Why would a bible study say someone can't join them at their table at a restaurant?

Taking you at your word, I cannot imagine such a thing

I'd advise asking them why in a gentle and quiet way.

Every Christian I know would have been delighted to have you join in.

They may have had a valid reason but they should've explained it if that were so

well, in theory you would be correct. But in this day and age of privacy and weird things going on, people might feel intruded on especially by a stranger. Maybe your ideas wouldn't connect with theirs, maybe the group has things going on that you don't need to mettle in. I would find it creepy if a total stranger came to a table I was at with my friends and asked if they could join us. CREEPY.

It is not mean to not include a stranger into a private group outing. It is not "leaving them out" because they weren't invited in the first place. Go to a church and find your own group to study with.

You would have to ask them why. I could think of a number of reasons but they could all be wrong. I knew someone who wasn't allowed to join a Christian homeschooling group once because they belonged to a church that the group didn't consider to be Christian. Some people aren't very nice.

Because they're a bunch of Born Again Hypocrites, that's why. Christians are like that, get used to it.

Consider it a compliment. Only ignorant nitwits are allowed to slurp from the Christian trough because anyone else would feel compelled to comment on the rancid floaters. Plus... it's next to impossible to keep hogwash down when the person next to you is actively vomiting and retching. Rolls eyes

Why don't you ask and find out? That's the way you do things

It is interesting to see what Jesus Said in a similar situation...

"Later, while he was reclining at the table in the house, look! many tax collectors and sinners came and began reclining with Jesus and his disciples. 11 But on seeing this the Pharisees began to say to his disciples: “Why is it that YOUR teacher eats with tax collectors and sinners?” 12 Hearing [them], he said: “Persons in health do not need a physician, but the ailing do. 13 Go, then, and learn what this means, ‘I want mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came to call, not righteous people, but sinners.” (Matthew 9:10-13. Bible).

Depends. Did they even know this person? Perhaps members of the group had personal issues they wanted to discuss. Perhaps the stranger made them uncomfortable and they were simply concerned about safety. Perhaps they did know the person and the person is known for distracting from the topic at hand or stirring up trouble.

Absolutely We should invite all that hath an ear friend, Jesus ministered to Thousands at one time or another, if that means moving to a larger table or banquet room, then so be it😂

Who holds a Bible study in a café?