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Answer: Some people use this verse, though, to prove that we do not need Bible teachers. They claim that all we need is the Bible and the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth, and we do not need Bible teachers. Sometimes, they say that they just need the Holy Spirit and not even the Bible. I hope this is not what you meant by your question, but I tend to think this is why you asked the question. Tell me if I am wrong, but I think this is what we call ‘a loaded question.’ I have heard this taught before. That is too bad if you understand this verse that way, because then you are taking it out of the context of the rest of Scripture.
Yes, the Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth, but He uses the Bible and often times teachers to do this. The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit, also gives gifts to believers, and one of these gifts is the gift of teacher. If Jesus did not mean for the Holy Spirit to also speak through teachers, why was this gift given? “But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.
Therefore He says: ‘When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.’…And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ…” (Ephesians 4:7-13)
“And God has appointed these in the Church: first apostles [missionaries], second prophets [preachers], third teachers…” (1 Corinthians 12:28)
“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.” (Romans 12:6-8)
Yes, we go back to the Word of God to make sure people are preaching and teaching it, but we also know that God has given the Holy Spirit, and He also speaks through them as they use God’s Word!
That being said, we need to tell you about our many Bible Studies that a lot of people do not notice on this and our other websites. We have these complete commentaries of Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians, (I am working on 2 Corinthians now) and Ephesians. Plus we have many other Bible related subjects besides this Interactive Bible Study. You can go to these subjects by clicking on our Home Page. Also, we have many fine links.
Thanks for the question,
G. T. Panell
The Scripture used in this discussion is taken from the New King James Version of the Holy Bible.
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To view other questions visit our Interactive Bible Study Page or read some of our Christian Literature at Bible-Christian.org
Keywords: holy spirit, jesus, guidance, lead, teach