How to Find Rhetorical Questions in the Bible
Morris Proctor explains how to find all the rhetorical questions in the book of Luke. The same steps could be applied through the rest of the Bible.
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- Mark Ward regards the translation in Eph.4:11 as "shepherd-teachers" as "too cute," and cites S.M.Baugh's commentary in support of the view that the two words refer to two different offices in the church. Baugh states that "Teachers, then, should be viewed as an office that can be distinguished from “shepherds” as a special branch of overseers charged particularly with instruction in God’s word." Baugh, S. M. (2015). Ephesians: Evangelical Exegetical Commentary (W. H. House, H. W. Harris III, & A. W. Pitts, Eds.; p. 335). Lexham Press. interestingly, Baugh cites 1Tim.5:17, "Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching" (ESV). It is clear from this verse and elsewhere that ALL elders are shepherds of God's flock, and answerable to the Chief Shepherd, and that "teachers" are a sub-class of elder-shepherds: those set apart to labour in preaching and teaching." Given Baugh's recognition that this passage lists the church offices that specialize in teaching the Word of God, it seems clear that the reference to "shepherds and teachers" can indeed be understood as referring to those elders who specialize in teaching, that is, "shepherd-teachers."
- Except, if you take the elder qualification lists into account, all elders must be able to teach... just as the job of all elders is to pastor. So then, should the elders who rule well be viewed as a sub-class? Or just "full time" vs. "volunteer" elders (to use modern venacular), all of whom are in the same class? I'm using and enjoying Baugh's commentary, but his interpretation of Eph. 4:11 needs to be defended in light of the rest of the data on elders/shepherds/teachers.
- I think it's reasonable to distinguish the elder qualification, "apt to teach," from the description "those who labor in preaching and teaching." Every elder should have the ability to instruct others in the truth of God's Word, but only some elders are gifted to do this publicly as the major part of their calling. (An analogy might be the difference between a Sunday School teacher, and a theology professor. Both are teachers, but the difference is significant.) All elders are "shepherds" (pastors) but only some elders are also "teachers."