As Christians, we are all teachers. Some teach by words, while others teach by deeds, yet boldness is a key. Certainly, there are times when God desires for even the most gifted teachers to be students. Additionally, no matter how much head or heart knowledge that a teacher has, even the simplest of students still has subjects they can teach the teachers.
In Acts 18, we see an example of an eloquent speaker in the early days of Christianity:
24 Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. 25 This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. 27 And when he desired to cross to Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him; and when he arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace; 28 for he vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.
Acts 18:24-28
Apollos spoke boldly and with great eloquence, but he was missing the end of the story. He preached the Old Testament Scriptures and the baptism of John, but Apollos had not changed his teaching to reflect the life, death and resurrection of the Messiah, along with the continuous presence in each believer of the Holy Spirit! If the Bible mentions his power as a teacher, Apollos must have been extremely gifted, yet two humble servants stepped up to the plate to set him right. That speaks of the humbleness of Apollos, as he was able to receive the instruction from Priscilla and Aquila, a couple of tentmakers. Surely, that change in the teaching of Apollos blessed all in earshot!
Are you willing to teach anytime God brings someone into your life with less understanding? Even new believers have more understanding of God’s Word than people who do not believe. Lack of pride is one of the greatest attributes of a gifted teacher. Those teachers filled with pride will attempt to answer questions beyond their knowledge or experience, though humble teachers often will respond with, “I don’t know the answer to your question, but let me pray about it, study it and I will get back to you!”
Be willing to step up like Aquila and Priscilla to set those straight, who are missing the big picture. Additionally, be willing to teach those who God places in your path, for they need to hear His Word. Teach with humbleness, knowing that God can use students to teach just as easily. Lastly, don’t be intent on following a talented orator, as without truth, the speech will be nothing more than entertainment. Remember, the best teacher is typically the best student. Jesus was the greatest teacher, and He knew the Word backwards and forwards! By learning from the Greatest Teacher, we should all be teachers in some facet. At the very least, we should be teaching our family members! Are you willing?
13 Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. 15 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. 16 Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
1 Timothy 4:13-16
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