Revelation or education?

John 7:15, “The Jews therefore marveled, saying, “How is it that this man [Jesus] has learning, when he has never studied?”

The concept of divine revelation compared to education is one that deserves a small amount of defining. By revelation we are referring to that knowledge, understanding or wisdom that is directly inspired by, and given by God; it is not a type of knowledge that can be gained by constant study, it is purely a gift given the individual from the Almighty Creator and Holder of all knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. Education on the other hand is that bit of knowledge with can be gained by memorization, study of books, articles, etc… It is what our minds are purely able to comprehend in the most base sense, it is the “wisdom of the world” if you will, yet it lacks that direct influencing of God. We do understand however that all knowledge and ability comes from God’s gracious hand, however revelation is that special knowledge that God gives to people.

Examples of this are seen throughout the scriptures. We see the individual text above where the Jews marvel at Christ and see how He is able to teach despite not receiving any “earthly” education. They could not comprehend his ability due to their lack of faith, how could He teach when he has never learned? Jesus answer is key, He states, “ My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me.” He teaches the direct knowledge of God…this is divine revelation.

The apostles received the same kind of questioning in Acts 4:13 where it states, “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” The interesting aspect is that they knew they were uneducated, yet they spoke and taught with boldness. Only by the knowledge imparted by God were they able to accomplish this task.

Another disciple who we see the same example is Stephen in Acts 6:6-10 states, “And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen. But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.” Once again we see a supernatural empowering, and a supernatural understanding that regular worldly knowledge and understanding cannot combat… This is revelation from God!

The important question then arises as to whether God still reveals truth to us today? Do we have the ability to receive revelation from God and in what ways do we receive it? These are both valid and important questions. The first, however, I would answer YES God does still give revelation today. And the second aside from a brief discussion with be elaborated on at a different time.

God does still give revelation today. We see the chief examples being those listed above where the Apostles and Disciples had a supernatural understanding which was able to supersede any of the thinkers of their day. But looking at various other passages we are able to see the same truth for believers TODAY. Back in John 6 it states, “It is written in the Prophets, ‘And they will all be taught by God.’” Jesus is stating both the truth of His earthly ministry, the Truth of Gods revelation as well as the truth of the Holy Spirit indwelling us! In 1 John it says this about the Spirit, “ But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge…But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointed teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.” And again in Hebrews 10: 15-16, “An the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us; for after saying, ‘This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts and write them on their minds.” We see that the New Testament believer as well as the believer living in the 20th century STILL receives revelation from God. Knowing that we are able to receive revelation from God we therefore ought to seek and ask for it more and more. It is an important caution however, to not seek a “new” truth at the expense of what is actually truth, sometimes revelation is simply understanding a previous truth in a slightly different and more meaningful way!

Finally we see in 2 Corinthians 3:5-6, “ Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is form God, who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant…” We have been made competent, individuals who are able to think and reason and understand the ministry of Jesus Christ, of all that He has done and given and of all that He brings as far as hope and excitement for the future! The question is, are we seeking God’s revelation or are we purely seeking an education? Do we desire the truth of God or a truth that fits our own perception or desires? Are we willing to sacrifice sin in our lives in order to pursue more closely the revelation from God or do we desire to remain in our sin and ignorance? The concept of divine revelation is a truthful one, but are we willing to seek and thirst for it and find it resting solely in the person of Christ?