Avoiding Cultural Exoticism in Biblical Preaching and Teaching
The New Testament emphasizes the importance of clear and edifying communication in Christian teaching and preaching, particularly in passages addressing spiritual gifts. The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 14, prioritizes prophecy—the ability to teach God's way to the ignorant—over speaking in tongues, because prophecy directly edifies the church [2, 5]. While the miraculous gift of tongues served as a sign for unbelievers, its primary purpose was not for the benefit of those who already believed, but to demonstrate God's work to those outside the faith [3].
The emphasis on intelligibility suggests a caution against forms of communication that might obscure the message rather than clarify it. John Gill, commenting on Hebrews 13:9, warns against "divers and strange doctrines," which he describes as varying from the uniform doctrine of Scripture [1]. This can be understood as a broader principle against introducing elements that distract from or distort the core biblical message.
In the context of preaching and teaching, avoiding cultural exoticism means presenting biblical truths in a way that is accessible and relevant to the audience, without relying on foreign or obscure cultural references that might alienate or confuse. The goal is to communicate the "one" doctrine of Scripture clearly, rather than introducing "multitude of other doctrines" or traditions that are not in agreement with biblical truth [1]. The desire to be a "master" or "teacher" (James 3:1) should be tempered by the responsibility to communicate effectively and edifyingly [4]. The focus should remain on the spiritual benefit and instruction of the hearers, ensuring that the message is understood and applied, rather than being an exhibition of obscure knowledge or cultural practices [2, 5].
Sources
- Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 13:9: Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines,.... The word "divers" may denote the variety and multitude of other doctrines; referring either to the various rites and ceremonies of the law, or to the traditions of the elders, or to the several doctrines of men, whether Jews or Gentiles; whereas the doctrine of the Scriptures, of Christ, and his apostles, is but one; it is uniform, and all of a piece; and so may likewise denote the disagreement of other doctrines with the perfections of God, the person and offices of Christ, the Scriptures of truth, the anal”
- 1 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Corinthians 14:39: Covet to prophesy - Let it be your endeavor and prayer to be able to teach the way of God to the ignorant; this is the most valuable, because the most useful gift of the Spirit. And forbid not to speak with tongues - Let every gift have its own place and operation; let none envy another; nor prevent him from doing that part of the work to which God, by giving the qualification, has evidently called him.”
- 1 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Corinthians 14:22: Wherefore tongues are for a sign - The miraculous gift of tongues was never designed for the benefit of those who have already believed, but for the instruction of unbelievers, that they might see from such a miracle that this is the work of God; and so embrace the Gospel. But as, in the times of the prophet, the strange Babylonish tongues came in the way of punishment, and not in the way of mercy; take heed that it be not the case now: that, by dwelling on the gift, ye forget the Giver; and what was designed for you as a blessing, may prove to you to be a c”
- James (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on James 3:1: My brethren, be not many masters,.... The apostle having dispatched the subject of faith and good works, which constitute the pure and undefiled religion mentioned in Jam 1:27 which gave rise to this discourse, he proceeds to consider the evidence of a religious man, suggested in Jam 1:26 who is one that bridles the tongue; and enters into an account of the use and abuse of the tongue: and which is introduced by this exhortation; and which seems to be opposed to an affectation among the Jews, to whom James writes, of being called "Rabbi, Rabbi", or "Mori, Mori", master,”
- 1 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Corinthians 14 (introduction): We should earnestly desire spiritual gifts; but prophesying is to be preferred, because it is superior to the gift of tongues, Co1 14:1, Co1 14:2. Prophesying defined, Co1 14:3. How to regulate this supernatural gift of tongues, in teaching for the edification of the Church, Co1 14:4-13. In praying and giving thanks, Co1 14:14-17. Those who speak with tongues should interpret that others may be edified, Co1 14:18-22 What benefit may accrue from this in the public assemblies, Co1 14:23-28. How the prophets or teachers should act in the Church, Co1”