4 Minute Read

Prepare Your Heart

To the best of your ability, get rid of all distractions. Take a few minutes to breathe deeply and quiet yourself in the Lord’s presence. Then, ask the Lord to speak to you in this time. Let Him know that you will listen and make whatever adjustments He will reveal to you.

Read God’s Word

Job 6-8
Acts 19:8-20

A Verse for Today

Slowly and reflectively read the following verse(s) and listen to what God will say to you through His written Word. Consider writing down any insights He reveals to you.

Acts 19:8 (CSB): “Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly over a period of three months, arguing and persuading them about the kingdom of God.”

Reflecting on God’s Word

As I read through today’s New Testament passage, I saw so many words that describe how Paul was communicating.

The reason I bring this up is because so many Christians get bent out of shape if their pastor doesn’t communicate the way they want him to. There are Christians who want preaching, and by that they mean that the pastor gets worked up, sweats a little bit, points his finger a lot, and passionately calls for decisions at the conclusion. There are other Christians who want teaching, and by that they mean that the pastor has spent much time in his study so that he gives the meaning of the text, illustrates it, and applies it, all while not raising his voice or breaking a sweat.

It’s interesting that the Bible uses quite a few different words to speak of how the Word is to be shared and proclaimed. There is no one style that can carry the weight of responsibility for the Great Commission (getting people saved and helping saved people grow) found in Matthew 28:18-20. There are multiple ways of communication, some that are listed in today’s text.

Let’s look at a few of them from Acts 19:8-20. I will provide the definitions of the original Greek words used by citing the “Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament” by Louw & Nida.

V. 8 “Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly…”

  • speak boldly: “to speak openly about something and with complete confidence”

V. 8 “Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly over a period of three months, arguing …”

  • argue: “to speak in a somewhat formal setting and probably implying a more formal use of language”

V. 8 “Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly over a period of three months, arguing and persuading…”

  • persuade: “to convince someone to believe something and to act on the basis of what is recommended”

V. 9 “…he withdrew from them, taking the disciples, and conducted discussions every day…”

  • discuss: same Greek word translated “arguing” in verse 8.

V. 13 ” … ‘I command you by the Jesus that Paul preaches!'”

  • preach: “to publicly announce religious truths and principles while urging acceptance and compliance”

One word that was not used in today’s reading that shows up numerous times in the New Testament is “teaching.” In fact, while most Christians would say that “a pastor ought to be able to preach,” the Bible actually says he ought to be able to teach.

1 Timothy 3:1-2 (CSB): “This saying is trustworthy: ‘If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble work.’ An overseer, therefore, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,”

  • teach: “to provide instruction in a formal or informal setting”

My point is that if you have a pastor who tends toward one or two of the previous ways that the Word is proclaimed, as long as he is pointing you to the Word, then listen to what God will speak to your mind and heart through the proclaimed Word. Don’t get bent out of shape over the particular style when the Bible allows for so many different approaches to getting the Word off of the pages of Scripture and into the minds and hearts of people.

Don’t put more weight on “preaching” than it can handle. And don’t put the whole responsibility upon your pastor. Throughout the New Testament, we see illustrations and instructions that demonstrate people who were not pastors that were getting the Word out. Realize that the Great Commission isn’t limited to a particular style or a limited number of people. If you are a follower of Jesus, then get busy serving Jesus and helping others by getting the Word out.

Spend Time in Prayer

  • Ask God to help you cultivate a greater hunger for the Word regardless of what style it comes packaged in.

Going Deeper

If you want to dig a little deeper into the difference between preaching and teaching, consider reading the following GotQuestions article:

“What is the difference between preaching and teaching?”

Sharing

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Matt Ellis is the pastor of White Hall Baptist Church in Richmond, Kentucky (whitehallbaptistchurch.org)