There are two speaking gifts that are permanent or have not ceased — teaching and exhortation. The gift of teaching refers to the supernatural ability to explain the Scriptures and apply Its truths to believers. The term teaching (didaskalía) means to impart truths. In the New Testament, the truth which is taught is doctrine (didachḗ). Specifically, the doctrine (didachḗ) to be taught is found in the teachings of Jesus or the Gospels (2 John 1:9), the Apostles or the Epistles (Acts 2:42), and the Old Testament (Titus 1:9).
The gift of teaching works hand-in-hand with the Holy Spirit’s ministry of illumination. By illumination, the Holy Spirit enables believers to comprehend and understand the Scriptures. The gift of teaching does not give its user any greater knowledge of the Biblical text. Those with this gift must still diligently study the Word and rely upon the Spirit’s illumination. However, once they have studied the text, they are supernaturally equipped to explain and apply it.
Those who are gifted to the church as pastors may have the gift of teaching. However, not all who have the gift of teaching are called to serve as pastors. If someone has this gift, they will have such an interest in the Scriptures that they willingly commit and discipline themselves to diligently studying the Biblical text. The gift of teaching does not presuppose the study of God’s Word. As well, those with the gift of teaching can understandably present complex or profound theological truths.
- Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son. - 2 John 1:9
- They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. - Acts 2:42
- holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict. - Titus 1:9
The gift of teaching works hand-in-hand with the Holy Spirit’s ministry of illumination. By illumination, the Holy Spirit enables believers to comprehend and understand the Scriptures. The gift of teaching does not give its user any greater knowledge of the Biblical text. Those with this gift must still diligently study the Word and rely upon the Spirit’s illumination. However, once they have studied the text, they are supernaturally equipped to explain and apply it.
Those who are gifted to the church as pastors may have the gift of teaching. However, not all who have the gift of teaching are called to serve as pastors. If someone has this gift, they will have such an interest in the Scriptures that they willingly commit and discipline themselves to diligently studying the Biblical text. The gift of teaching does not presuppose the study of God’s Word. As well, those with the gift of teaching can understandably present complex or profound theological truths.
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