James 3 - Anyone for Teaching?Намуна

Who are the ‘teachers’? 

‘Teachers’ in early Christianity performed a role critical to the survival of the church. In a period of very low literacy (10-15%), teachers were entrusted with memorizing and passing on the traditions about Jesus as laid out by the apostles. Before all of this was written down (in the second half of the first century) a believer’s only trustworthy access to what Jesus and the apostles said and did was through the teachers (see 2 Tim 2:2 as well). If a congregation wanted to recall what Jesus had said about, say, violence or revenge, the teacher would be ready with a quotation from the memorized tradition: “turn the other cheek,” “Blessed are the peacemakers,” and so on. If the church wanted to reflect again on the significance of Jesus’ death, the teacher would be able to remind people of what was passed on to them by the apostles; “This cup is the new covenant in my blood.”

Now, in our days, all of this material is set down in the writings of the New Testament and all Christians have immediate access to what was once learned only through teachers. This does not mean that the teaching role is no longer relevant. The modern teacher is still charged with helping other believers see with clarity what the apostles said about Jesus and laid out for the churches. Exaggerations, omissions and distractions are not permitted. Whether through the public sermon, the small group Bible study or the Sunday school class, teachers are meant to be a kind of window into “the faith that was once for all handed on to the saints” (Jude 3). 

Teaching is serious business, which is why James warns that ‘not many’ should presume to take up the role. Of course, the phrase ‘not many’ implies that some should, but they should do so knowing full well that with such a grave responsibility comes stricter judgment; “we who teach will be judged more strictly.” The idea that judgement will be in proportion to responsibility comes from Jesus’ own teaching (Luke 12:47-48; Matt 11:20-24). All Christians must learn to control their words but teachers must do so especially.

So, who would want to be a teacher? The role is a difficult one. In many contexts it is a thankless task. The thought of being judged more strictly isn’t an overly attractive idea. Yet, God wants all people to use their gifts to further His Kingdom, and we need teachers who will faithfully explain God’s Word and help others apply it to their lives. Preachers, Bible study group leaders, Sunday School teachers, Christian study and scripture teachers, lecturers and writers have been given a grave responsibility and an enormous privilege. 

Those of us who are not teachers—the majority, presumably—would do well to encourage the teachers we know by being good learners. Mindful that they will be judged more strictly, let’s try and make their job a little easier.