How does Acts 26:3 encourage us to seek understanding before sharing our testimony? Setting the scene in Acts 26 • Paul stands before King Agrippa and Governor Festus, falsely accused by the Jewish leaders. • Knowing Agrippa’s familiarity with Jewish beliefs, Paul begins, “especially because you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently” (Acts 26:3). • Paul’s opening words reveal a deliberate choice: he appeals to the ruler’s prior knowledge and seeks a fair hearing before unfolding his testimony of Christ. What Paul models for us • Respectful engagement – Paul honors Agrippa’s background instead of dismissing it. • Patient explanation – he asks for time to speak fully, valuing clarity over haste. • Common ground – he builds on shared understanding of Jewish history and prophecy, then moves to Christ’s fulfillment. How this encourages us to seek understanding first 1. We learn the listener’s world – “Know well the condition of your flocks” (Proverbs 27:23) applies to people too. – Understanding culture, beliefs, and concerns guards us from speaking past people. 2. We avoid premature conclusions – “He who answers before he hears, it is folly and shame to him” (Proverbs 18:13). – Listening patiently reflects love (1 Corinthians 13:4–5) and invites trust. 3. We present the gospel more clearly – Paul’s example aligns with 1 Peter 3:15: “be ready to give a defense…yet with gentleness and respect.” – Clarity and respect keep the focus on Christ, not on misunderstanding or offense. Practical steps drawn from Paul’s approach • Research: Learn the person’s background, questions, and spiritual vocabulary. • Relate: Start where the listener is—Paul began with Jewish customs; we might begin with shared values. • Request: Ask for permission to share (“I beg you to listen to me patiently”). A willing ear hears more. • Reveal: Once understanding is established, testify to Christ’s work with confidence in Scripture’s truth. Reinforcing passages • Acts 17:22–31 – Paul at Mars Hill studies Athenian idols before preaching Jesus. • Colossians 4:5–6 – “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders…let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” • Proverbs 15:23 – “A man finds joy in giving an apt reply—and how good is a timely word!” Living it out today • Ask questions that show genuine interest. • Listen for points where biblical truth connects with life experiences. • Share your testimony only after confirming you understand their perspective. • Trust the Word’s power; like Paul, ground every point in the literal, reliable Scriptures. By first seeking understanding, we follow Paul’s Spirit–led pattern in Acts 26:3 and become faithful, effective witnesses of the risen Christ. |
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