Theology is Wrong:Preaching and Teaching are Identical

Many church leaders claim a distinction between preaching and teaching, but the Bible reveals no such difference. Rather than relying on orthodox traditions or theological jargon, we must turn to God’s Word for clarity, as the Bereans did (Acts 17:11).

Despite claims of Greek or Hebrew nuances, the supposed gulf between preaching and teaching lacks biblical support.

These artificial distinctions contribute to the proliferation of denominations and confusion in the church.

As a pastor, I bear the responsibility of proclaiming God’s Word in various settings—whether through a weekday Bible study or a Sunday sermon. In both cases, the essence is the same: delivering biblical truth to edify believers and proclaim Christ.

Below are biblical (not so-called scholarship) reasons why preaching and teaching are identical.

The Gospels Use Preaching and Teaching Interchangeably

In the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), the words “preach” and “teach” appear approximately 60 times, often describing Jesus’ ministry. John’s Gospel focuses more on dialogue, but the Synoptics show no theological distinction between the terms.

For example:

• Jesus “taught” in synagogues (Matt. 4:23) and “preached” the kingdom of God (Luke 4:43-44).

• The Gospel writers use these terms interchangeably, with no indication that preaching targets the lost while teaching builds up believers.

Jesus’ ministry demonstrates that preaching and teaching are two sides of the same coin: proclaiming and explaining God’s truth.

The Great Commission Makes No Distinction Between Preaching and Teaching

The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 commands the disciples to “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them… teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”

Here, Jesus uses “teach” to encompass the entire process of discipleship, which includes proclaiming the gospel to unbelievers and instructing believers.

Contrast this with Luke 4:43, where Jesus says, “I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also, for this is why I was sent.” If preaching and teaching were distinct, why does the Great Commission emphasize teaching for both evangelism and discipleship?

Your pastor and college professors may think there is a difference, but the Bible disagrees. The Bible say, "may God b true and everyone else a liar" (Rom. 3:4).

Ephesians 4 Unifies Preaching and Teaching

In Ephesians 4:11-12, Paul lists church roles—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers—given for the “equipping of the saints” and “building up the body of Christ.”

While their methods differ, their purpose is unified: edifying the church through God’s Word (Eph. 4:1-16).

Some theologians argue that teaching guards doctrine for believers, while preaching announces Christ to the lost. Yet Paul, like Jesus, uses “preach” and “teach” interchangeably (e.g., 2 Tim. 4:2).

Both involve instruction, exhortation, and proclamation, regardless of the audience.

Voice Inflection in Preaching and Teaching Is Irrelevant to Purpose

In some traditions, particularly in Black churches, preaching is associated with theatrical, impassioned delivery on Sundays, while teaching is seen as the quieter, in-depth study of midweek gatherings.

This distinction is superficial and unbiblical. The assumption that Sunday sermons focus on exhortation (preaching) while Wednesday studies deliver “meat” (teaching) is flawed.

Both settings involve exhortation and instruction. Moreover, this view marginalizes ministers with less expressive styles, like Charles Stanley or Presbyterian pastors, as “teachers only.”

If preaching requires theatrics, does this mean monotone preachers never preach? The Bible prioritizes content over delivery style.

Why Create Artificial Distinctions?

The insistence on separating preaching and teaching often stems from two human tendencies:

1. Pride in appearing intellectual. Some preachers lean on complex theological distinctions to seem knowledgeable, complicating the simplicity of the gospel.

2. Resistance to the gospel’s simplicity. The Bible presents a straightforward message, but human nature seeks to add layers of complexity (1 Cor. 11:31).

These tendencies fuel confusion not only in this debate but also in broader theological disputes, such as defining the Godhead (Rom. 1:20).

Unlike the learned among us, the Bible makes no distinction between preaching and teaching. From Jesus’ ministry to Paul’s writings, the terms are used interchangeably to describe the proclamation and explanation of God’s truth.

Artificial distinctions arise from human pride and a refusal to embrace the gospel’s simplicity.

Let us return to Scripture, trusting its clarity over man-made traditions.

Preaching and teaching are one and the same—united in their purpose to glorify God and edify His people.