Friday, August 20, 2004
The Responsibility of the Teacher

Sometimes, when you read things, they hit you. Here's 1Ti 4:16 (ESV, Greek is UBS4/NA27):

16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

16 ἔπεχε σεαυτῷ καὶ τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ, ἐπίμενε αὐτοῖς· τοῦτο γὰρ ποιῶν καὶ σεαυτὸν σώσεις καὶ τοὺς ἀκούοντάς σου.

I thought of this during lunch today while reading 2 Clement 10.5 (Ehrman's edition, Greek from Lake's edition):

5 It would be tolerable if they alone were doing these things; but now they persist in teaching such evil notions to innocent people, not knowing that they will bear a double penalty — both they and those who listen to them.

5 καὶ εἰ μὲν αὐτοὶ μόνοι ταῦτα ἔπρασσον, ἀνεκτὸν ἦν· νῦν δὲ ἐπιμένουσιν κακοδιδασκαλοῦντες τὰς ἀναιτίους ψυχάς, οὐκ εἰδότες, ὅτι δισσὴν ἕξουσιν τὴν κρίσιν, αὐτοί τε καὶ οἱ ἀκούοντες αὐτῶν.

The interesting item, of course, is the “double reward” of 1Ti 4:16, saving one's self and one's hearers; compared with the posited “double penalty” of 2Cl 10.5, dooming one's self and one's hearers.

Those of us who teach have a responsibility to teach correct doctrine (one of the major focuses of the Pastoral Epistles). It is easy, for me anyhow, to get wrapped up in the material and forget about the primary responsibility. I need to do better at that.

 

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Post Author: Rico
Saturday, August 21, 2004 3:18:39 AM (Pacific Daylight Time, UTC-07:00) 

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Monday, August 23, 2004 3:21:17 PM (Pacific Daylight Time, UTC-07:00)
"I need to do better at that."

Amen, Brother! I think that should be a phrase we repeat often to ourselves. Of course, to have any meaning we have to examine our thoughts and actions.

As a father, I am constantly struck by how completely incapable I am as a teacher. And yet it is one of my highest priorities to lead and teach my children the ways of the Lord. Whether I want to or not and whether I am good at it or not.

I'm very impressed by your desire to seek God's Word, Rico. You are a great encouragement.

Thanks for the attitude check!
Timbo
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