QUESTION: What are the differences in the five gifts described in Ephesians 4:11,12?

ANSWER: In previous issues we have looked at the gifts of apostles, prophets, evangelists and pastors. Now we will look at the last gift mentioned here, the gift of a teacher.

Teachers are gifted by the risen Lord to explain biblical truths in a clear and meaningful way. Through sound teaching Christians are:

1. Instructed in all the great truths of the Bible (Acts 20:27).

2. Established in the truths of the Christians' walk (Ephesians 4:1-3; Colossians 1:9-12).

3. Prepared to experience conflict and suffering as they follow Christ (Acts 14:22).

4. Kept from being deceived by false teachers (Ephesians 4:14).

5. Able to help and instruct other Christians (2 Timothy 2:2).

Consider these two points:

1. True God-given teaching will direct Christians to the Bible. We are not to believe something because a certain person taught it but because the Bible teaches it. A true teacher calls attention to the truth. He is never to be the authority for the truth. The Bible is the final authority.

2. When a gifted teacher is explaining biblical truths, his teaching should always be tested by the Bible. "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them" (Isaiah 8:20). When the Bereans heard the apostle Paul speak, they searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether those things that he spoke were true (Acts 17:11).

The prophet Hosea records the lament of God over His earthly people, Israel: "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge" (Hosea 4:6). It is also true today that many of God's people do not know what the Scriptures teach about a great number of vital truths.

It is important then, that Christians value greatly the gift of teachers which Christ has given to them. We are thankful that this gift is seen today in good, sound preaching and writings of many faithful men.

Pray that those who have that gift of teaching may faithfully declare "all the counsel of God." Pray also that the listeners may receive the counsel and walk in the truth which has been taught.

—John D. McNeil