Dr Peter May
Speaker and Author
The Centrality of Persuasion in Authentic Evangelism
Modern Crisis of Truth
This workshop seeks to expose some major factors in the Church's failure to engage with secular Europe. In comparison with Luke's description of what the apostle Paul was actually doing when he addressed unbelievers, contemporary evangelism is seen to be seriously defective. The relationship of apologetics to the evangelistic task is considered and current views of their relationship are called into question. Three essential requirements for effective evangelism are considered, and the claim is made that the Church all too often tries to make do with only one of them - and often doing that one badly. Having analysed the task, practical questions are considered and remedies suggested.
The Centrality of Persuasion in Authentic Evangelism.
The place of argument and persuasion in evangelism has been hotly contested. Most evangelists today throughout the world-wide church, see their task in terms a simple, albeit culturally attractive, proclamation of the historic Gospel. Others believe that the ‘science’ of apologetics is necessary in presenting the gospel to academics and intellectuals. They see it as a means of clearing away objections to Christian belief, so that simple proclamation may then take place. This workshop questions both approaches, showing that persuasion was central to the practice of the apostles and is the missing ingredient in authentic evangelism.
One of the verbs most commonly used in Acts to describe what the apostle Paul actually did is the Greek word “dialegomai” ( dia, through or across; lego, to say.)
Usually translated as the verb ‘to reason’ in English versions, it means:
‘ to think different things with oneself, to resolve in one’s mind, to ponder; and then with other persons, to converse, argue, dispute, reason, discuss. Literally, to dialogue, not by way of a sermon, but by a discourse of a more conversational character.’ (Vines Dictionary of N.T. Words – see under ‘Discourse’, ‘Dispute’ & ‘Reason’.)
In the Acts of the Apostles, Luke uses this word to describe Paul’s activity in Thessolonica (17:2), in Athens 17:17, in Corinth (18:4), in Ephesus (18:19, 19:8), in Troas (20: 7&9), & in Caesarea (24:25).
The two-way nature of this activity is clear in many of the situations that Luke described. At Thessolonica, for instance, Luke says this was Paul’s usual approach (17:2). The dialogue included “explaining” (dianoigo, to open up) and “proving” (paratithemi, to lay before, to commend) (17:3). Paul himself then describes this activity as “proclaiming” (katangello, to declare). The end result was that both Jews and Greeks were “persuaded” (peitho: to win over, to bring about a change of mind by the influence of reason or moral considerations) (17:4).
At Athens, he “disputed” (17:17) with whoever happened to be in the market place, including the philosophers, suggesting he adopted a Socratic style of discussion, which was familiar to them. That he engaged them in dialogue is evident, even in his monologue to the meeting of the Areopagus. He started by saying he had been observing the objects of their worship. Engaging with their beliefs, he was now agreeing with them, and then contradicting them. The whole address is locked into Greek thought.
In Corinth, where some have assumed he adopted a simple unargued approach in his proclamation, he actually continued in his usual manner, “trying to persuade Jews and Greeks” (18:4). And that was the nature of the charge they brought before him. “This man is persuading the people to worship to worship God in ways contrary to the law.” (18:3)
In Ephesus, his evangelism consisted of “arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God” (19:8). This was followed by “daily discussions in the lecture hall of Tyrannus” which continued for two years (19:9). The Greek word dialegomai is used both times.
At Caesarea, King Agrippa accused Paul of being “out of your mind…your great learning is driving you insane.” To which Paul responded, “I am not insane… what I am saying is true and reasonable. The king is familiar with these things… I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner.” Agrippa understood what Paul was trying to do: “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” (26:24-28)
The final picture we have of Paul is of him being under house arrest in Rome. There the dialogue continued, as visitors flocked to see him. “ From morning to evening he explained and declared to them the kingdom of God and tried to convince them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. Some were convinced by what he said.” (28:23-end)
The picture we have of Paul proclaiming the gospel is of someone listening and understanding, engaging with other people’s beliefs, challenging them about truth, setting forth evidence, and trying to convince them that the gospel is true. These things are stated explicitly and implicitly. For instance, when Paul addressed a farming community at Lystra, he instinctively talked about the God who has shown his kindness by giving rain for the crops and providing food in abundance. (Acts 14: 17).
When Philip evangelised the Ethiopian eunuch, he started by asking a question. He then sat next to him, and read what the Ethiopian was reading. The eunuch asked him questions and starting from where the man was in his understanding, Philip explained the gospel to him (8:30-35).
Apollos was a learned man with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures (18:24). He was well equipped to engage with the Jews. We learn that “He vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.” (18:28)
The Greek word ‘apologia’ means ‘a speech made in defence’. In the New Testament it occurs in Acts 22:1, 25:16, 1 Cor 9:3, 2 Cor 7:11, Phil 1:7,16, 2 Tim 4:16, 1 Pet 3:15. Sometimes a person is defending himself; occasionally he is defending the Gospel. The whole tenor of the passages cited earlier, however, is not defensive. The apostles were not waiting to be questioned. As Paul wrote, “Knowing the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade men.” (2 Cor 5:11). Persuasion was the hallmark of their evangelism.
The workshop will conclude with an overview of the common objections to Christian belief today – questions of truth, implications and relevance. They must shape and inform our presentation of the gospel today, if we are to be persuasive.
© Dr Peter May 2004
