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In the Book of Acts, Luke repeatedly uses the Greek terms for persuasion in association with Paul. What meaning does this have for our making disciples?

In the original language of the Greek New Testament, “persuade” (peitho) means “‘to apply persuasion, to prevail upon or win over, to persuade,” bringing about a change of mind by the influence of reason or moral considerations, e.g., in Matt. 27:20; 28:14; Acts 13:43; 19:8.’”^[1] When we look at the root meaning, we discover further information that will help us in our mission to make disciples. Peitho conveys the idea of trust, i.e., “to have confidence, trust.”^[2] Therefore, one way to persuade a person to accept the Word of God as true, you have to win his or her trust, so that he or she put faith in the truthfulness of the Bible. Of course, simply saying, “you can trust the Bible as the inspired, fully inerrant, authoritative Word of God” is not enough to help the unbeliever to accept it as such. The unbeliever must be convinced or persuaded to accept it as true. Yet, if they have a measure of trust in your objectivity, it will help them to have a receptive heart.

How can you convince a person that you are proclaiming God’s Word and not man’s word, so that they accept as this truth? You are going to do so by means of clear, sound logical reasoning, persuading them with rational arguments, expressing sincere and intense conviction, which is voiced in an earnest or humble way. Like Paul, you will endeavor to bring about a change of mind in individuals to whom you proclaim the Word of God. You do not simply declare that something is true. You also offer them evidence that supports our truth claim. A truth claim is a proposition or statement that a particular person or belief system holds to be true. Here are some examples of the kinds of truth claims Christians will make: The Bible is the inspired, fully inerrant, authoritative Word of God that was penned by forty men as they were moved along by the Holy Spirit. The Almighty God designed and brought into existence the universe, including other spirit persons and all the basic kinds of life upon the earth.

How do you offer evidence to support your truth claims? Be sure that your statement is based squarely on evidence and facts and not influenced by personal feelings or opinions. In addition, make sure that your statement is based directly on God’s Word and not on your personal opinion. Moreover, use corroborative evidence to back up your heartfelt Scriptural statements. (Prov. 16:23) What is corroborating evidence? Corroborating evidence is evidence that supports a truth claim already supported by initial evidence, therefore confirming the original truth claim.

A truth claim might be that the New Testament that you have is the Word of God and you know that it is what was in the original manuscripts penned by the original authors. You back that statement up with the fact that we have 28,000 original language manuscripts, many of which that date within a few decades of the originals. You can share its historical, geographical, and geological accuracy. You can mention the Bible’s time-test practicality that has no need to change, with its righteous principles and moral standards being timeless. Even though the Bible is not a science textbook, where it touches on scientific matters, it is accurate and in harmony with scientific discovery and knowledge. The whole-hearted candor of its authors is strong evidence of its reliability. The authors expose their own sins and shortcomings. The Bible was penned over a period of more than 1,600 years by about forty authors and is in complete harmony.

When you are trying to persuade a person to accept a truth claim about God, Christianity or the Bible, be watchful that your eagerness does not cause you to sound unreasonable, thus closing your listener’s mind and heart, causing them to be unreceptive. For example, being too blunt and direct can close minds. Yes, your truth claim is true but if it shatters a person’s cherished belief, even a very long list of evidence is not going to be well received. When you come across in a reasoning manner, this helps the person to objectively seek answers later when you are not there and come back for further discussion. It can be powerfully persuasive.

Embracing the Art of Persuasion in Scripture

The art of persuasion is a biblical concept that involves presenting the truth of the gospel in a compelling and convincing manner. The apostle Paul was a master of this art, as seen in his interactions throughout the New Testament. For instance, in Acts 18:4, it is noted, “And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks.” Paul’s approach wasn’t merely about presenting facts but persuading his listeners to rethink their positions and embrace the truth of Jesus Christ.

The Importance of Reasoning from the Scriptures

Reasoning from the Scriptures is a vital aspect of persuasion in apologetics. It involves not just quoting passages but explaining them within their contexts, illustrating how they apply to life today. This method follows the model seen in Acts 17:2-3, where Paul, as was his custom, went into the synagogue, and for three Sabbaths, “reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead.” This kind of reasoned explanation helps listeners understand the gospel’s depths and the Christian faith’s validity.

Tailoring the Message to the Audience

A key element of persuasion is knowing your audience and tailoring the message to meet their understanding and preconceptions. Paul’s speech at the Areopagus in Athens is a prime example of this (Acts 17:22-31). He began by acknowledging their religious sentiments, using this as a bridge to introduce the concept of the true God, whom they did not yet know. This approach shows the importance of connecting with the audience on familiar ground and then leading them to deeper truths.

The Use of Rhetorical Questions

Rhetorical questions are a powerful tool in the art of persuasion. They encourage the listener to think and reflect, rather than merely receiving information passively. Jesus frequently used this technique, posing questions that prompted His listeners to ponder spiritual truths. For example, in Matthew 16:26, He asks, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” Such questions can stir deep contemplation and lead to personal revelation.

Employing Parables and Stories

Parables and stories are also effective in persuasive communication. They wrap truths in narrative forms that engage the imagination and emotions, helping the listener to grasp complex spiritual insights in relatable ways. Jesus’ use of parables, such as the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) or the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37), exemplifies this method. These stories communicate profound truths about God’s kingdom, mercy, and love in a manner that invites listeners into a new way of thinking and living.

Practicing Patience and Persistence

Persuasion often requires patience and persistence, as changing hearts and minds can be a gradual process. In Romans 10:14, Paul emphasizes the process involved in coming to faith: “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” This rhetorical progression highlights the need for persistent teaching and persuasion in evangelism.

Harnessing the Power of Prayer

Finally, the most crucial aspect of persuasion in Christian apologetics is reliance on prayer. Effective persuasion is ultimately a work of the Holy Spirit, not just human effort. James 1:5 encourages believers to seek wisdom from God, who gives generously to all without finding fault. Praying for wisdom and the right words can empower apologists to share biblical truths persuasively, ensuring that their efforts are aligned with God’s will and powered by His Spirit.

In conclusion, using the art of persuasion in sharing biblical truths involves a blend of reasoned arguments, audience awareness, engaging storytelling, and spiritual sensitivity. These methods, underscored by prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit, equip Christian apologists to communicate the gospel effectively, appealing to both the mind and the heart of the listener.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is the CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored more than 220 books and is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).

^[1] W. E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger, and William White Jr., Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Nashville, TN: T. Nelson, 1996), 469.

IBID, 646.

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