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Question 5

Justin Martyr says the president “exhorts us to imitate these good things” rather than mainly explaining them; what would change in a church if preaching aimed less at information and more at obedience—and what resistance would that expose in us?

Another way to ask: If preaching focused more on obeying Jesus than just learning facts, what would change in your church—and what pushback in us might it reveal?

Direct Answer Based on Bercot’s reading of Justin Martyr, early preaching leaned toward urging believers to obey what was read; shifting preaching today toward “imitate these good things” would press the congregation toward action and expose whether we prefer knowledge over submission.

Support from Transcript:

Justin Martyr: after the readings, “the president verbally instructs us and exhorts us to imitate these good things.”
Bercot observes: “It’s interesting, he doesn’t say that the president explains… but rather exhorts us to imitate.”
He suggests less commentary: “There wasn’t necessarily a lot of commentary, but perhaps more exhortation.”
He summarizes the tone: “What it says is clear enough. Now, do what the scriptures say to do.”
He notes many Christians couldn’t read, so the reading itself was central, and exhortation called for response, not mere analysis.

Discussion Follow-ups What kinds of sermons do people praise or resist in your church—those that clarify ideas or those that demand repentance and concrete obedience? How might a stronger exhortational approach affect accountability and discipleship?

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