What is the difference between preaching and teaching?

Answer  
  

In common usage, the terms *preaching* and *teaching* are often used interchangeably. There is, however, an important difference between them. Each endeavor plays a unique role in evangelism and the spiritual maturation of believers. To fully appreciate the difference between preaching and teaching, it is helpful to examine the original Greek terms used in the New Testament, explore scriptural references, and understand how both preaching and teaching serve the mission of the church.  
  

  

The Greek word for “preaching” is *kēryssō*, which is a public proclamation of biblical truth. In the New Testament, the early church proclaimed the gospel throughout the Roman Empire. This proclamation was intended to stir sinners to [repentance](repentance.html). For instance, Jesus began His earthly ministry with the following charge: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17, ESV). Repentance, then, is the goal of preaching.  
  

On the other hand, the Greek term for “teach” is *didaskō*, which refers to systematically imparting knowledge and instruction. In the New Testament, teaching involves biblical exposition to [edify](Christian-edification.html) the body of Christ. A great example of this is found in Acts 2:42, which says, “They \[the early church] devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers” (ESV). The apostles shared the same teachings they had received from Jesus during His earthly ministry and post\-resurrection appearances.  
  

The New Testament provides numerous examples of preaching and teaching. For example, during Paul’s missionary trips, he preached and taught gospel truth. Acts 28:30–31 says, “For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!” As Paul proclaimed (preached) about the kingdom of God, he also spent time teaching about the life, death, and resurrection of Christ in a systematic manner.  
  

The [Sermon on the Mount](sermon-on-the-mount.html) is a perfect example of teaching (Matthew 5—7\). Jesus expounds on the law, offering insight into true righteousness that supersedes the self\-righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees. Contrast this with Peter’s sermon at [Pentecost](day-Pentecost.html), where he preaches about Jesus’ resurrection, urging everyone to repent and be baptized (Acts 2:38\). Peter’s sermon is more about calling for repentance than biblical exposition.  
  

In a local church context, preaching is primarily aimed at conversion and repentance, often directed toward introducing non\-believers to Christ or urging believers toward a deeper commitment to Him. Moreover, preaching is typically more dynamic and emotive, designed to elicit a response from the congregation.  
  

Teaching, in contrast, is focused on discipleship and spiritual maturation, characterized by a more systematic, interactive, and explanatory approach. This is crucial for building up the church, as believers must obtain a thorough understanding of their faith by applying biblical truths to their daily lives. On the necessity of teaching, Paul says,  
  


He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ (Ephesians 4:11–13, ESV).  
  

While there are important differences between preaching and teaching, the two are complementary. In fact, effective ministry requires both. Preaching without teaching leads to an enthusiastic yet shallow faith, and teaching without preaching results in knowledgeable yet unmotivated believers. Therefore, both are necessary to build a church that is both fervent in faith and mature in understanding.  
  

