Expounders, in the context of biblical studies, refer to individuals who interpret, explain, and clarify the Scriptures. These individuals play a crucial role in helping believers understand the deeper meanings and applications of biblical texts. The role of an expounder is deeply rooted in the tradition of teaching and preaching within the Christian faith, as seen throughout both the Old and New Testaments.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the role of expounding the Scriptures was often associated with priests, prophets, and scribes. For instance, Ezra the scribe is a notable figure who "set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel" (Ezra 7:10). Ezra's dedication to studying and teaching the Law exemplifies the work of an expounder, as he sought to make the Word of God accessible and understandable to the people of Israel.

The Levites also played a significant role in expounding the Scriptures. In Nehemiah 8:8, it is recorded that "They read from the Book of the Law of God, translating and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read" . This passage highlights the importance of not only reading the Scriptures but also providing interpretation and explanation to ensure comprehension among the listeners.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the role of expounders is further emphasized through the ministry of Jesus Christ and the apostles. Jesus Himself was a master expounder, often teaching in parables and then explaining their meanings to His disciples. In Luke 24:27, after His resurrection, Jesus expounded the Scriptures to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus: "And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was written in all the Scriptures about Himself" .

The apostles continued this tradition of expounding the Scriptures. The Apostle Paul, for example, is described as reasoning and explaining the Scriptures in the synagogues, as seen in Acts 17:2-3: "As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbaths he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead" . Paul's method of expounding involved reasoning and proving, demonstrating the intellectual and spiritual engagement required in this role.

The Role of Expounders in the Early Church

In the early church, the role of expounders was vital for the growth and edification of the Christian community. Teachers and preachers were tasked with the responsibility of accurately handling the Word of Truth, as instructed in 2 Timothy 2:15: "Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth" . This charge underscores the importance of diligence and integrity in the work of expounding the Scriptures.

The early church fathers, such as Augustine, Origen, and Chrysostom, were also renowned expounders who contributed significantly to the development of Christian doctrine and theology through their writings and teachings. Their works continue to influence Christian thought and practice to this day.

Contemporary Application

In contemporary Christianity, the role of expounders remains essential. Pastors, theologians, and Bible teachers are tasked with the responsibility of interpreting and teaching the Scriptures to congregations and students. The use of commentaries, study Bibles, and other resources aids in this endeavor, providing historical, cultural, and linguistic insights that enhance understanding.

The work of expounders is crucial for equipping believers to live out their faith in accordance with biblical principles. As stated in Ephesians 4:11-12, Christ "gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ" . This passage highlights the diverse roles within the church, with expounders playing a key part in teaching and edifying the body of Christ.

Woes on the Pharisees
... They assumed to take his place as expounders of the law and judges of the people.
As such they claimed from the people the utmost deference and obedience. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 67 woes on the.htm

Miscellaneous Subjects.
... Lucius, Manaen, and Saul or Paul. Acts 13:1. They were public expounders
of the Scriptures. Prophesy"to speak, to edify, exhort ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter xvi miscellaneous subjects.htm

Causes of the Reformation
... could not hold the field for ever to the exclusion of other branches of study,
especially, since in the less competent hands of its later expounders it had ...
/.../chapter i causes of the.htm

The Absurdity and Impiety of the Heathen Mysteries and Fables ...
... the Clarian, the Pythian, the Didym??an, that of Amphiaraus, of Apollo, of Amphilochus;
and if you will, couple [879] with them the expounders of prodigies ...
/.../clement/exhortation to the heathen/chapter ii the absurdity and impiety.htm

The Preacher as a False Prophet.
... But the religion which they professed was the true religion; the Scribes were the
expounders of the Word of God, and the Pharisees occupied the foremost places ...
/.../stalker/the preacher and his models/lecture v the preacher as.htm

Truth Hidden when not Sought After.
... many, when they find that those who seem the legitimate guides furnished by God's
providence, who are in some sense the natural prophets and expounders of the ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon xiii truth hidden when.htm

Of the Method to be Pursued in Catechising those who have had a ...
... distinct merits which they severally possess, in respect of canonical authority
and of skillfully applied diligence on the part of these expounders; [1383] and ...
/.../augustine/on the catechising of the uninstructed/chapter 8 of the method to.htm

The Sacred Officers and Sacred Occasions.
... mentioned, 2 Sam.8;17. As writers they soon became transcribers, then
interpreters and teachers or expounders. They became known as ...
/.../the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter iii the sacred officers.htm

The Greater Prophets.
... 3. We may next consider the office of the Hebrew prophets as expounders of the Mosaic
law"the Mosaic law in its substance, as distinguished from its outward ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxii the greater prophets.htm

The Soul's vitality and Intelligence. Its Character and Seat in ...
... 1595] of the breast, according to Epicurus: but rather, as the Egyptians have always
taught, especially such of them as were accounted the expounders of sacred ...
/.../tertullian/a treatise on the soul/chapter xv the souls vitality and.htm

Expounders (4 Occurrences)
...Expounders (4 Occurrences). ... (WEY). Luke 11:45 Hereupon one of the expounders of the
Law exclaimed, "Rabbi, in saying such things you reproach us also." (WEY). ...
/e/expounders.htm - 7k

Alas (62 Occurrences)
... Luke 11:46 "Alas too for you expounders of the Law!" replied Jesus, "for you load
men with cumbrous burdens which you yourselves will not touch with one of ...
/a/alas.htm - 25k

Zenas (1 Occurrence)
... same persons. Before his conversion to Christ, Zenas had been a lawyer,
one of the recognized expounders of the Law of Moses. A ...
/z/zenas.htm - 10k

Wanted (73 Occurrences)
... hear, and didn't hear them." (See NIV). Luke 11:52 "Alas for you expounders
of the Law! for you have taken away the key of knowledge ...
/w/wanted.htm - 26k

Frustrated (7 Occurrences)
... Luke 7:30 But the Pharisees and expounders of the Law have frustrated God's purpose
as to their own lives, by refusing to be baptized. (WEY). ...
/f/frustrated.htm - 8k

Refusing (21 Occurrences)
... Luke 7:30 But the Pharisees and expounders of the Law have frustrated God's purpose
as to their own lives, by refusing to be baptized. (WEY). ...
/r/refusing.htm - 12k

Expounder (3 Occurrences)

/e/expounder.htm - 7k

Exclaimed (45 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Luke 11:45 Hereupon one of the expounders of the Law exclaimed,
"Rabbi, in saying such things you reproach us also." (WEY). ...
/e/exclaimed.htm - 19k

Expounding (3 Occurrences)

/e/expounding.htm - 7k

Maaseiah (25 Occurrences)
... (11) One of those who stood at Ezra's right hand during the reading of the Law
(Nehemiah 8:4). (12) One of the expounders of the Law (Nehemiah 8:7). (13) One ...
/m/maaseiah.htm - 19k

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