Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. I. I would insist upon the prominence given to preaching in the Church of God: the text marks the introduction of A NEW SCIENCE. 1. Our Lord might have instituted this agency without preaching Himself. He might have sent an angel; but He set us the copy of this new science Himself. Three Greek words are used in the New Testament, and translated "preach" in connection with our Lord's ministry. One is "evangelize," which means to declare good tidings; the next word means "to declare as a herald;" a third word implies argumentation. Here, then, we have the science of preaching defined. 2. From these historical facts, in the description of which we gain these words, it will not be difficult to deduce the underlying principles of this Divine science of preaching, that it is the announcement of glad tidings, the presence of an ambassador as the one announcing and pressing upon men by arguments which address the conscience, will, affections, and understanding. II. The text gives us the inauguration of A NEW ART. Preaching was original with Jesus Christ. 1. Show that this is a new science. Preaching did not exist in patriarchal times: it was not a Jewish institution: it was not practised among the Gentiles. 2. It was original, because until Jesus lived and died there was no good news to be told. III. This was a new RESPONSIBILITY. 1. That preaching is the sole agency for man's salvation. 2. It is the unlimited privilege of all believers. (S. H. Tyng.) Parallel Verses KJV: From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.WEB: From that time, Jesus began to preach, and to say, "Repent! For the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand." |
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