Is There a Biblical Format in the Assembly?
In my last post, we discussed the structure of the Assembly, or more specifically, what the Assembly is. The conclusion, based on scripture, is that the Assembly is made up of men who bring their families and gather together to learn and worship Yahowah.
Deuteronomy 16:16 NKJV - "Three times a year all your males shall appear before the LORD your God in the place which He chooses: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, at the Feast of Weeks, and at the Feast of Tabernacles; and they shall not appear before the LORD empty-handed.
In this post, as a follow-up to that one, we’re going to take a look at the order and structure of these gatherings and see what the Bible has to say, if anything, about the topic. I realize this is a somewhat controversial topic, but I am going to do my best to stick solely to what the Bible has to say without venturing outside of those bounds.
The purpose is to determine what the structure looked like at that point in time, not only so we can determine if there is any change that needs to be made in our own way of doing things, but also so that we have better context for the instructions regarding assemblies that we have been given.
The first thing to examine is the historical structure of the Assembly contained in the Bible. We have a few examples of the teaching portion of the Assembly, or what it looked like at that time. The first such example is the public reading of the law at the Feast of Tabernacles in Nehemiah.
The reading of the Law before the entire Assembly of Israel was an event that was commanded to take place every seven years. The Law in question was likely the Book of Deuteronomy, not necessarily the entire five books. The book of Deuteronomy serves as somewhat of a summary of the law, and it is far shorter than the entire thing.
Deuteronomy 31:9 YLT - And Moses writeth this law, and giveth it unto the priests (sons of Levi, those bearing the ark of the covenant of Jehovah), and unto all the elders of Israel,
Deuteronomy 31:10 YLT - and Moses commandeth them, saying, 'At the end of seven years, in the appointed time, the year of release, in the feast of booths,
Deuteronomy 31:11 YLT - in the coming in of all Israel to see the face of Jehovah in the place which He chooseth, thou dost proclaim this law before all Israel, in their ears.
We have an instance of this being done that’s recorded for us in the book of Nehemiah, though they began on the Feast of Trumpets.
Nehemiah 8:1 YLT - And all the people are gathered as one man unto the broad place that [is] before the water-gate, and they say to Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, that Jehovah commanded Israel.
Nehemiah 8:2 YLT - And Ezra the priest bringeth the law before the assembly, both of men and women, and every one intelligent to hear, on the first day of the seventh month,
Nehemiah 8:3 YLT - and he readeth in it before the broad place that [is] before the water-gate, from the light till the middle of the day, over-against the men, and the women, and those intelligent, and the ears of all the people [are] unto the book of the law.
We find that this is a public reading simply of the law with no explanation or commentary on the part of the one doing the reading. Its purpose is so that the people can hear and learn the law of God, something that would be rather difficult for them to do on their own, since most of them would not have access to a Bible the way we all do today.
However, this was an event that only took place every seven years, not a weekly occurrence.
In regard to the standard assembly that usually took place weekly, we get a glimpse of the way things were done in the details of one story about Jesus.
Luke 4:16 NASB95 - And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and as was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath, and stood up to read.
Luke 4:17 NASB95 - And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. And He opened the book and found the place where it was written,
Luke 4:18 NASB95 - "THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME, BECAUSE HE ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR. HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES, AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND, TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED,
Luke 4:19 NASB95 - TO PROCLAIM THE FAVORABLE YEAR OF THE LORD."
Luke 4:20 NASB95 - And He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on Him.
Luke 4:21 NASB95 - And He began to say to them, "Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing."
First, He stands up to read, then He sits to interpret and expound upon what He read.
Acts 13:14 NASB95 - But going on from Perga, they arrived at Pisidian Antioch, and on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down.
Acts 13:15 NASB95 - After the reading of the Law and the Prophets the synagogue officials sent to them, saying, "Brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say it."
Acts 13:16 NASB95 - Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said, "Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen:
Here we see that before the teaching portion, there is a customary reading of the Law and Prophets, something that is alluded to when the Apostles give instructions for what Gentiles are supposed to be taught first. Or what they need to be taught about the gospel.
Acts 15:21 NASB95 - "For Moses from ancient generations has in every city those who preach him, since he is read in the synagogues every Sabbath."
I believe this is referred to as the Torah portion of services. Simply, every week, a man reads a portion of the first five books or the prophets, quite possibly on an annual cycle. As in, reading through that section of the Bible in a year. There would then be a discussion of what had been read, with time for questions.
The model used in the Synagogue appears to be the model held to by the early church, and we see many places where Paul or another apostle went into the weekly Assembly as was their custom. What Paul has to say on the order of services matches up quite well with the pattern of Assemblies in the Synagogue.
