If Believers Have an Anointing to Teach Themselves, Why Do They Need Teachers? (1 John 2:27)
This question arises from something John instructed in his first epistle to the believers from the circuit of assemblies he oversaw near Ephesus in what is today western Turkey:
As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit — just as it has taught you, remain in him.
The “anointing” that John refers to here was previously noted in verse 20. It’s a result of the indwelling Holy Spirit, which all spiritually-regenerated believers have within them (Titus 3:5 & 1 Corinthians 3:16). The Holy Spirit is our “Advocate,” also referred to in some translations as “Helper” or “Comforter” (John 14:26), who is “the Spirit of truth” that guides us “into all truth” (John 16:13). This “Helper” helps believers identify false teachers who are “liars” and “antichrists” who “deny that Jesus is the Christ,” the Anointed One (verses 18 & 22).
While what John says in verse 27 might seem like he was saying believers don’t need genuine human teachers, this can be rejected on the grounds of the hermeneutical guidelines: Scripture interprets Scripture and Context is King:
- In regards to context, John is teaching the believers with this very epistle, which shows that he expects them to learn & receive from genuine teachers of the Holy Scriptures.
- Also concerning context, he’s warning the believers of “liars” who “deny that Jesus is the Christ.” Obviously believers shouldn’t receive from such false teachers. Instead, they can rely on the anointing of the Holy Spirit they possess, which “teaches [believers] about all things.”
- As far as Scripture interpreting Scripture goes, New Testament Scripture elsewhere emphasizes the importance of skilled fivefold ministers (Ephesians 4:11-13) who are anointed to teach & preach so that believers will be fully equipped to walk in newness of life and serve the Lord effectively.
To build an unshakable foundation for healthy spiritual growth, believers should regularly feed from God’s Word (Matthew 4:4) and change their thinking accordingly (which is what ‘repent‘ means). This is “renewing the mind” (Romans 12:2).
I encourage maintaining a balance of 1. feeding from the Scriptures in your devotional time with the help of your personal Teacher, the Holy Spirit (1 John 2:27), with 2. receiving from quality fivefold ministers (Ephesians 4:11-13). This is what I do. Just keep in mind that no genuine minister of God is perfect and they all have their areas of expertise as well as their areas of weakness; this includes topics of Scripture and various ministry skills. Remember, those who transfer knowledge are also able to transfer error. So eat the meat and spit out the bones when receiving from others or, as the Bible puts it, “test everything; hold fast to what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
Related Topics:
Berean Spirit — What is it? How Do You Cultivate It?
Hermeneutics—Proper Bible Interpretation
The Fivefold Ministry Gifts — Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher
What’s the Difference between TEACHING and PREACHING?
Who Wrote the New Testament Books? Who Authorized them as Scripture Canon?
Trinity — Father/Son/Holy Spirit — Yes or No?
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