What does the Bible say about attending Bible classes, participating in service, etc…?

Bible classes such as we know are not mentioned in the New Testament. However, the fact that teaching was done is clearly evident. "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you...," Matt. 28:20. "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine…," Acts 2:42. "…ye have need that one teach you again…," Hebrews 5:12. "The aged women … that they may teach the young women…," Titus 2:3-4. These passages, as well as others in the New Testament, again, would not refer to set Bible classes such as in a formal Sunday school. However, some kind of instruction would have been done, for the Jews would have been used to such in the synagogues. When a congregation offers classes on Sunday morning or Wednesday night it is offering an opportunity for members to receive a similar type of instruction for the strengthening of their faith. See 2 Timothy 3:14-17 and 1 Peter 2:2 for instance.

Again, in the area of participation in the services, we do not have a definite picture of such in the New Testament. It is a matter of expediency, or something that needs to be done to facilitate the carrying out of the worship service. There is no command to do so, but it does give one the opportunity to serve in order to help others as they worship. Some may not feel comfortable serving in such a way, which is fine. More than likely that person will find other ways of serving.


1)Bible classes are they scriptural or not?
2)Disfellowship what about it.
3)What is the role of an elder to the congregation,and their role to the public?

Thank you for your good questions.
1. The church is a teaching institution--see I Tim. 3:14-15. Part of the mission of the church is to support the gospel. Christianity is a taught religion therefore the only possible way to spread God's kingdom is through teaching God's Word. Christians are to grow in the knowledge of the truth (God's Word John 17:17). See John 15:7; I Peter 2:2; I Tim. 2:15.  Bible class is simply one way the church is doing its duty to teach.

2. Withholding fellowship from a brother in Christ who has sinned and will not repent is taught in 2 Thess. 3:14-15. It's purpose is not to get vengeance, punish or judge. It is to keep the church pure- to edify the church - to keep the doctrine pure - to save souls.
2 Thess. 3:14-15
1. Obey not the word-
2. Note that man-
3. Have no company with him-
4. That he may be ashamed
5. Count him not as an enemy-
6. But as a brother-

Rom. 16:17-18
1. Mark them that cause division (take note)
2. Contrary to doctrine.
3. Turn away from them.

I Cor. 5:1-13
1. Immorality
2. Mourn- be grieved
3. Taken away from among you
4.Deliver this man to Satan
5. For destruction of flesh
6. That his spirit may be saved
7. Little leaven leaveneth whole lump
8. Have no company with fornicators
9. Put away the wicked man from among you.

Every effort is to be made to restore them. Gal. 6:1. James 5:19-20

Question 3.
The names applied to elders suggest the nature of the work of the elder to the church:
1. Elders: because of their age, which suggest wisdom ad prudence acquired from years of experience and study.
2. BISHOPS; WHICH MEANS OVERSEER. Elders are to exercise the oversight of the church. See1 Pet. 5:2- Acts 20:28
3. SHEPHERDS; Their work is described as a shepherd - feed and protect the flock from false teachers.
4 PASTORS (Eph. 3:11) the word means to feed.  They are to be examples for the church.

The elder must have "good testimony from then that are without (outside the church). The outside world will respect the church to whatever degree it is able to respect its leaders.