The Characteristics of Biblical Teachers

Ability To Teach: They are given the ability (spiritual gift) to teach others. (Exodus 35:34, Matthew 23:34, Ephesians 4:11-12).

Exodus 35:34
"And he has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others."

Matthew 23:34
"Therefore I am sending you prophets and wise men and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify; others you will flog in your synagogues and pursue from town to town.

Ephesians 4:11-12
"It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up."

Filled With The Holy Spirit (for their specific purpose): They are filled with the Holy Spirit. (Exodus 35:30-31, Romans 12:6, 1 Corinthians 12:14)

Exodus 35:30-31
Then Moses said to the Israelites, "See, the LORD has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds..."

Romans 12:6
"We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith."

1 Corinthians 12:14
"Now the body is not made up of one part but of many."

Knowledgable of The Bible: They know God's word well. (Ezra 7:6, Matthew 22:16, Colossians 1:28, 3:15, 1 Timothy 1:3-7, 2 Timothy 1:13, Titus 2:1)

Ezra 7:6
"...this Ezra came up from Babylon. He was a teacher well versed in the Law of Moses, which the LORD, the God of Israel, had given. The king had granted him everything he asked, for the hand of the LORD his God was on him."

Matthew 22:16
"They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. "Teacher," they said, "we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren't swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are."

Colossians 1:28
"We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ."

Colossians 3:15
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."

1 Timothy 1:3-7
"As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God's work—which is by faith. The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Some have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless talk. They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm."

2 Timothy 1:13
"What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus."

Titus 2:1
"You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine."

Their Teaching Brings Life. (Proverbs 13:14)

Proverbs 13:14
The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.

They Live A Christian Life: They live with integrity. (Matthew 22:16, Titus 2:7)

Titus 2:7
"In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness."

They Stand Steadfast and Strong: They are not impressed with nor intimidated by the status and positions of individuals. (Matthew 22:16)

Matthew 22:16
"They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. "Teacher," they said, "we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren't swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are."

They Will Be Opposed: They face opposition(s) becasue of their teaching, especially when it is truth. (Matthew 23:34, Acts 4:1-3, Titus 2:7-8)

Acts 4:1-3
"The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day."

Titus 2:7-8
"In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us."

Teaching Ability Comes From God: They understand that their teaching and their ability to teach comes from God, not from themselves. (John 7:16-18)

John 7:16-18
"Jesus answered, "My teaching is not my own. It comes from him who sent me. If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him."

They are Sought After: They are in demand because they're good teachers. (2 Timothy 3:10)

2 Timothy 3:10
Paul's Charge to Timothy: "You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance..."