Doctoral Marginalia: Two Sides of the Same Coin

This thought comes from my reading of History of the Reformation in the 16th Century, Vol. 1 by J.H. Merle D’Aubigné. D’Aubigné (1794–1872) was a Swiss Reformed historian and theologian who served as professor of church history at the Theological School of Geneva.

In Book 1, Chapter 8, he writes (quoting Luther):

“Erasmus knows very well how to expose error,” says Luther, “but he knows not how to teach the truth.”

Speaking of Desiderius Erasmus, the great humanist scholar during the time of the Reformation, Luther points out his ability to expose error but had nothing positive to replace it with.

Though Erasmus was not a pastor, his account raises a question worth considering: what does it mean to balance exposing error and teaching truth?

According to Paul’s letter to Titus, elders must be able to both positively teach the truth and to refute those who are in error (Titus 1:9). Paul commands Timothy to preach the word, and in doing so he would need to “reprove and rebuke” (2 Tim. 4:2). Scripture is said to be profitable for teaching and training in righteousness, but also for reproof and correction (2 Tim. 3:16).

Erasmus was an expert in exposing error but lacked the ability to teach the truth. He was skilled in half the work. He plowed, but never sowed. He demolished, but never rebuilt.

The Scriptures call us to refute, correct, and reprove — but also to preach, teach, and encourage. Erasmus reminds us what is lost when these are separated. May those who handle the Word be found faithful in both.

For an explanation of the Doctoral Marginalia series, click here.

For a lesser-known biblical example of a faithful Pastor, click here.

To purchase “History of the Reformation in the 16th Century” by J.H. Merle d’Aubigné, click here.

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