We have authority for Bible classes in two ways. First, we have authority for them in the general
command for the church to teach and edify (Eph. 4:15-16; 1 Tim. 3:14-15). The classes are
simply one of the expedient methods of getting this done. There are several expedient ways the
church can do this work - preach over the radio, print a bulletin, etc., and although they are not
specifically mentioned, they are authorized in the general command to the church. The classes do
not need to be specifically mentioned to be authorized. Preaching over the radio and printing a
bulletin are not specifically mentioned, but they are lawful because of the general command for the
church to teach and edify.
I know of a church in South Alabama which insists that having Bible classes is unscriptural and
wrong because they are not mentioned in the New Testament. However, that same congregation
has a baptistry and uses song books neither of which are mentioned. They have these things
because they are necessary aids or expediencies in carrying out the commands to baptize and sing.
So it is with the Bible classes. One cannot fulfill the commands of God without using some type
of aids or expediencies to accomplish them. Our English versions of the Bible are aids in fulfilling
the commands to study the word of God. Those who insist on only those things "specifically
mentioned" must use only the Greek text.
Secondly, Bible classes are authorized because in the New Testament there are examples of
disciples meeting in groups smaller than the whole church. If there were only examples of the
gospel being taught when the whole church was together, that would be all that is authorized.
However, part of the church met for special purposes (Acts 12:12,17; 20:17-18). They met at
times other than the Lord's day (Acts 2:46; 19:9); they taught in situations other than the whole
church (Acts 18:26; 20:20). This gives us authority to meet in groups smaller than the whole
church at a time other than when the Lord's Supper is observed. If part of the church could meet
for a specific purpose, the rest of the church could do likewise because that which God authorizes
for one group equally applies to the other.
If one takes the position that the teaching of the church must be done only when the whole church
is together, all teaching of the church must be done at that time. If he says that the teaching may
not be done in groups smaller than the whole church, if follows that all the teaching must be done
only when the whole church is together.
Bible classes are an expedient method for the church to fulfill its obligation to teach and edify. They are not additions, but aids in carrying out the commands of God.