There is one rather large chunk of scripture where Paul gives us these instructions, and we’ll go there next. I’m going to change the word “church” to “assembly” since that is what the Greek word means.
1 Corinthians 14:26 NASB95 - What is [the outcome] then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.
The first thing to notice is that Paul says “when you assemble,” and does not say “on the Sabbath.” I just want to point out that what is about to follow applies to any assembly for the purpose of discussion, learning, and worship.
He then goes through a list of the things everyone is doing to contribute to the Assembly, and says all of this is to be done for edification.
οἰκοδομή
Building, building up
The purpose of all of these things is for the building up of the body, not the tearing down or elevation of oneself. So whatever is said, it should be for growth, not just of yourself, but of everyone else as well. Sometimes this can be in the form of rebuke, since rebuke brings growth.
Paul is basically saying that every man has something to say, but it should be done decently and in order, and for edification.
1 Corinthians 14:27 NASB95 - If anyone speaks in a tongue, [it should be] by two or at the most three, and [each] in turn, and one must interpret;
If someone is going to speak in another language, then there must be an interpreter, or else the man should simply be quiet, as Paul says in the next verse.
1 Corinthians 14:28 NASB95 - but if there is no interpreter, he must keep silent in the assembly; and let him speak to himself and to God.
1 Corinthians 14:29 NASB95 - Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others pass judgment.
Two or three men should present something, a short topic or presentation. An inspired teaching, in other words, much like we would think of when we think of a sermon or sermonette in our tradition today. There’s a striking difference, however, because the other men in the room are supposed to judge or evaluate what these teachers say. An interactive discussion, if you will, with judgment about their teaching being passed by the assembled men.
Acts 17:10 NKJV - Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews.
Acts 17:11 NKJV - These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily [to find out] whether these things were so.
The listening men are supposed to test what the speaker is saying by the Scripture, discerning truth from error.
This next verse is interesting because what Paul says goes totally contrary to the model of services most of us follow.
I’m serious!
1 Corinthians 14:30 NASB95 - But if a revelation is made to another who is seated, the first one must keep silent.
Traditionally, this verse has been interpreted to say that the one who receives revelation must remain quiet until the person who is teaching finishes, but there’s just one problem. That’s not what it says, and the structure of the Greek makes it glaringly obvious that what Paul is saying is exactly what it sounds like he is saying.
If something is revealed to one of the men sitting by and listening, a deeper understanding of the scripture for instance (Luke 24:45 NKJV - And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.), then the man who is speaking is supposed to yield to that man and allow him to speak.
It’s completely contrary to the way we do things now.
Now, this isn’t saying that if one of the men wants to interrupt the man who is speaking, he can do so just for any reason; this is talking about a deep revelation from the Spirit, which can be tested and evaluated.
1 Thessalonians 5:19 NKJV - Do not quench the Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 5:20 NKJV - Do not despise prophecies. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 NKJV - Test all things; hold fast what is good. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 NKJV - Abstain from every form of evil.
1 John 4:1 NASB95 - Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
Paul goes on in the next verse to explain again that the purpose of all of this is for learning and exhortation. Again, when this unplanned speaker finishes, the assembly will evaluate what he said, just like they would with every other man. They’ll discuss it, in other words.
Genuine revelation comes straight from God and the moving of the Spirit; it's not one man having something he wants to say and interrupting the one who is talking. That's not what Paul is getting at at all. The one who is speaking is supposed to make way for genuine revelation from God, which is really making way for God Himself. It's about the assembly being led by the Spirit. There's an example of what this looks like in 2 Chronicles.
2 Chronicles 20:13 NKJV - Now all Judah, with their little ones, their wives, and their children, stood before the LORD. 2 Chronicles 20:14 NKJV - Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, in the midst of the assembly. 2 Chronicles 20:15 NKJV - And he said, "Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the LORD to you: 'Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle [is] not yours, but God's.
1 Corinthians 14:31 NASB95 - For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be exhorted;
They can speak one by one, and they shouldn’t be interrupting each other without genuine revelation. They can do this, Paul continues, because the spirit of the prophet can be controlled by the one speaking. They can be self-controlled, and they have the ability to keep silent.
1 Corinthians 14:32 NASB95 - and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets;
1 Corinthians 14:33 NASB95 - for God is not [a God] of confusion but of peace, as in all the assemblies of the saints.
God is not a God of confusion or chaos, especially in the assembly; He is a God of order. Everything that is described here is a description of an orderly and spirit-led assembly. An assembly actively guided and directed by God’s spirit, where spontaneity is allowed and discussion is mandatory.
