The spiritual gift of Teaching is the Spirit-given ability to understand, explain, and apply God’s Word in a way that leads others to genuine understanding, obedience, and Christlikeness.
Those with this gift don’t just know a lot about the Bible—they have a God-given capacity to make truth clear, practical, and transforming.
“For it is not enough to be learned and intelligent, but the gift of grace, too, is required in order that one be chosen by God for teaching.” (Pauck, 335)
Teaching is listed as a spiritual gift in:
- Romans 12:7 – “…if it is teaching, then teach…”
- 1 Corinthians 12:28 – “…teachers…”
- Ephesians 4:11 – “…pastors and teachers…”
Teachers help the church understand what God has said, what it means, and how it should shape life.
What the Gift of Teaching Is
People with this gift:
- Have a strong desire to study and understand Scripture
- Organize truth in a logical and systematic way
- Explain biblical truth clearly so others can grasp and remember it
- Apply Scripture so it changes thinking and behavior, not just adds information
They see research and preparation not as a chore but as a joyful calling—a kind of “holy homework” for the sake of others.
“…the teacher longs to share everything that he knows.” (Stanley, 44)
And, as Graham notes, they must have a:
“compassionate sensitivity to the needs of the taught” (Graham, 187)
So the gift is truth + clarity + love.
What the Gift of Teaching Is Not
- It is not the same as simply having a lot of biblical knowledge.
- It is not limited to a classroom, pulpit, or formal setting.
- It is not primarily about showing intellect, cleverness, or depth for its own sake.
The Holy Spirit gives this gift to people in all kinds of roles and contexts—pastors, small group leaders, parents, mentors, Bible study leaders, youth volunteers, one-on-one disciplers, etc.
Teaching can show up:
- In sermons
- In Sunday school or small groups
- In counseling or discipleship
- In writing, one-on-one conversations, and even informal settings at work or home
Teachers Are Judged More Harshly
James gives a serious warning:
“Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” (James 3:1–2)
Why stricter judgment?
- Because teaching shapes the faith and behavior of others
- Because error, pride, or carelessness in teaching can harm the flock
- Because teachers can influence not just what people know, but how they live
Charles Stanley warns that teachers must keep the right goal in view:
The goal of a teacher is not to show off knowledge, but to lead others to Jesus and help them grow in Him, not to impress them with the teacher’s intellect. (adapted from Stanley, 47)
So teachers must:
- Be humble
- Be accurate
- Be submitted to Scripture
- Be motivated by love for Christ and people, not by ego
Where the Gift of Teaching Shows Up
The gift of teaching often functions in:
- Preaching and sermon preparation
- Sunday school or Bible classes
- Home groups / small groups
- Youth or children’s ministry
- Discipleship, mentoring, and counseling
- Writing, curriculum development, or teaching materials
But it is also expressed in everyday spaces:
- A parent explaining Scripture to their children
- A believer walking a friend through a passage over coffee
- Someone writing or speaking biblically into workplace and life situations
Wherever it appears, the goal is the same: to help people understand and live God’s Word.
Historical Perspectives on the Gift of Teaching
Martin Luther
Luther saw teaching as:
- A divine calling and vocation
- Rooted in faithfulness to Scripture
- Dependent on the Holy Spirit for insight and effectiveness
- A means not only of conveying information but of forming faith, repentance, and holy living
He prized clarity and simplicity, wanting teaching to be accessible to ordinary believers—his Small Catechism is a great example. For Luther, teaching wasn’t about dazzling people; it was about getting the gospel and Scripture into the hearts of families and congregations.
John Wesley
Wesley viewed teaching as:
- Grounded firmly in Scripture
- Empowered by the Holy Spirit
- Aimed at transformation, not just information
He wove teaching into:
- Sermons
- Class meetings
- Bands and societies
Teaching for Wesley was practical and relational. It addressed both:
- Head – sound doctrine and understanding
- Heart – personal holiness and love for God and neighbor
- Hands – living out faith in service and witness
Teaching helped believers pursue sanctification and live as disciples in community.
The Catholic Church
In Catholic theology, the spiritual gift of teaching is a charism that:
- Participates in Christ’s own role as Divine Teacher
- Supports the Church’s mission to hand on the faith
- Operates under the guidance of the Magisterium so that teaching remains faithful to Scripture and Tradition
Teachers may be:
- Clergy
- Religious
- Lay catechists, educators, and leaders
The gift is especially important in:
- Catechesis
- RCIA
- Preaching and instruction
- Formation of children, youth, and adults
Teaching is seen as a Spirit-led service that leads people into deeper understanding, moral clarity, and a closer relationship with Christ.
People With the Gift of Teaching Often…
Feel a weight of responsibility, aware that their teaching will be held to a higher standard
Communicate biblical truth in ways that inspire obedience, not just agreement
Present Scripture simply, clearly, and practically, accessible to different levels of understanding
Care deeply about accuracy and context, checking interpretations carefully
Prepare diligently—studying, researching, and organizing material so it is coherent and helpful
Enjoy the work of study and preparation as part of their worship and calling
Ask, “But what does this mean for real life?” and help others answer that
Are energized when they see people have “lightbulb moments” in Scripture
The spiritual gift of Teaching is the Spirit-given ability to understand, explain, and apply God’s Word in a way that leads others to genuine understanding, obedience, and Christlikeness.
Those with this gift don’t just know a lot about the Bible—they have a God-given capacity to make truth clear, practical, and transforming.
“For it is not enough to be learned and intelligent, but the gift of grace, too, is required in order that one be chosen by God for teaching.” (Pauck, 335)
Teaching is listed as a spiritual gift in:
- Romans 12:7 – “…if it is teaching, then teach…”
- 1 Corinthians 12:28 – “…teachers…”
- Ephesians 4:11 – “…pastors and teachers…”
Teachers help the church understand what God has said, what it means, and how it should shape life.
