As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he said to the tribune, “May I say something to you?” And he said, “Do you know Greek? Are you not the Egyptian, then, who recently stirred up a revolt and led the four thousand men of the Assassins out into the wilderness?” Paul replied, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no obscure city. I beg you, permit me to speak to the people.” And when he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the steps, motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great hush, he addressed them in the Hebrew language, saying:
(Acts 21:37-40 ESV)
Paul was bold to speak out in the name of Christ. He was not afraid to press for justice and his civil rights. But he also realized he needed to deserve to be heard. First, he had to demonstrate he was no troublemaker - just trying to stir things up to attract attention. He had to speak the language of those whom he hoped would listen, be it in Greek or Hebrew. And he had to have something worth hearing. Of course, the Gospel is always worth hearing, even over and over again. But we need to make sure we are presenting it in such a way that it is relevant to where people are, and we are, at that time. It is imperative the message is heard and seen. May we set out to gain that hearing.
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