The answer to the question of whether it is right have Bible classes is almost self evident.  Yet, there are some who would have you to know that we have no authority for such as a congregation of the Lord’s people.  We do understand that the Bible teaches by Explicit Command, by Implication, by Approved Example and, just as well, by Silence.  Therefore, to be able to justify having Bible classes as a congregation, we must find authority for such in one of these ways the Bible teaches.  So, let us examine what the Bible says.
     In 2 Timothy we find Paul saying these words to the young man Timothy, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).  We find here Paul telling Timothy that by “study” he would be able to “rightly divide the word of truth” as well as making him a person who would not need “to be ashamed.”  Therefore, we understand that “study” is profitable to a Christian.
     We also find an interesting situation in Acts 8 with Philip and the eunuch.  When he approached the eunuch, Philip could hear that he was reading from the book of “Esaias” (Isaiah).  Then Philip ask the eunuch, “Understandest thou what thou readest?”  The eunuch then responded, “How can I, except some man should guide me?”  Then he desired Philip to come up into the chariot and sit with him (Acts 8:30-31).  This should tell us that there are times when we need help understanding “what saith the scriptures.”  The eunuch didn’t know who the prophet was speaking of because he had not been exposed to Christ.  There are times when we do not understand something because we have not been exposed to one thing or another and whence we will need help finding the answer to a Biblical question.  Therefore it is necessary sometimes to study with someone else.
     These are fine examples to show us that study of the Bible is profitable and that sometimes we need help.  But what of the example of a congregation coming together for “Bible Study.”  In Acts 17 we find Luke writing of the Berean brethren, “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11).  The scriptures they “searched.....daily” was the Old Testament.  The question is, did they do this as a group or as individuals.  They did it as a group.  In that day, they did not have the printing press.  Copies of the Bible were rare at best.  For this reason alone we can say they came together to study what they were being taught.  Therefore, we do have an Approved Example for Bible Study as a group of Christians.  They even searched “daily.”  What about Wednesday Bible Study?
     Does it make sense to have Bible classes?
     There are many who say that we are to teach our children at home.  That is good and scriptural for Paul said, “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).  That would definitely involve teaching the children the word of God at home.  We should all be involved in teaching the way of the Lord to our children and grandchildren as Lois and Eunice did with Timothy (2 Timothy 1:5).  And those parents who take the extra time out of their busy schedule to do so are to be commended.
     But is it enough to lay everything at the feet of the parents.  Peter wrote, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:2).  How many “Babes” in Christ have children who need the word of God taught to them?  It is written, “For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:13-14).  Is it wise for us to lay all the responsibility of teaching children at the feet of “babes” in Christ?
 Another thing to consider is how many parents are actually going to take the time to sit down with their youngsters to teach them the Bible.  Did your parents study with you?  Are you currently studying with your children on a regular basis?  Most parents would have to answer “No.”  Therefore, the end of the path of such is very dim.  As the child who does not have Bible study grows physically, he fails to grow spiritually.  The Hebrew Christians were told, “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat” (Hebrews 5:12).  They had become as such because they had not studied for it is written in v.14, “But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”  Exercise, studying and using the word, is how we grow as Christians.
     Over the years, there have been countless Christians who have fallen away because they did not study the Word of Life.  Have you ever noticed which Christians it is who seem to be most likely to be blown around by every wind of doctrine?  It is the ones who don’t attend organized Bible classes on a regular basis.  The reason for this is because they are missing something.  First of all, they are missing being grounded in the truth.  Without being equipped with the whole armor of God we will not be able to stand up against the wiles of the devil (Eph. 6:11).  Secondly, they are missing edification of the brethren.  One of the most important things for a babe in Christ is encouragement.  Paul wrote, “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do”
(1 Thessalonians 5:11).  Have you ever thought about why it was that Thomas didn’t believe that the Lord had been resurrected?  It was because he was not with the other Apostles when Jesus appeared.  He missed something by not being with the brethren.
     Bible classes are good.  When we look for scriptural authority for them, we find it.  When we think about the significance of Bible classes, it is enormous.