Acts 18-20 and Preaching

This morning I have an opportunity to lead a discussion on preaching among some of the pastors and elders in our Presbytery. I have decided to use Acts 18-20 as the basis for this discussion.

After shorter stays in various places, the Apostle Paul was granted time to pursue his ministry in a more thorough way in two important cities, Corinth and Ephesus. He was later joined by a man named Apollos who also had a significant ministry in both of these cities.

PREACHING ENGAGES THE MIND

One of the most prominent facts about the ministry of these two men is that it was characterized over and over as one that engaged the human capacity for critical thinking and reasoning among their hearers. These men “reasoned”and attempted to persuade” others. (18:4, 18:19, 19:8, 19:9). This was not only Luke's opinion. Even the objections of their adversaries point us in this direction. Paul and Apollos were delivering an authoritative proclamation that involved the use of the mind in a way that demanded a change of not only the opinions of their hearers but also their entire lives. (18:13, 19:26) This is not to suggest that these servants were attempting to impress others with their complicated reasoning. Much of their appeal to the souls (hearts/minds/wills) of their hearers was characterized as simply “testifying” or “declaring” the truth. (18:5, 20:20, 20:21, 20:24, 20:27)

PREACHING DEMANDS THE LIFE OF THE PREACHER AND THE HEARER

Secondly, these servants of the Lord were greatly engaged in this work and provided opportunities for their hearers to have a similar commitment to hearing and following the message that was taught. (18:5, 18:11, 19:9, 20:20, 20:27) Daily ministry was the norm when there was an opportunity to serve in this way.

PREACHING IS AMBASSADORIAL

Thirdly, the ministry made intensive use of the Old Testament Scriptures. (18:5, 18:24-28, 20:27). The written testimony of the Lord from prior generations was foundational in preaching that the Christ was Jesus. (18:5, 18:28) The Word that was proclaimed was from God. These preachers presented the proof of Christ and the kingdom of heaven from the written Scriptures. They were servants of that Word because they were servants of a divine King who had spoken to His people in former days, preparing them and others to submit to Jesus as the Messiah.

PREACHING IS SPIRITUALLY ALIVE

Finally, their preaching and teaching would have been lacking something without the fruit of the Holy Spirit evident to all in a life of cross-imitating love. Eloquence and learning were not enough. The hearers of the word needed to see Spirit-filled lives of loving obedience to the Christ who gave Himself for us. (18:25, 20:18, 20:19, 20:24, 20:33-35)