To do and to teach Week 28, 2015

That is the order in scripture. To do then teach; not the other way around.

“Are you really sure about that?”

Yes of course. Have you not noticed Act 1:1(KJV) says: The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach?

“You this KJV enthusiast! Are you sure it is like that in other versions?”

Definitely. Have a look yourself. I have looked up 14 different translations of the bible and all of them put it that way. It is the order in scripture.

“Well I can agree it is the order for Acts1:1...”

And for Jesus.

“Well, yes. I now see it is the order in Acts1:1; but not in all scripture surely.”

Ah, have you noticed Ezr 7:10(KJV) also reads: Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments? And the order is so in over 14 translations not just KJV.

“I trust you. I’m sure it says that.”  

Yes. In fact for every successful minister of the word this is the order. Notice the promise in 1Tim 4:16(ISV): Pay close attention to your life and your teaching. Persevere in these things, because if you do so, you will save both yourself and those who listen to you. The order of the lifestyle coming before the teaching is clearly seen here as well. It was Paul’s admonition to the Ephesian leadership in Acts 20:28(KJV): Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

“I see. How then would you explain Act 7:22(KJV)?  And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds. I assure you other translations also have it in that reverse order – words before deeds. Was Moses not a successful minister then?”

You think this represents a deviation from the order, or disproves what I am telling you? By no means! This is a commentary made by Steven under the unction of the Holy Spirit on the life and ministry of Moses. It is the wisdom of Egypt to reverse the order, not the pattern of the Spirit. Might I say to you that at that time of Moses’ life and ministry - at 40 years of age he missed it - not only did he rely on the arm of flesh in striking with his fists (God saved them from Egypt without any human being lifting a sword or fighting a war), he also had to flee for 40 years before God called him at the burning bush. It was then he was successful. I believe this reverse order probably gives insight to the life of Moses at that time, and why he failed then. Instead of disproving the message of doing before teaching I believe it actually strengthens it.

“Well I have nothing more to say then.”

Bless you. Let us live by this order whether as ministers or lay people. But there is much more to this...