What the Gift of Teaching Is
People with this gift:
- Have a strong desire to study and understand Scripture
- Organize truth in a logical and systematic way
- Explain biblical truth clearly so others can grasp and remember it
- Apply Scripture so it changes thinking and behavior, not just adds information
As you put it:
It is a divine enablement to understand, clearly explain, and apply the Word of God, causing greater Christ-likeness in the lives of listeners.
They see research and preparation not as a chore but as a joyful calling—a kind of “holy homework” for the sake of others.
“…the teacher longs to share everything that he knows.” (Stanley, 44)
And, as Graham notes, they must have a:
“compassionate sensitivity to the needs of the taught” (Graham, 187)
So the gift is truth + clarity + love.
What the Gift of Teaching Is Not
- It is not the same as simply having a lot of biblical knowledge.
- It is not limited to a classroom, pulpit, or formal setting.
- It is not primarily about showing intellect, cleverness, or depth for its own sake.
The Holy Spirit gives this gift to people in all kinds of roles and contexts—pastors, small group leaders, parents, mentors, Bible study leaders, youth volunteers, one-on-one disciplers, etc.
Teaching can show up:
- In sermons
- In Sunday school or small groups
- In counseling or discipleship
- In writing, one-on-one conversations, and even informal settings at work or home
Teachers Are Judged More Harshly
James gives a serious warning:
“Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” (James 3:1–2)
Why stricter judgment?
- Because teaching shapes the faith and behavior of others
- Because error, pride, or carelessness in teaching can harm the flock
- Because teachers can influence not just what people know, but how they live
Charles Stanley warns that teachers must keep the right goal in view:
The goal of a teacher is not to show off knowledge, but to lead others to Jesus and help them grow in Him, not to impress them with the teacher’s intellect. (adapted from Stanley, 47)
So teachers must:
- Be humble
- Be accurate
- Be submitted to Scripture
- Be motivated by love for Christ and people, not by ego
Where the Gift of Teaching Shows Up
The gift of teaching often functions in:
- Preaching and sermon preparation
- Sunday school or Bible classes
- Home groups / small groups
- Youth or children’s ministry
- Discipleship, mentoring, and counseling
- Writing, curriculum development, or teaching materials
But it is also expressed in everyday spaces:
- A parent explaining Scripture to their children
- A believer walking a friend through a passage over coffee
- Someone writing or speaking biblically into workplace and life situations
Wherever it appears, the goal is the same: to help people understand and live God’s Word.
Historical Perspectives on the Gift of Teaching
Martin Luther
Luther saw teaching as:
- A divine calling and vocation
- Rooted in faithfulness to Scripture
- Dependent on the Holy Spirit for insight and effectiveness
- A means not only of conveying information but of forming faith, repentance, and holy living
He prized clarity and simplicity, wanting teaching to be accessible to ordinary believers—his Small Catechism is a great example. For Luther, teaching wasn’t about dazzling people; it was about getting the gospel and Scripture into the hearts of families and congregations.
John Wesley
Wesley viewed teaching as:
- Grounded firmly in Scripture
- Empowered by the Holy Spirit
- Aimed at transformation, not just information
He wove teaching into:
- Sermons
- Class meetings
- Bands and societies
Teaching for Wesley was practical and relational. It addressed both:
- Head – sound doctrine and understanding
- Heart – personal holiness and love for God and neighbor
- Hands – living out faith in service and witness
Teaching helped believers pursue sanctification and live as disciples in community.
The Catholic Church
In Catholic theology, the spiritual gift of teaching is a charism that:
- Participates in Christ’s own role as Divine Teacher
- Supports the Church’s mission to hand on the faith
- Operates under the guidance of the Magisterium so that teaching remains faithful to Scripture and Tradition
Teachers may be:
- Clergy
- Religious
- Lay catechists, educators, and leaders
The gift is especially important in:
- Catechesis
- RCIA
- Preaching and instruction
- Formation of children, youth, and adults
Teaching is seen as a Spirit-led service that leads people into deeper understanding, moral clarity, and a closer relationship with Christ.
People With the Gift of Teaching Often…
- Communicate biblical truth in ways that inspire obedience, not just agreement
- Present Scripture simply, clearly, and practically, accessible to different levels of understanding
- Care deeply about accuracy and context, checking interpretations carefully
- Prepare diligently—studying, researching, and organizing material so it is coherent and helpful
- Enjoy the work of study and preparation as part of their worship and calling
- Ask, “But what does this mean for real life?” and help others answer that
- Are energized when they see people have “lightbulb moments” in Scripture
- Feel a weight of responsibility, aware that their teaching will be held to a higher standard
Bible References
| Matthew 5:17-20 | Teaching of the law |
| Acts 18:24-28 | Apollos the teacher |
| Romans 12:6-8 | Gift of teaching noted by Paul |
| 1 Corinthians 12:28-31 | Gift of teaching noted by Paul |
| Ephesians 4:11-16 | Gift of teaching noted as a greater gift |
| Hebrews 5:12-14 | Some should be teachers but are not ready |
| Colossians 3:15-17 | Let the message of Christ dwell among you |
| James 3:1-2 | Teachers are judged more strictly |
| 2 Timothy 2:2 | Teachers to be reliable |
| Titus 2:7-8 | Be an example |
- Luther/Pauck, 335-336
- Graham, 187
- Stanley, 42-54
Other Greater Gifts
- Spiritual Gift of Apostle
- The Spiritual Gift of Prophet (Prophecy)
- The Spiritual Gift of Evangelist (Evangelism)
- The Spiritual Gift of Shepherd/Pastor (Pastoring / Elder / Shepherding)
