Avoiding Complexity in Biblical Teaching and Communication

The Bible emphasizes the importance of simplicity and clarity in teaching and communication. In 1 Corinthians 14:19, Paul writes, "But in the church, I would rather speak five coherent words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue" ^[3]. This preference for clear and intelligible language is a recurring theme in biblical instruction.

The New Testament writers caution against unnecessary complexity in teaching. The author of Hebrews urges believers to "leave the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity" (Hebrews 6:1) ^[1]. This passage suggests that foundational teachings should be mastered before moving on to more advanced topics. Similarly, Paul warns against "stories and endless genealogies" that lead to "arguings, rather than that stewardship of God which is with faith" (1 Timothy 1:4) ^[2].

The biblical writers also emphasize the importance of plain language in communicating God's message. Adam Clarke notes that the prophet Habakkuk was instructed to "write the vision... Make it plain upon tables... that he may run that readeth it" (Habakkuk 2:2) ^[8]. This instruction highlights the need for clarity in conveying God's message, so that it can be easily understood by all.

In the context of preaching and teaching, simplicity is valued over eloquence or rhetorical skill. According to Adam Clarke, Paul's preaching was characterized by a lack of "excellency of speech" or "arts of rhetoric," relying instead on the power of the Gospel message itself (1 Corinthians 2:1) ^[7]. John Calvin's commentary on Genesis also notes the importance of clear and simple language in communicating theological truths ^[6].

The biblical emphasis on simplicity is not limited to preaching and teaching. It is also reflected in the conduct of believers, who are called to exhibit simplicity in their actions and decisions. Torrey's Topical Textbook lists various contexts in which simplicity is necessary, including acts of benevolence and personal conduct ^[4].

The warning against "philosophy and empty deception" in Colossians 2:8 also highlights the importance of avoiding unnecessary complexity in teaching and communication ^[5]. This passage cautions against the influence of human traditions and worldly philosophies that can obscure the simplicity of the Gospel message.

In interpreting the biblical emphasis on simplicity, various traditions have emphasized different aspects of this concept. For example, John Gill's commentary on Hebrews 6:1 notes that the "elementary teaching about the Christ" refers to the foundational principles of the Gospel, which should be mastered before moving on to more advanced topics ^[9]. Similarly, Jamieson, Fausset & Brown's commentary on Colossians 1:28 highlights the importance of "warning" and "teaching" in evangelical instruction, with a focus on both conduct and doctrine ^[10].

The biblical emphasis on simplicity in teaching and communication remains relevant today, serving as a reminder of the importance of clarity and intelligibility in conveying God's message.

The early Christian communities, as reflected in the letters to Timothy and Titus, used compact teachings that were likely adapted from creeds, hymns, or prayers known to the churches ^[11]. This practice underscores the value placed on clear and concise communication of essential doctrines.

Sources

Hebrews “Hebrews 6:1 (NASB) — Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,”
I Timothy “I Timothy 1:4 (Rotherham) — Not to be teaching otherwise, nor yet to be giving heed to stories and endless genealogies,—the which, bring, arguings, rather than that stewardship of God which is with faith;—”
I Corinthians “I Corinthians 14:19 (BSB) — But in the church, I would rather speak five coherent words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Simplicity — Is opposed to fleshly wisdom -- 2Co 1:12. Necessity for -- Mt 18:2,3. Should be exhibited In preaching the gospel. -- 1Th 2:3-7. In acts of benevolence. -- Ro 12:8. In all our conduct. -- 2Co 1:12. Concerning our own wisdom. -- 1Co 3:18. Concerning evil. -- Ro 16:19. Concerning malice. -- 1Co 14:20. Exhortation to -- Ro 16:19; 1Pe 2:2. They who have the grace of Are made wise by God. -- Mt 11:25. Are made wise by the word of God. -- Ps 19:7; 119:130. Are preserved by God. -- Ps 116:6. Made circumspect by instruction. -- Pr 1:4. Profit by the correction o”
Colossians “Colossians 2:8 (BSB) — See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.”
CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Genesis, Vol. 1 (Gen 1-23), section 1.4: and energetic declamation; and as a balm to wounded consciences, it remains to the present hour without a rival. The doctrinal system of Calvin is too well known to require explanation in this place. It is, however, a mistake to suppose that, on those points in which Calvinism is deemed peculiarly to consist, he went a single step farther than Luther himself, and the great majority of the Reformers. He states his views with calmness, clearness, and precision; he reasons on them dispassionately, and never shrinks from any consequenc”
1 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Corinthians 2:1: When I came to you - Acting suitably to my mission, which was to preach the Gospel, but not with human eloquence, Co1 1:17. I declared to you the testimony, the Gospel, of God, not with excellency of speech, not with arts of rhetoric, used by your own philosophers, where the excellence of the speech recommends the matter, and compensates for the want of solidity and truth: on the contrary, the testimony concerning Christ and his salvation is so supremely excellent, as to dignify any kind of language by which it may be conveyed. See the Introduction, Section 2.”
Habakkuk (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Habakkuk 2:2: Write the vision - Carefully take down all that I shall say. Make it plain upon tables - Write it in a full plain, legible hand. That he may run that readeth it - That he who attentively peruses it may speed to save his life from the irruption of the Chaldeans, by which so many shall be cut off. The prophet does not mean that the words are to be made so plain, that a man running by may easily read them, and catch their meaning. This interpretation has been frequently given; and it has been incautiously applied to the whole of the Bible: "God's book is so plain, tha”
Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 6:1: Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ,.... The Gospel is the doctrine of Christ, and is so called, because Christ, as God, is the author of it; as Mediator, he received it from his Father; as man, he was the preacher of it; and he is also the sum and substance of it: the principles of this doctrine are either the easier parts of the Gospel, called milk in the latter part of the preceding chapter; which are not to be left with dislike and contempt, nor so as to be forgotten, nor so as not to be recurred to at proper times; but so as not to abide in”
Colossians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Colossians 1:28: preach--rather as Greek, "announce" or "proclaim." warning . . . teaching--"Warning" is connected with repentance, refers to one's conduct, and is addressed primarily to the heart. "Teaching" is connected with faith, refers to doctrines, and is addressed primarily to the intellect. These are the two heads of evangelical teaching. every . . . every man--without distinction of Jew or Gentile, great or small (Rom 10:12-13). in all wisdom--with all the wisdom in our method of teaching that we possess: so ALFORD. But Col 1:9; Col 3:16, favor ESTIU”
1 Timothy (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Timothy 2:5: 2:5-6 Compact teachings, as in this passage, occur throughout the letters to Timothy and Titus (see also 1 Tim 3:16; 2 Tim 1:9-10; 2:8, 11-13; Titus 3:4-7). They might be adapted bits of creeds, hymns, or prayers that were known to the churches. The doctrines referenced probably relate to Paul’s trouble with the false teachers; it appears that their teaching undercut the universal appeal of the Good News and the effectiveness of the Gentile mission. The false teachers also had a deficient understanding of Jesus and his salvation. 2:5 There is one God and therefo”

Ask Your Own Question