Content of preaching

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

Acts 20:26–27 NIV

Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of any of you. For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will 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 NIV

After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

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

Declaring the person of Jesus Christ and his life

Acts 2:22 NIV

“Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, 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 NIV

This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.

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 NIV

Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said, “ ‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” ’

See also Ac 5:31; 1 Pe 3:18–22

Declaring that Jesus is both Messiah (Christ) and Lord

Acts 2:36 NIV

“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”

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 NIV

In the past God overlooked such ignorance, 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 NIV

“Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the 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 NIV

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

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 NIV

So Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.

See also 2 Ch 17:7–9; Ne 8:2–8

Teaching on how to live

Matthew 28:19–20 NIV

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very 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 NIV

Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

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 NIV

And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.

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 NIV

As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—which 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 NIV

And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.

See also 1 Co 1:18–25