Page 86 - A Dissertation for Doctor of Philosophy

explanation of what was involved in the basic proclamation. They needed to be taught the

implications of the announcement.57

According to Mounce, “the kerygma is foundation and didache is superstructure,” as “no

building is complete without both.”58 John Vincent argues along the same line and goes as far

as to account that “[t]he only kerygma of which we are entitled to speak on the basis of the

Synoptics is ‘a didactic kerygma’”59 One aspect of the nature and function of Jesus’ preaching,

therefore, is kerygma with didache. Jesus’ didactic statements serve as the explanation and

application of the kerygma.60 Jesus’ preaching is the proclamation of the kerygma with didache.

The term kerygma as used in the New Testament connotes in some cases “the content of

the message” and in others, “the act of proclaiming.”61 In a general sense, “kerygma means

both ‘the act of preaching’ and ‘the content of preaching.’”62 As nature and function go

together, so too the two concepts of act and content are intermingled. The next section, however,

will deal with more the content of Jesus’ preaching in pursuit of an understanding its nature and

function.

57 Mounce, The Essential Nature, 42.

58
Ibid., 42-3.
59
John J. Vincent, “Didactic Kerygma in the Synoptic Gospels,” Scottish Journal of
Theology, 10 (September 1957): 271.
60 Lk. 4:16-29.

61 Mounce, The Essential Nature, 55.

62
Al Fasol, “What is the Role of Proclamation in Southern Baptist Worship?” Baptist

History and Heritage 31 no.3 (July 1996), 19.