church” (With All Boldness, July 1994). His second affirmative said,

To this list of passages from our first affirmative we can add Acts 15:1-29. . . Once again we see “the whole church” involved in a decision of the church (p. 9).

Samuel G. Dawson’s booklet, Women and Men in a Local Church states,

The New Testament contains at least four examples where women clearly participated in congregational meetings, i.e., where the whole church weighed, pondered, and considered their action (p. 19).

One of the examples he cites is Acts 15 (p. 20).

Answering The Argument

1. The question about women and Acts 15: The question is not: (a) whether there was a gathering of the whole church (including women), (b) whether the whole church (including women) listened to the speeches recorded in vv. 7-21 or (c) whether the whole church (including women) agreed with the proposal of sending a letter to Antioch. To prove that women were involved in the above (which is what the text says) proves nothing about women in business meetings. The question is whether women were involved in any decision-making process.

2. There were private and public meetings in Acts 15. There were at least three meetings: two public and one private.

(a) There was a public meeting involving the church (v. continued on next page

4). This was the meeting in which Paul and Bamabas gave their report of what “God had done with them.” Some of the Pharisees were present and caused a stir in this meeting (v. 5). “It seems that the assembly adjourned to meet again at another hour” (J. W. McGarvey, Original Commentary On Acts, p. 183).

(b) There was another meeting of the apostles and elders (vv. 6-22) along with the “multitude” (v. 12) or the “whole church” (v. 22).

(c) There was also a private meeting in which Paul met with those “of reputation.” “I did so in private to those who were of reputation” (Gal. 2:2, NASV, emphasis mine DVR). This private meeting must have been either prior to or between the public meetings (see McGarvey, Original Commentary on Acts, p. 183; New Commentary on Acts, Vol. II, p. 60).

There was a decision made in this private meeting to accept Paul into fellowship (Gal. 2:9). Keep in mind that only men were present in this meeting (Gal. 2:1,2,9). And to think there was none of our modern thinkers there to tell them that could not be done!

3. Those who participated in the discussions were men. (a) It was the apostles (men) and elders (men) who were to consider the matter (vv. 2, 6). (b) Those who addressed the meeting were men: Peter (v. 7), Paul (v.12), Barnabas (v. 12) and James (v. 13). (c) Those who wrote the letter also gave commands (v. 24). The statement “to whom we gave no such commandment” implies that some commandment was given. Who are the “we”? Were women included in giving commandments? If so, could they do so today? (d) There is no evidence that any woman said anything in either of the public meetings in Acts 15! In fact, the multitude kept silent (v. 12). While it is true that the church (including women) was pleased (v. 22), “we are not told how they reached the decision, whether all the members were consulted, or whether the membership expressed agreement with the apostles and elders. The apostles and elders led in the agreement as they did in the discussion” (H. Leo Boles, Acts, p. 241). Those who abuse Acts 15 confuse approval or being pleased with some action with direct participation in decision-making.

To assume that women must have spoken and participated in these meetings is to make the same kind of assumption that our Methodist friends do with the house-hold of Lydia.

Since the “whole church” (v. 22) was in one place, women could not have spoken and participated in any discussion (1 Cor. 14:34-35, cf. v. 26).

4. God was directly involved in these meetings of Acts 15. Unlike our business meetings today, God called this meeting. Paul said he went “by revelation” (Gal. 2:2). Furthermore, when the decision was made about circumcision, it was made by the Holy Spirit (v. 28). I hardly think we could attribute some of the decisions we make in business meetings to the Holy Spirit.

What took place in Acts 15 is really not parallel to business meetings. Acts 15 would be more parallel to having some public discussion (debate) on a doctrinal matter.

A Consequence

If women can participate in discussions where the whole church is gathered (referred to as “assemblies” by some of the advocates of women in business meetings), she can address the assembly. If she can do that and not violate 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 and 1 Timothy 2:11-12, I wonder why she could not preach without violating those same text? Those who contend that women can participate in congregational meetings (citing Acts 15) cannot consistently keep women from addressing any other assembly.

