Preaching

/PREE-ching/

Summary

Preaching is the divinely appointed means of proclaiming God's truth and message of salvation, distinguished from teaching by its character as authoritative announcement rather than detailed exposition.

☩Nature of Biblical Preaching

Two Greek words define apostolic preaching: kerussein, 'to proclaim as a herald,' and euangelizein, 'to tell good tidings.' Preaching was primarily the proclamation of good news from God—the heralding of Jesus Christ as Savior. It differed from teaching (didache), which more deliberately unfolded Christian truths and duties. The preacher announced; the teacher explained and applied.

Key verses:Mark 16:15Romans 10:14-171 Corinthians 1:21

☩Christ's Commission

Christ ordained preaching for the spread of His kingdom. He chose twelve disciples 'that he might send them forth to preach.' The preaching of the Gospel to the poor was the distinguishing characteristic of His kingdom, fulfilling prophecy. His final command was 'Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature.' After Pentecost, the scattered believers 'went everywhere preaching the Word.'

Key verses:Mark 3:14Matthew 10:27Mark 16:15Acts 8:4

☩Content of Preaching

John the Baptist and Jesus both preached repentance and the Kingdom of God. The apostles preached Christ crucified and risen—'the power of God and the wisdom of God.' Paul was determined to know nothing except 'Jesus Christ, and him crucified.' The early church did not rely on eloquent wisdom but on demonstration of the Spirit and power, so that faith would rest not on human wisdom but on God's power.

Key verses:Matthew 4:17Acts 17:31 Corinthians 1:231 Corinthians 2:1-5

☩Preaching and Faith

Preaching was the divinely ordained means for awakening faith. 'Belief cometh of hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.' The apostolic message appealed not primarily to reason but to the human heart's capacity for trust in God's love and Christ's redeeming grace. It was a summons to the will—a call to self-commitment to a Divine Person. 'So we preach, and so ye believed.'

Key verses:Romans 10:14-171 Corinthians 15:111 Thessalonians 1:5

Related Verses164 mentions

Acts· 42 verses

2:14 3:20 4:2 5:42 8:4

1 Corinthians· 20 verses

1:17 1:18 1:21 1:23 1:27

Luke· 17 verses

3:3 3:18 4:18 4:19 4:20

Matthew· 13 verses

3:1 3:2 4:17 4:23 5:1

References

1.James Hastings (ed.), "Preaching," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).
2.James Hastings (ed.), "Preaching," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
3.John McClintock and James Strong, "Preaching," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VIII (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
4.George Morrish, "Preaching," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).