Preaching can mean a number of different types of spiritual discourse (see part II, 2 b, below), such as are indicated, for instance, in the NT: gospel (εύαγγέλιον), Acts 8:40; 15:7; 16:10; proclamation (ϰήρυγμα), Acts 8:5; 10:42; discourse (λόγος), 1 Cor 2: 4; 1 Tim 4 : 6 ; consolation-encouragement (παράϰλησιϛ), 1 Cor 14:3; testimony (μαρτύριον), 1 Cor 1:6; 2:1.

The nature and function of preaching may be described as follows. Preaching is the public proclamation of the word of God in the Church, in th…