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: 3 p. 18-20
February 2, 1995

By Larry Ray Hafley

“Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease” (Prov. 22:10). Would my home, the place where I work, and the church be more peaceful and harmonious if I were “cast out”? If I am a scoffing, murmuring, complaining scorner, they would be. Is it not a sad thought to think that life might be better for others if I were not present?

 “Heartaches and misery may well be caused by external events and circumstances. They may also be developed in the laboratory of the mind, formed and fashioned out of the empty air of self pity within the vile of bitterness and ingratitude.”

 “A skunk and a rose are known, in part, by the scent they emit.” God can see our lives as a “sweet smelling savor” or as a disgusting odor (Amos 5:21; Eph. 5:2). So, to him, which are you, a skunk or a rose?

 “And they glorified God in me” (Gal. 1:24). What a compliment! What a tribute! Could it be said of your friends, neighbors, relatives, and co-workers, “And they glorified God in me”? Or will it be said, “And they denied God because of me”?

 “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you” (2 Thess. 3:1). Do we pray “that the word of the Lord may have free course”? Could we pray that the word of the Lord may “be glorified, even as it is with (us)”? Does the word have “free course” in our lives? Is the word of God “glorified” by our lives? Our daily lives, in the family, in the workplace, and in the community, may cause “the name of God and his doctrine” to be “blasphemed” or slandered (1 Tim. 6:1; Titus 2:5, 10). Which is it with you and me?

 A salesman knocked at the door. The man came to the door, and the salesman, smiling, said, “May I speak to the head of the house, please?” The gentleman said, “Well, sir, the real head of this house has put me in charge for nowso, what’s on your mind?” How wonderful it would be if we would all keep in mind who is truly “the head of the house”!

 “Trickery, deceit, hostility, gouging, verbal abuse, conniving in private huddles, cries for blood, and the removal of some of the participants are the necessary ingredients of a good football game  and a church fuss.”

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: 4 p. 4
February 16, 1995

By Bill Jeter

In Acts 8, Philip asked a man traveling from Ethiopia to Jerusalem to worship if he understood what he was reading. His reply was, “How can I except some man guide me?” He needed a teacher.

The word “teacher” is in reference to “one who teaches, instructs, trains, directs, and guides.” As we see from the definition, a great responsibility is placed upon a “Bible class” teacher, for he/she has a great part in forming the minds of our children by instilling in them all things pertaining to God, such as creation, his purpose for man, his Son, salvation, heaven, torment, and living the good life.

All Christians should study and strive toward the time they will be able teachers of God’s word. The desire to be a Bible teacher (as elders desire the office of elder) is in my opinion the first qualification of a teacher. As Jesus told his disciples in Matthew 5, we should “hunger and thirst after righteousness” so that we may “commit the same to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:2).

Secondly, the teacher must be well grounded and fully convinced that his knowledge is true and understands that teaching error will result in loss of his own soul (1 Cor. 9:16-17; Gal. 1:8). Continuing to study God’s word is a must for the teacher to rightly handle and teach it.

Again, I would think it necessary for the teacher to have a knowledge of the pupils’ life situations and family backgrounds in order to do the most good with them. Be one to show your care and concern for your students not only in the class room but in their daily lives as well.

Last, but not least, the teacher should be one of good character, pure life, and godly living (Tit. 2:12; 1 Tim. 5:22). An example before the students should be one of stedfastness, and abounding in the Lord’s work (1 Cor. 15:58). What kind of influence would he/she be if they were unfaithful in worship assemblies? What influence would you have in teaching Hebrews 10:25, (“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together…”) if you forsake the assemblies? Do as Paul states in Colossians 3:2, “Set your affections on things above and not on things on the earth,” and instill this in the minds of the students. As the student grows, you as a teacher should grow. Grow to teach, teach to save!

What greater reward in this life could we have than to know we have had a part in developing someone to grow in grace and knowledge in the Lord, and to live a happy, peaceable life on this earth. The greatest reward will be when we hear our Lord say, “Enter thou into the joy of the Lord” (Matt. 25:23).

