The term "well-instructed" refers to individuals who have received thorough and sound teaching, particularly in the context of spiritual and moral education. In the biblical narrative, being well-instructed is often associated with wisdom, understanding, and the ability to discern and apply God's truth in one's life.

Biblical Context

1. Old Testament Foundations: The concept of being well-instructed is deeply rooted in the wisdom literature of the Old Testament. Proverbs 1:5 states, "Let the wise listen and gain instruction, and the discerning acquire wise counsel." Here, the emphasis is on the importance of receiving and valuing instruction as a pathway to wisdom. The Hebrew tradition placed a high value on teaching and learning, particularly in the context of the Law and the fear of the Lord, which is described as the beginning of knowledge (Proverbs 1:7).

2. The Role of the Law: In Deuteronomy, Moses instructs the Israelites to diligently teach the commandments to their children (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). This passage underscores the importance of being well-instructed in the ways of the Lord, ensuring that each generation understands and follows God's statutes.

3. Prophetic Instruction: The prophets also played a crucial role in instructing the people of Israel. Isaiah 50:4 speaks of the Servant of the Lord as one who is well-instructed: "The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of those who are instructed, to know how to sustain the weary with a word." This highlights the prophetic role in providing divine instruction and guidance.

New Testament Insights

1. Jesus as the Master Teacher: In the New Testament, Jesus is portrayed as the ultimate instructor. His teachings, parables, and sermons are foundational for Christian doctrine and practice. In Matthew 7:28-29 , it is noted that the crowds were amazed at His teaching because He taught as one who had authority. Jesus' instruction was not only authoritative but also transformative, leading His followers to a deeper understanding of God's kingdom.

2. The Apostolic Teaching: The apostles continued the work of instruction, as seen in the early church. Acts 2:42 describes the early believers as devoted to the apostles' teaching, indicating the importance of being well-instructed in the faith. The epistles further emphasize the need for sound doctrine and teaching, as Paul instructs Timothy to "preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and careful instruction" (2 Timothy 4:2).

3. The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is also described as a teacher and guide for believers. In John 14:26 , Jesus promises that "the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you." This divine instruction is essential for understanding and living out the Christian faith.

Practical Application

1. Personal Study and Devotion: Being well-instructed involves a commitment to personal study of the Scriptures. Psalm 119:105 declares, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Regular engagement with God's Word is crucial for spiritual growth and understanding.

2. Community and Discipleship: Instruction is also a communal activity. Believers are encouraged to teach and admonish one another with wisdom (Colossians 3:16). Discipleship and mentorship within the church community are vital for nurturing well-instructed followers of Christ.

3. Application of Knowledge: Finally, being well-instructed is not merely about acquiring knowledge but applying it. James 1:22 exhorts believers to "be doers of the word, and not hearers only." True instruction leads to a life that reflects the teachings of Christ in action and character.

How Albinus Succeeded to the Godly Abbot Hadrian, and Acca to ...
... as Theodore's, there is this testimony, that Albinus, his disciple, who succeeded
him in the government of his monastery, was so well instructed in literary ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xx how albinus succeeded.htm

Synodical Act of Damasus, Bishop of Rome, and of the Western ...
... So it is right that all the teachers of the law in the Roman Empire should be well
instructed in the law, and not befoul the faith with divergent doctrines. ...
/.../chapter xvii synodical act of damasus.htm

A Preliminary Discourse to Catechising
... the work of catechising, it will not be amiss to give you a preliminary discourse,
to show you how needful it is for Christians to be well instructed in the ...
/.../watson/a body of divinity/1 a preliminary discourse to.htm

On Examining Candidates for the Episcopal Office.
... Sec. I."On Examining Candidates for the Episcopal Office. That a Bishop
Must Be Well Instructed and Experienced in the Word. I ...
/.../constitutions of the holy apostles/sec i on examining candidates for.htm

The Judgment Upon Zacharias
... Nor was he merely a genuine believer; he was well instructed and greatly enlightened,
for he was a priest, and, as a priest considered, he was righteous before ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/the judgment upon zacharias.htm

Of the Fourth Kind of General Mortifications, viz...
... the ground of much scrupulosity, and by means thereof, of great unquietness indeed,
even in the superior soul, to persons that are not well instructed in the ...
/.../chapter viii of the fourth.htm

Concerning the Arians; and Further, the Success of Eunomius. ...
... An old priest from a city of little note, [1528] and who was simple and unworldly,
yet well instructed in Divine subjects, formed one of this party. ...
/.../chapter vi concerning the arians and.htm

Naomi is an Instance of a Widow Receiving Back from Her Daughter ...
... For to her who has well taught and well instructed her daughter-in-law a Ruth will
never be wanting who will prefer the widowed life of her mother-in-law to ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter vi naomi is an.htm

Whether one Ought to Dispute with Unbelievers in Public?
... As to those who are well instructed and firm in the faith, there can be
no danger in disputing about the faith in their presence. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether one ought to dispute.htm

Of the Custom of Set Appointed Retreats for Meditation...
... the understanding, purifying the intention, and fortifying the will in good purposes
and designs.3. By the same the said persons may be well instructed how to ...
/.../chapter iv of the custom.htm

Well-instructed (1 Occurrence)
Well-instructed. Welling, Well-instructed. Well-kneaded .
Multi-Version Concordance Well-instructed (1 Occurrence). ...
/w/well-instructed.htm - 6k

Guided (86 Occurrences)
... (WEB RSV). James 3:13 Which of you is a wise and well-instructed man? Let him prove
it by a right life with conduct guided by a wisely teachable spirit. (WEY). ...
/g/guided.htm - 31k

Welling (1 Occurrence)

/w/welling.htm - 6k

Wisely (60 Occurrences)
... James 3:13 Which of you is a wise and well-instructed man? Let him prove it by a
right life with conduct guided by a wisely teachable spirit. (WEY). ...
/w/wisely.htm - 24k

Well-kneaded (1 Occurrence)
Well-kneaded. Well-instructed, Well-kneaded. Well-known . Multi-Version
Concordance ... (See NIV). Well-instructed, Well-kneaded. Well-known . Reference
/w/well-kneaded.htm - 6k

Teachable (1 Occurrence)
... instruction; docile. Multi-Version Concordance Teachable (1 Occurrence). James
3:13 Which of you is a wise and well-instructed man? Let him ...
/t/teachable.htm - 6k

Nicodemus (5 Occurrences)
... Nicodemus is a type of the "well-instructed and thoughtful Jew who looked for the
consummation of national hope to follow in the line along which he had ...
/n/nicodemus.htm - 14k

Prove (83 Occurrences)
... (WEY). James 3:13 Which of you is a wise and well-instructed man? Let him prove
it by a right life with conduct guided by a wisely teachable spirit. (WEY). ...
/p/prove.htm - 34k

Woman (4043 Occurrences)
... The daughter of righteous parents, wellinstructed in the sacred Law, the wife of
a rich and honorable man, Joachim by name, she was richly blessed in position ...
/w/woman.htm - 45k

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