What other Scriptures emphasize the importance of understanding in sharing the Gospel? Acts 26:3—Paul Appeals to Understanding “especially because you are acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently.” Paul knows Agrippa’s familiarity with Judaism will help him grasp the gospel facts. Scripture’s literal accuracy allows Paul to reason confidently, expecting real comprehension to lead toward faith. Why Understanding Matters in Gospel Witness • Error is avoided when the messenger fully grasps the message. • Listeners are persuaded when the truth connects with what they already know. • God Himself opens minds; we cooperate by speaking clearly and thoughtfully. Passages Urging the Messenger to Understand the Message • 2 Timothy 2:15 — “Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” • Colossians 4:5-6 — “Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” • 1 Peter 3:15 — “But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope you possess, yet do this with gentleness and respect.” • Proverbs 4:7 — “Wisdom is supreme; acquire wisdom. And whatever else you obtain, gain understanding.” Passages Highlighting the Listener’s Need for Understanding • Matthew 13:19 — “When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart.” • Acts 8:30-31 — “Philip ran up and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ Philip asked. ‘How can I,’ he said, ‘unless someone guides me?’” • Nehemiah 8:8 — “So they read from the Book of the Law of God, translating and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was read.” Passages Showing God Giving Understanding • Luke 24:45 — “Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.” • Ephesians 1:17-18 — “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, that the eyes of your hearts may be enlightened…” • 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 — “And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelieving…” Putting It All Together • Know the Word literally and thoroughly (2 Timothy 2:15). • Speak with clarity and grace (Colossians 4:6). • Engage the listener’s existing knowledge, as Paul did with Agrippa (Acts 26:3). • Depend on the Spirit to open minds (Luke 24:45). Scripture repeatedly ties effective evangelism to genuine understanding—both in the one who speaks and in the one who hears. |
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