Teaching Methods Used in the New Testament

How many times in the New Testament is Jesus called “Rabbi,” or Teacher? Recently I was re-reading a textbook I had used thirty years ago in a college class on a Christian philosophy of education. One section stood out to me: how Christ and the early church leaders used different educational methods in teaching new converts. This is a summary of a section in that textbook chapter, showing the method used and giving an example of how this could be used in today’s classroom. (Oh, and Jesus was called “Rabbi” sixteen times!)

Analogy

I Corinthians 12 compares the church, or body of Christ, to a human body, telling how each part is necessary to function. This method could be used to compare the parts of speech to a family or math story problems to a family business.

Contrast

In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus contrasts the storing of riches on earth with storing treasures in heaven, showing that heavenly treasures are far more valuable than any precious earthly item. Today’s teacher can use this method to contrast different ways of solving a problem.

Demonstration

Mark 6:41 shows Jesus praying before breaking bread and feeding the five thousand. This reminds his audience the importance of giving thanks for their blessings. Teachers demonstrate how to do things regularly, especially in practical science labs or on field trips.

Direct involvement

In Mark 6:7-12, Jesus sends the twelve apostles out to spread the Gospel. He gives them instructions on how to be involved in the lives of the people they encounter. Good educators always involve the students in the learning process, such as having them speak the foreign language they are studying.

Discipline, Reproof, Correction

II Timothy 3:16 says that God’s Word is useful for discipline, reproof, and correction. Teachers consistently discipline their students, applying God’s Word to situations with love and compassion.

Discovery

Mark 14:66-72 describes Peter’s denial of Christ. At the end of this passage, Peter remembers that Jesus had predicted his denial. Peter discovers that Jesus was right and he was wrong–and Peter weeps bitterly. This greatly influenced Peter’s later life and ministry. When today’s student can be led by a teacher to discovering a truth, the impact is longer-lasting than if the student is simply told the truth.

Example of the Teacher

In multiple places of the New Testament (II Timothy 1:13; II Timothy 3:10-14; John 13:4-16; II Timothy 1:5), the church leaders lead by example. Kienel states, “Providing a godly example in the classroom [is] perhaps the most important method used by the Christian teacher. ‘Who he is’ teaches much more than ‘what he says or does.’”

Individualized Instruction

John 3 gives a lengthy narrative of Jesus speaking one-on-one with Nicodemus, explaining to him the Gospel and new life. Whenever possible, today’s teacher can also work with individual students to meet their needs through individualized materials or discussion.

Lecture, formal teaching

Luke 6 recounts Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain. Matthew 5 through 7 gives Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Both of these are examples of presenting information or facts orally to the students. While this is not always the most effective way of teaching, there are times (especially with older students) when chunks of information can best be presented through a lecture.

Memorization

In II Timothy 3:15, Paul reminds Timothy that he had learned–likely memorized–many Scriptures when he was young. In the Christian school setting, students should certainly be memorizing Scripture, but math facts, poetry, and other facts are also effectively taught through memorization.

(Summarized from Chapter 5 of The Philosophy of Christian School Education, edited by Dr. Paul A. Kienel)

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