And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the Word of God among them. Acts 18:11
It is common for visiting preachers to spend three or five nights giving ministry on a particular topic. On fewer occasions, such as when delivering a set of messages on a particular topic, such as when using a chart (Egypt to Canaan, the dispensations, for examples), a preacher might extend his stay for a week or two, rarely more. But in our text, Paul continued his series of ministry meetings to some 18 months! Of course, these were new believers with no background in Christian doctrine, and they did not have the access to the New Testament Scriptures that we have. in addition, Paul would have spent considerable time in preaching the Gospel as well as in ministry. So he had plenty to keep himself busy with among those new Christians. But it would have been interesting to see what his lineup for teaching included. For example, how much time he spent teaching about baptism, how much about New Testament Assembly principles, how much about holy living, etc. How interesting it is then that the Holy Spirit records all of his messages under one brief category: teaching the Word of God.
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works (2 Timothy 3:16,17). That is why the brothers who give ministry on the Lord’s Day morning, the brothers who give us ministry when they visit our Assemblies, and the brothers who take the platform during our conferences will read for many different portions of the Scriptures. Sometimes an Old Testament portion is read, sometimes a portion for the Gospels, an epistle, or from the Revelation. From throughout the Book, they can teach and admonish and guide. We have been greatly blessed by the truth that is given to us as we have heard from all portions of the Scriptures.
One very important aspect of Paul’s teaching was that it involved the Word of God. He did not simply select a text, relate an incident illustrating that text, and then apply a lesson from the illustration. At least not all the time. No, he taught the Word. He opened up the actual words of Scripture and taught what they meant. In other words, he expounded the Scriptures. When he went through a portion, the listeners learned what the Word of God was telling them. They memorized portions, and understood how those portions applied to the rest of Scripture. They knew the Word of God so well they could explain it to others. That is the most valuable type of ministry that a preacher can deliver to his listeners. An illustration-based message can be useful and helpful, but only by having the Word of God expounded can the saints be taught the doctrines that will build them up in their most holy faith.
Are we hearing the Word of God being taught? Anything less will not do us much good. -Jim MacIntosh