Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2022
Wednesday, February 16, 2022
Do not go beyond the things that are written (1 Cor. 4:6).
A well-meaning elder might set rules that he feels will protect God's sheep. However, there are important differences between the authority of elders and that of family heads. One is that Jehovah has given the elders the responsibility to act as judges and cast out unrepentant sinners from the congregation (1 Cor. 5:11-13). On the other hand, Jehovah has given family heads authority to do certain things that elders cannot do. One of the things a head can do is make rules for his family members and see that they are followed (Rom. 7:2). For example, you have the right to dictate what time your children should come home at night, as well as the authority to discipline them if they disobey (Eph. 6:1). Of course, before setting a rule,a considerate householder will talk to his wife, for the two are “one flesh” (Matt. 19:6). w21.02 16-18 paras. 10-13
How did the apostle Paul show that he respected women?
The apostle Paul commanded Timothy to respect women. He told her to treat older women “as mothers” and younger women “as sisters” (1 Tim. 5:1, 2). Although Paul did much to help Timothy to have a strong faith, he recognized that it was his mother and grandmother who taught him “the holy writings” (2 Tim. 1:5; 3:14, 15). Also, in his letter to the Romans, Paul sent greetings to several sisters and mentioned them by name. He was aware of all that these Christian women were doing and expressed how much he valued their work (Rom. 16:1-4, 6, 12; Phil. 4:3).
What questions are we going to answer?
As we have seen, the Bible does not imply that sisters are inferior to brothers. With their love and generosity, our sisters bring much to the congregation, and the elders count on their help in maintaining peace and unity. But these questions still need to be answered: Why does Jehovah command sisters to cover their heads on certain occasions? and, since only males are appointed elders and ministerial servants, does this mean that all brothers are heads of all sisters?
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