Content of preaching

Preaching and the revelation of God’s character, word and will

Acts 20:26–27 ESV

Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.

See also Ex 8:1; 1 Ki 12:21–24; Je 7:1–11; Eze 2:3–3:4

Preaching and the declaration of the gospel

Declaring the kingdom

Mark 1:14–15 ESV

Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

See also Mt 4:23; Ac 19:8; Ac 20:25

Declaring the person of Jesus Christ and his life

Acts 2:22 ESV

“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know—

See also Ac 10:36–38; Ac 28:31; 2 Co 1:19

Declaring the facts of the cross and the resurrection

Acts 2:23–24 ESV

this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.

See also Ac 5:30; Ac 10:39–42; Ac 13:28–31; 1 Co 1:22–24; 1 Co 15:12–17

Declaring the victory and exaltation of Jesus Christ

Acts 2:33–35 ESV

Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, “ ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.” ’

See also Ac 5:31; 1 Pe 3:18–22

Declaring that Jesus is both Messiah (Christ) and Lord

Acts 2:36 ESV

Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

See also Ac 5:42; Ac 8:5; Ac 9:20–22; Ac 10:36; Ac 18:5

Declaring the call to repent

Acts 17:30 ESV

The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent,

See also Mk 1:15; Ac 2:38; Ac 3:19; Ac 26:20

Declaring the promise of forgiveness

Acts 13:38 ESV

Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you,

See also Lk 24:46–47; Ac 2:38; Ac 5:31; Ac 10:43

Preaching finds expression in the teaching of believers

The central place of teaching in the lives of the first Christians

Acts 2:42 ESV

And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

See also Ac 6:2; Ac 11:25–26; Ac 15:35; Ac 18:24–26; Ac 20:20

Teaching from the Scriptures

Acts 18:11 ESV

And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

See also 2 Ch 17:7–9; Ne 8:2–8

Teaching on how to live

Matthew 28:19–20 ESV

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

See also Eph 4:20–24; 1 Th 4:1–2; Tt 2:1–15

Preaching and the edification of believers

2 Timothy 4:2 ESV

preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.

See also Ac 13:42–43; Ac 14:21–22; Ac 20:2; 1 Co 14:26–31

Preaching and the continuation of apostolic doctrine

Preaching should be rooted in apostolic doctrine, which is to be faithfully handed on

2 Timothy 2:2 ESV

and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.

See also 1 Co 11:2; 2 Th 2:15; 2 Ti 1:13–14

Preaching that does not conform to apostolic doctrine is to be rejected

1 Timothy 1:3–4 ESV

As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith.

See also Ga 1:6–9; 1 Ti 4:1–7; Tt 1:9–14

Preaching and the rejection of merely human wisdom

1 Corinthians 2:1–5 ESV

And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

See also 1 Co 1:18–25