In conclusion, let us remember as Bible teachers, class time is not a time for fun and games, but a time for teaching and learning. So our need today is for congregations of God’s people to not be neglectful, but to seriously examine our teaching programs and to search out dedicated and knowledgeable teachers able to impart (make known) the truths of God’s word. There is also a need to thoroughly examine the materials used in teaching to be sure error is not being taught.

Let us, as teachers, determine to not just get by but to take our responsibilities seriously and do as Paul said in Colossians 3:23, 24, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: 4 p. 11
February 16, 1995

By Lance Bailles

Near where I live is an elderly gentleman who lives in a retirement home. Sweet guy, unless you’re relative of his. Sad but true, he suspects that his family is conspiring against him. Despite the fact that his sons are successful and drive luxury sedans, he is convinced that they want to do him in for his Ford Tempo. And he tells them so.

My dad had a stroke about five years ago, and believe me when I say this, he was a bear to be around for the two following years. I turned to the Bible for help, and the following is what I found. If you should find yourself in such a situation, it will help you to be a better Christian and a better supporter to your parents age.

First: Have pity by putting yourself in their shoes. Proverbs 14:29 says, “He who is slow to wrath has great understanding.” It’s a sad commentary on all of us that most of our anger is due to a lack of understanding. We all like to think that other people earn our anger, but in reality most of our anger is immature, uncalled for, and unbecoming to a Christian. Thankfully, there’s help. In Luke 7:35f the Lord himself shows us how to put a little depth into our perspective. The place is the house of Simon, a Pharisee. During the course of the meal, a certain woman arrived. What Simon saw was a nuisance, a stringy haired obstacle to decency and digestion, an embarrassing distraction from weighty conversation. Isn’t it odd how Jesus’ acute sense of observation missed those things? What Jesus did see was a depressed, hurting person who was hungry for change and to be directed of God. The fact that Simon saw none of these things points to our own failure to see these things in so many of the people we meet. The question for you is, what do you see in your parents? Don’t be so shallow as to not see beyond the decline of their minds to see the parents who loved you. Think about how horrible it must be to live with so many frightening delusions and to have everything familiar become strange. A little under-standing works a lot of compassion.

Second: Ignore insults rather than arguing them. Proverbs 19:11 says “The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.” Proverbs 17:9 says, “He who covers a transgression seeks love.” Even more to the point, the Bible says, “Do not give heed to all the things that men say, lest you hear your servant cursing you; your heart knows that you have yourself cursed others.” If it’s a glory to ignore an insult, how much more then for the confused insinuations of a parent who cannot help what age is doing to him! Having to take it upon self to correct every little misstatement will only add to the wrongs of an untamed tongue with a track record for trouble. With the elderly, patient loving kindness is by far the best defense, an advocate that speaks more highly than an arguing mouth.

Third: When it’s time to convince your aged parents to make an important decision, try not to do it alone. 1 Kings 1 illustrates this well. David has become an old, ineffective king who still clutches the throne of power. Ambitious, evil men are already cutting up the kingdom. It is easy for all of us, and especially so with the elderly, to rather pilot a ship to ruin than to admit that we need help. The kingdom was falling apart and Nathan wanted to do something about it, but notice that he didn’t do it alone. Rather, he made a team effort with Bathsheba. It worked. Your folks may be crashing their estate or may need to make some other important decision. If you take someone else whom they trust, you will be wise to imitate Nathan and avoid a solo sales pitch.

When you were a child, there were days when no doubt you put your parents through “the works.” Now that we are older, we have another kind of works for our parents: good works. Be understanding with their fears, don’t let unfair remarks become a big deal, be there to help them as the sweetest person you can be, and don’t be afraid to encourage others to help out, especially those who should be obligated to do so. Let’s remember the most important part: God will remember our labor of love, and that makes everything worth it.

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: 4 p. 5
February 16, 1995