The concept of instruction in the Bible is deeply rooted in the divine mandate for teaching and learning, serving as a cornerstone for spiritual growth, moral development, and communal harmony. Instruction is portrayed as a vital component of God's relationship with humanity, emphasizing the importance of wisdom, understanding, and obedience to divine law.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, instruction is closely associated with the Law (Torah), which is seen as God's direct teaching to His people. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 underscores the importance of teaching God's commandments: "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." This passage highlights the continuous and pervasive nature of instruction, integrating it into daily life and family structures.

The Book of Proverbs is particularly rich in its emphasis on instruction, often personifying wisdom as a teacher. Proverbs 1:7 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." Here, instruction is linked to the fear of the Lord, suggesting that true knowledge begins with a reverent relationship with God.

Role of Parents and Leaders

Parents are seen as primary instructors, responsible for imparting God's laws and principles to their children. This is evident in passages like Proverbs 22:6 : "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." The role of parents is not merely to convey information but to shape character and instill a lifelong commitment to God's ways.

Leaders and elders also play a crucial role in instruction. In the context of Israel, priests and Levites were tasked with teaching the Law to the people (Leviticus 10:11). The kings of Israel were also expected to be well-versed in the Law, as seen in Deuteronomy 17:18-19 , where the king is instructed to write for himself a copy of the Law and read it all his life to learn to fear the Lord.

New Testament Perspectives

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is the ultimate teacher, whose life and teachings provide the perfect model of instruction. His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is a profound example of teaching that encompasses moral, ethical, and spiritual dimensions. Jesus' parables and direct teachings serve as instructional tools that reveal the mysteries of the Kingdom of God.

The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 further emphasizes the role of instruction in the life of the Church: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you." Here, instruction is integral to discipleship, involving both the transmission of Jesus' teachings and the nurturing of obedience.

Apostolic Teaching and the Early Church

The apostles continued the work of instruction, as seen in the Acts of the Apostles and the Epistles. Acts 2:42 describes the early believers as devoted to "the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." Instruction was central to the life of the early Church, fostering unity and spiritual maturity.

Paul's letters often address the importance of sound teaching and doctrine. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17 , Paul writes, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work." This passage highlights the comprehensive role of Scripture in providing instruction that equips believers for a life of service and godliness.

Conclusion

The role of instruction in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing the teaching of God's laws, the nurturing of wisdom, and the formation of disciples. It is a divine mandate that permeates family life, religious leadership, and the mission of the Church, underscoring the transformative power of teaching in aligning human lives with God's will.