Sullivan church of Christ – Sullivan, MO
Date: May 22, 2005
QUOTING OTHERS
Ben Justice
In Acts 17:28, as Paul was preaching the gospel to the heathen in Athens, he
quoted from one of their own heathen poets, as a part of his sermon to them. Even
though inspiration does not give us the name of this poet, the people of Athens
would have known exactly whom Paul was quoting. Just because Paul quoted from
one of their heathen poets does not mean that he agreed with their philosophy and
ideology concerning life and religion. Who will so charge Paul of agreeing in
everything? This example certainly shows that we can quote from someone and yet
not agree with their theology.
What about today? It certainly is not fair or right to charge another with upholding
and agreeing in everything with the person they have quoted. With that said, I don’
t know of a single preacher or biblical scholar who never refers to and/or quotes
from the works of others, either in public speaking or in writing. Is one so
intelligent that he never needs to refer to the writings of others? Even the most
scholarly brethren I know quote from the works of others. Why quote from others?
1.) One reason is because the person being quoted says something better.
Sometimes, an author will write something that really illustrates and pinpoints the
truth in an exemplary fashion. It is often the case that a writer will bring out the
meaning of a text or subject in a very clear manner. Why not quote what he wrote?
This doesn't’t mean that we agree with everything the author has said and/or
practiced.
2.) One obvious reason to quote from others is to expose their error. Despite what
others may say, we need to know what others teach by way of their error. To be
forewarned is to be forearmed. Paul quoted Hymeneus and Philetus who said that
the resurrection is past already (2 Tim. 2:17-18). Paul quoted what they had said in
order to expose their error.
3.) We can learn from what others have written. It is certainly true that the Bible
is our sole guide and authority, and we should always strive to learn the meaning
of scripture through our own independent study. The first thing that many do is go
straight to the commentaries. This can often “cloud” one’s thinking about the
meaning of a text. However, through a proper study of the context, words,
grammar, etc., one can learn the meaning of scripture. When one has
accomplished that, then it is wise to consider what others have said. Often, they
will bring out some things you never thought about. Books are our friends provided
we use them in the correct and proper manner. Brother Wayne Jackson, who
quoted the late and scholarly T.W. Brents, said, “The man who says he reads
nothing but the Bible, will read and understand very little of that.” Another has
observed that the length of a preacher’s stay with a congregation is frequently
determined by the size of his library.
4.) Sometimes, people reason that when someone quotes from others it reveals a
lack of study. This may be true, but just the opposite could be true as well. As
noted above, even the ripest of Bible scholars extensively read the works of others
and quote from their writings. The most scholarly men I have known have had
huge libraries. Rather than showing that one has solely relied upon what others
have written, it often proves that serious and conscientious study has been
wrought. Reading widely results in the deepening of knowledge. The smartest and
most intelligent men are known for reading extensively and utilizing what they have
read for the benefit of themselves and for others.
PREACHING CAUSES AN UPROAR
— Preaching one God stirs the idolater and atheist.
— Preaching Divine Creation stirs the evolutionist.
— Preaching immorality stirs the materialist.
— Preaching the authority of the Scriptures stirs the modernist.
— Preaching the one church stirs the denominationalists.
— Preaching the headship of Christ stirs the Catholic.
— Preaching on liquor stirs the drunkard/social drinker.
— Preaching on the home stirs the adulterer.
— Preaching on modesty stirs the immodest.
— Preaching on work stirs the lazy.
— Preaching on attendance stirs the neglectful.
— Preaching on faithfulness stirs the unfaithful.
— Preaching on proper speech stirs the gossiper.
— Preaching on love stirs those who hate.
— Preaching on dedication stirs the uncommitted.
— Preaching on giving stirs the covetous.
— Preaching on honesty stirs the hypocrite.
— Preaching on morality stirs the immoral.
— ADAPTED