1689 26.11

26.11. Of the Church

Although it be incumbent on the Bishops or Pastors of the Churches to be instant in Preaching the Word, by way of Office; yet the work of Preaching the Word, is not so peculiarly confined to them; but that others also gifted, and fitted by the Holy Spirit for it, and approved, and called by the Church, may and ought to perform it.

Proof texts

• Acts 11:19-21 — [19] Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. [20] But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. [21] And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.
• 1 Peter 4:10, 11 — [10] As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: [11] whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies — in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Acts 11:19-21 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 2 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. WCF 25.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. HC Q54 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WCF 25.1 · HC Q54 · HC Q55 · HC Q83 · HC Q84 · HC Q85 · BC 7.1 · BC 7.4 · BC 7.5 · BC 7.6 · SD 26.1