儘管原始聖典記載的佛陀教導以出家僧眾為主要對象，但是佛世時代的在家信眾亦有重要地位，對於在家信眾的教道亦散見於聖典各處，值得萃取與析論。由於兩者在「宗教目的」與「職能分工」存在著差異，佛陀對兩者教道的方向與重點亦不同。關於佛陀教育的討論與研究，宜重視兩面向的平衡發展，不僅要釐清彼此的分際性，亦應澄清彼此的連續性。這除了能避免兩眾彼此宗教職能分工的混淆，而產生宗教目的的「錯焦」問題外，更能明晰地位與闡釋佛教從「世間」（世俗）到（出世間）（神聖）連續與向度。在上述思考下，本文藉晚近學者主張的「居士佛教主導論」議題，檢討各家論點的源由與利弊得失，再以南北傳初期佛教聖典作為解釋與建議的根據，反思僧俗關係的合理定位，以及佛教僧信二眾的教育問題。

In spite of Buddha’s teachings mainly focus on ascetics of Buddhist sangha, but the teachings about lay people who existed in Buddha’s time played a important role, are also worthy to extract and analyze form the early Buddhist canons. We should keep in mind, with the division of “religious aim” and “religious function” between Buddhist ascetics and lay people, Buddha’s teaching also present in different direction and points. Therefore, in order to avoid the confusion of “religious function” and the misplacement of “religious aim” between Buddhist ascetics and lay people, and explain clearly how Buddhism locates its dimension and continuity from secular side to sacred side. We suggest that any discussion or research on Buddhist education should need to keep the balance of development and clarify the difference and continuity between both sides. In these views mentioned above, this paper will discuss and critically revalue about the topic of “the “priority of Buddhist Laity” which recently rose by scholars. Then, we will trace back to early Buddhist canons as our sources of explanation and argument, moreover sincerely reflect about the reasonable relation and suitable education between Buddhist ascetics and lay people.