02.40. Preaching and Teaching
LESSON XL--Preaching and Teaching.
What is the difference between preaching and teaching? Ans.--Preaching is that which is addressed to sinners for their conversion, and teaching is the instruction of the disciples. To whom were the disciples commanded to preach? Mark 16:16. Whom were they commanded to teach? Matthew 28:19-20.
Note.--The word translated "teach" in Matthew 28:19 of this passage means to make disciples. The word "teach" in Matthew 28:20 is correct. On whom was the duty of preaching the gospel first enjoined? Mark 16:14-15. What command was given to Timothy on this subject? 2 Timothy 4:1-2. What was Timothy? 2 Timothy 4:5. What is an evangelist? Ans.--The word means a preacher of the gospel. Did any others besides apostles and evangelists preach the gospel? Acts 8:1, Acts 8:4. Mention one of those who thus preached? Acts 8:5. What was Philip before this? Acts 6:3-5. What did he become by virtue of going about preaching? Acts 21:8. Is the privilege of preaching the gospel confined to any one class of persons? May women preach to public audiences? 1 Corinthians 14:34. Who are the official teachers in the congregations? 1 Timothy 3:1-2; Titus 1:5, Titus 1:9. Is it also a part of the evangelist’s duty to teach? 1 Timothy 4:13. What teaching, is enjoined on Christian women? Titus 2:3-4. Give an instance of a Christian woman who taught a preacher? Acts 18:24-26. Is there any limitation, then, to the private teaching that women may do? According to these Scriptures, is it her privilege to teach in the Sunday-school? If such is the privilege of Christian woman, what is that of the men?
What provision was made for the perpetuation of public teachers in the church? 1 Timothy 2:2. As this duty was enjoined on Timothy, what is implied in reference to the duty of other evangelists? If a preacher, then, or a Christian teacher, gather about him a number of "faithful" men and teach them the Scriptures with a view to making them teachers, is this Scriptural or unscriptural? What would you say, then, of a school for instructing those who desire to teach and preach? Which would be the more judicious method, to have such schools in sufficient number, or to have each preacher become a teacher of the few whom he might gather about him?
If it is the duty of preachers and elders to teach the disciples, what duty does this impose on the disciples? If, then, we neglect to hear their teaching, do we commit sin?