Both to Do and Teach

At the opening of the book of Acts, Luke references his account of the gospel. His description of the “former treatise” is noteworthy. Luke refers to this detailed account (also prepared for Theophilus, Lk 1:3) as a record of “all that Jesus began both to do and teach” (Acts 1:1).

Jesus was a doer. From youth into adulthood, He was about His Father’s business and doing His will (Lk 2:49; Jn 4:34). Peter summed up the Lord’s earthly ministry, saying He “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38). Much of the activity of Christ can be classified as miraculous. He demonstrated His power over nature (Mk 4:35-41), unclean spirits (5:1-20), sickness (5:25-34), death (5:35-43), and scarcity (6:30-44). This power showed the Father’s approval of all that He did and said (Jn 3:2; 5:36). Peter’s Pentecost sermon rightly portrays Jesus as the one “attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs” (Acts 2:22). However, many of the Lord’s non-miraculous actions were remarkable as well. He chose to associate with people seen as undesirable (Mt 9:9-13). He stood up for women, especially widows (Jn 8:1-11; Lk 21:1-4). He provided an example of service by washing His disciples’ feet (Jn 13:1-15). He had a strong prayer life (Mk 1:35). He showed incredible self-control and commitment to holiness (Lk 22:42; Mt 27:11-14). The Lord’s time among us was filled with activity.

Jesus was also a teacher. He gave instruction like no one else (Mt 7:28-29; Lk 19:47-48). He provided spiritual education through the use of parables (Mk 4:33-34; Lk 18:9-14), questions (Mt 21:23-27; Lk 10:36-37), logic (Mt 12:26-28; Lk 11:11-13), and also appeals to scripture (Lk 4:16-21; Jn 5:39; Mk 12:10-11). He could not be outwitted or trapped by His opponents (Mk 12:13-17; Lk 20:26). We also see a repeated emphasis in the Bible, indicating that the message Jesus taught was from the Heavenly Father (Jn 7:16; 8:26; 12:49-50; 14:24). This is the message of truth which we continue to declare today (Mt 28:19-20; 2 Tim 2:2). And we should proclaim it with the same boldness and love (Acts 4:13; Eph 4:15)! It is the gospel we must obey and the teaching by which we will be judged (Jn 12:48).

Sometimes we are guilty of activity without instruction. In doing so, we forget our God-given responsibility. Christians are called to teach and exhort each other (1 Thess 5:14; Heb 3:13). Parents have this duty in particular (Pro 22:6; Eph 6:4). Other times we are guilty of instruction without activity. The phrase, “Do as I say, not as I do!” comes to mind. It is essential that we model lives of righteous conduct (Php 1:27; 3:17). The combination of doing and teaching can become quite powerful. Ezra is a great example of wisdom in this regard. He sought to personally obey the Lord’s commands and then to teach them (Ezra 7:10). This formula has received Divine approval (Deut 6:3, 7). Let us be those who follow the beautiful example of our Lord. Now, what will you and I begin both to do and teach?