How does Paul's use of Hebrew demonstrate cultural sensitivity in evangelism? Setting the Scene in Jerusalem • Acts 22 finds Paul on the steps of the Antonia fortress, arrested yet given permission to address a hostile crowd. • “When they heard him speak to them in Hebrew, they became even more silent. Then Paul declared,” (Acts 22:2). • That sudden hush is the pivot of the passage—Paul’s deliberate choice of language unlocks their attention. Paul Speaks Their Heart Language • “Hebrew” here almost certainly means Aramaic, the everyday tongue of Judean Jews, distinct from the Greek (Koine) Paul often used. • By switching from the imperial lingua franca to the mother tongue of his listeners, Paul: – Signals respect for their heritage. – Removes any suspicion of foreign influence. – Establishes common ground before presenting his testimony. • Compare Jesus’ own words to Paul on the Damascus road: “I heard a voice saying to me in Hebrew, ‘Saul, Saul…’” (Acts 26:14). The risen Lord Himself models speaking in the listener’s heart language. Why Hebrew Matters • Identity: Language and covenant peoplehood were inseparable (Nehemiah 13:23–24). Speaking Hebrew/Aramaic affirmed Paul’s shared lineage. • Emotion: Native language reaches emotions more deeply than a second language. • Authority: Hebrew carried the weight of Scripture and synagogue instruction, lending Paul’s words instant credibility. Paul’s Pattern of Cultural Sensitivity • Acts 13:14–16 – In Pisidian Antioch Paul opens with a synagogue-style greeting. • Acts 17:22–23 – In Athens he quotes Greek poets, showing equal sensitivity to Gentile culture. • 1 Corinthians 9:19–22 – “I have become all things to all men, so that by all possible means I might save some.” The Jerusalem speech is one living example of that principle. • Romans 9:3–4 – Paul’s passion for his people explains his careful approach: he longs for them to know their Messiah. Theological Foundations for Contextual Witness • God’s revelation is true, authoritative, and intended for every culture (Genesis 12:3; Revelation 7:9). • Scripture never compromises truth, yet it consistently comes wrapped in culturally intelligible forms—Hebrew for Israel, Aramaic portions in Daniel, Greek for the Mediterranean world. • Paul mirrors that divine pattern: unwavering on the gospel, flexible in presentation. Practical Takeaways for Today • Know your audience. Learn their “language,” whether literal or cultural. • Start with points of shared identity before addressing disagreements. • Respectful contextualization opens ears without diluting truth. • The gospel is unchanging; the messenger’s style should be adaptable, just as Paul’s choice of Hebrew silenced the crowd and prepared hearts for the message of Christ. |
    |