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Question (5)
Woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!: Why do you single out that only the priests are allowed to teach? Why can’t people with of zeal be allowed to teach as mentioned by St. Paul: (1 Cor 9:16) For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!
Answer
“Woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!” is ascribed to Saint Paul.
If we inquire “Why would Saint Paul uttered such expression?” We find the answer in the following verse:
(1 Cor 9:17) For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship.
He was entrusted as a vicar to a stewardship, to preach and would have been condemned if he had neglected his responsibility.
Hence let us not read one verse in isolation or out of context, as we have discussed this issue before here on st-takla.org in other sections. We should to read the whole chapter, consider the context and see the circumstances of the speaker, then see if we come to the same conclusion.
On the other hand, why neglect Saint James’ teaching?
(James 3:1) My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.
We have observed that many people who teach authority, often fall in heretic and faulty teachings, causing many to stumble, taking on themselves great condemnation.
How can one compare himself with Saint Paul who was:
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Commissioned By Christ
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(Acts 9:15) But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. |
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Commissioned By The Church
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(Acts 13:3) Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away. |
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Commissioned By The Holy Spirit
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(Acts 13:4) So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. |
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Selected From The Womb
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(Gal 1:15-16) But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb and called me through His grace, {16} to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, |
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Here I wish to ask: “ How will your conscience find rest, that you were sent by God?”
The ones sent by the Church would say, “The Church, which is authorised by God, sent us”, They also say:
(Mat 18:17) "And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.
Some may claim “I was sent by the Holy Spirit!”
How do you know that the Holy Spirit is behind your mission. Especially if you were demolishing parts of the Gospel Truth and the Church teaching?
Please listen to the divine inspiration telling us what the Holy Spirit commanded the Church when He wanted to send Saint Paul and Saint Barnabas as missionaries:
(Acts 13:2) As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."
(Acts 13:3-4) Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away. {4} So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.
So the mission was carried out by the Holy Spirit, but through the Church.
People who are sent in this manner, are legitimate missionaries, and do not resort to a single verse; " Woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!"
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