Paul as a Model Preacher

by Hugh DeLong

Of course, there are some exclusive aspects of his preaching – he was an inspired apostle and had the confirmation of his message by the Holy Spirit (cp. Hebrews 2:1-4, etc.). Yet, in preaching to people with no background in Jewish history, how did Paul present this message of salvation?

What I'm getting at is that in today’s world. Well, throughout history, there has been a tendency to favor ‘form over function’. You could also phrase this as ‘appearance over function’. So much effort goes into style, looks, etc., and often little goes into truth and functionality.

Preachers with style, stage presence, looks, mannerisms, etc., normally gain larger followings than others. I remember the first Nixon/JFK debates on television (yes, I am that old). Nixon didn’t stand a chance! Not because of his positions or the truthfulness of his presentation – but because we were now confronted with appearance, style, polish! But again, this is the historical aspect of public speaking (whether on modern social media or in the Corinthian marketplace).

Paul approached it differently:

"And when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified" (I Corinthians 2:1-2).

We see this repeatedly in Luke’s description of Paul’s preaching:

"And according to Paul's custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, 'This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ'" (Acts 17:2-3, cp. Also Acts 17:17; 18:4, 19; 19:8,).

Are you more influenced by content or style and appearance?