People aren’t interrupting each other or arguing; everything is done peacefully, decently, and in order. Paul, continuing his thoughts about things that are to be done in all the assemblies of the saints, to keep everything in order, brings up something slightly controversial in verse 34.
1 Corinthians 14:34 NASB95 - The women are to keep silent in the assemblies; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says.
Women are to keep silent in the assemblies!
That’s pretty clear, actually, and now that we understand the format of services in these assemblies, well, there’s a new layer of understanding that is unlocked. The law says women are to be in subjection, and therefore, they are not to speak. Interestingly, in his letter to Timothy, Paul leaves it ambiguous enough that it sounds like women are only forbidden from teaching men or having authority over them.
The wording and interpretation of that would leave it open for women to engage in Bible study and the discussion portion of the Assembly, even being able to ask questions.
Here, however, Paul is crystal clear. Women are not permitted to speak in the assembly, period. It doesn’t matter what the format is, or if it is just a Bible study or the discussion portion of the service.
Don’t believe me?
Let’s continue.
1 Corinthians 14:35 NASB95 - If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in the assembly.
If they desire to learn anything, they are supposed to do so through their husbands at home. That means they aren’t even supposed to be asking questions in the assembly!
Complete silence!
I’m serious!
The word “improper” makes it sound like it’s just a little faux pas if the women speak, but the Greek is a bit stronger than that. A lot stronger, actually.
Αἰσχρός
Base, dishonorable, disgraceful
Base: Webster's 1828 dictionary
2. Mean; vile; worthless; that is, low in value or estimation; used of things.
It’s pretty serious for a woman to speak in the assembly, vile and disgraceful.
The word translated as “speak” means exactly that in the Greek. It has nothing to do with teaching, and everything to do with simply uttering words, something a woman is not supposed to do in the Assembly.
Various places mention female prophets, but the only accounts we have of them show them prophesying in private, not in an assembly of men. However, we have many accounts and instructions for them not to do so, and the entire structure of the Assembly and the Family link in the first place.
1 Corinthians 14:36 NASB95 - Was it from you that the word of God [first] went forth? Or has it come to you only?
1 Corinthians 14:37 NASB95 - If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord's commandment.
If you are tempted to dismiss this, well, according to Paul, you would be dismissing a commandment from God.
That’s pretty serious!
It means we need to take everything he said in this section very seriously, especially because of what Paul says in the next verse.
1 Corinthians 14:38 NASB95 - But if anyone does not recognize [this,] he is not recognized.
If anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized!
1 Corinthians 14:39 NASB95 - Therefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues.
1 Corinthians 14:40 NASB95 - But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner.
So, all things in the assembly must be done properly and in an orderly manner. That’s the goal of those who are partaking in the discussion, and there should be no arguing. It should be peaceful and for edification and learning.
How would all this apply to the way we do things today?
Well, for one thing, there should always be a discussion portion to discuss what was taught or read. That’s one thing that almost never happens, or if it does, it is tightly controlled by one of the elders. That’s not the model we see in scripture.
The whole assembly of men is free to participate in the discussion, and the main presenters can be questioned and, if necessary, corrected. The model followed by most churches today, where one or two get up and give a monologue, is not only biblically inaccurate, but it’s also unedifying for the most part.
The whole service should be interactive, from the worship to the study and speaking.
The amount of spiritual growth that would happen with such a format is incredible!
Now, I understand most men would be very uncomfortable with this sort of format. What I’m not saying is that it’s wrong to have a sermon format, but what I am saying is that it is absolutely vital that there is an opportunity, a specific time set aside immediately following the speaker’s presentation, where the men can ask questions and give comments.
That is something that must change in every assembly I know of!
I'm serious!
On the opposite side of things, there should be a rotation of the men each week, where two or three of them are assigned to study a topic for presentation. Whether that is a sermon or just a short presentation, that is equally as vital as the discussion portion.
1 Corinthians 14:26 NASB95 - What is [the outcome] then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.
The purpose for all of these things is edification. So, with that in mind, what should the format of services be?
Should we have two songs before the sermon or three?
Well, all of that is open for discussion. The format of services has guidlines, things that must be included, but there isn't a set format in the Bible.
A service must contain songs, as we see from what Paul says and many other places in the Bible.
ψαλμός
A striking, twanging ((Euripides, others)); specifically, a striking the chords of a musical instrument ((Pindar, Aeschylus, others)); hence, a pious song, a psalm
Praise and worship of God is essential in the assembly, and a commanded portion of it.
Colossians 3:16 NASB95 — Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
I hope this was an interesting read for you all, and I hope it brings a certain clarity to the changes we might consider making in our local assemblies and furthers our learning, growth, and understanding of our Father in Heaven.
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