Men Able to Teach

The Ministry of Men

“And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2).

Paul sought for men who were able to teach others. One of the qualifications of a bishop was that he must be able to teach (1 Timothy 3:2). Also a servant of the Lord must be able to teach (2 Timothy 2:24). Paul stressed these qualities to the young man Timothy under his mentorship and insisted that he, in turn, become a mentor to others who will become teachers.

Young men are often enamored by the uniform of the fireman, the police, or the military. Some aspire to become an astronaut, a ball player, or a doctor. While any role may be a worthy pursuit and a God honoring vocation, the calling to teach is an opportunity to transmit truth and prepare leadership for future generations. Of all desirable vocations the role of a teacher may not rank highly in contemporary culture. However, the position of the teacher and the calling to teach was paramount in the gospels and the writings of the Apostle Paul.

Jesus was the model teacher and effectively instructed all those who would hear His words. It is noteworthy that Jesus spent the majority of His time teaching twelve men. His world-wide vision began with the training of these few men who would in turn teach others who would continue the process of discipleship until the entire world was evangelized. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations,” Jesus said (Matthew 28:19).

Paul poured himself into the lives of young men like Titus and Timothy, which received his letters of instruction. He mentored his traveling companions: Silas, Luke, Demas, John Mark and others. He lived according to the pattern of his instruction:

“But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:14-17).

Remember, what you have learned, “commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” Men should learn and teach others!