WLC 158

Q158. By whom is the word of God to be preached?

The word of God is to be preached only by such as are sufficiently gifted, and also duly approved and called to that office.

Proof texts

• 1 Tim. 3:2,6 — [2] Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, [6] He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil.
• Eph. 4:8-11 — [8] Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” [9] (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? [10] He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) [11] And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,
• Hos. 4:6 — [6] My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me. And since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.
• Mal. 2:7 — [7] For the lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.
• 2 Cor. 3:6 — [6] who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
• Jer. 14:15 — [15] Therefore thus says the LORD concerning the prophets who prophesy in my name although I did not send them, and who say, ‘Sword and famine shall not come upon this land’: By sword and famine those prophets shall be consumed.
• Rom. 10:15 — [15] And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
• Heb. 5:4 — [4] And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was.
• 1 Cor. 12:28-29 — [28] And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. [29] Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles?
• 1 Tim. 3:10 — [10] And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.
• 1 Tim. 4:14 — [14] Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you.
• 1 Tim. 5:22 — [22] Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited 1 Tim. 3:2,6 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 12 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. WSC Q88 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. WCF 27.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WSC Q88 · WCF 27.1 · HC Q65 · BC 8.1 · BC 8.2 · BC 8.3 · 1689 28.1