"Teaching" and "Doctrine" in the Pastoral Epistles

References in the Pastoral Epistles to “διδασκαλία”

The Greek word “διδασκαλία” (didaskalia) can refer both to the act of teaching and to the content of teaching. The word appears 21 times in the Greek New Testament, with 15 of those instances occurring in the Pastoral Epistles. Below are those 15 instances (given in the ESV). Now, I must caution against developing too many conclusions on the basis of a single word (for instance, there are other words besides "διδασκαλία," in the NT in general and in the Pastoral Epistles in particular, that have something to say about the concept of teaching), but nevertheless, I find this a fruitful bunch of verses. I'm sure you will agree! Enjoy!

1 Timothy 1:10 (ESV)

¹⁰the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine,

1 Timothy 4:1 (ESV)

¹Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,

1 Timothy 4:6 (ESV)

⁶If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed.

1 Timothy 4:13 (ESV)

¹³Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.

1 Timothy 4:16 (ESV)

¹⁶Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

1 Timothy 5:17 (ESV)

¹⁷Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.

1 Timothy 6:1 (ESV)

¹Let all who are under a yoke as bondservants regard their own masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be reviled.

1 Timothy 6:3 (ESV)

³If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness,

2 Timothy 3:10 (ESV)

¹⁰You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness,

2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV)

¹⁶All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

2 Timothy 4:3 (ESV)

³For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions,

Titus 1:9 (ESV)

⁹He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

Titus 2:1 (ESV)

¹But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.

Titus 2:7 (ESV)

⁷Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity,

Titus 2:10 (ESV)

¹⁰not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.