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Let us take a moment to investigate Paul’s words defense in Acts chapter 26. Take note of how he began his defense. Even though it was common knowledge that King Agrippa was in a scandalous relationship with his sister Bernice, Paul still sought out a legitimate basis on which to commend Agrippa. Paul said, “Concerning all the things of which I am accused by the Jews, King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate that before you I am to make my defense this day; especially because you are an expert in all customs and controversies among the Jews; therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently.” – Acts 26:2-3.

Notice that Paul showed respect, not to Agrippa as a person, who was engaged in gross sin but rather to his high office by addressing him by his title, as King. This showed respect, and by choosing his words wisely, the apostle Paul rendered Agrippa honor. (1 Per. 2:17) All Christians are expected to “sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” (1 Pet. 3:15) Paul recognized Agrippa as an expert on the complex customs and laws of the Jewish people. Moreover, he went on to say that he was happy that he could make his defense before such a knowledgeable ruler. The apostle Paul was one of the foremost Christians of his day at this time, respected and honored by all, yet he did not act as though he was superior to Agrippa, who was not a Christian. (Phil. 2:3) Instead, Paul took it a step further and begged the king to hear him patiently. Hence, Paul created this atmosphere where Agrippa, as well as the other powerful men in the room, would be more likely to give him a hearing ear as to what he was about to say. He was building this strong foundation of rapport, a common ground on which he would build his arguments.

Just as Paul did before Agrippa, from the first word you utter to the last word you offer as you “make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason,” you will want to make an appeal to their heart. You can do this by saying what you genuinely feel or believe to be true based on the facts and evidence that you have, demonstrating a feeling of deep admiration for the person we are sharing the truth or something he or she accomplished by his or her abilities, qualities, or achievements. You need to display sincere respect for the person to whom you are proclaiming God’s Word and show genuine interest in him or her. – 1 Corinthians 9:20-23.

The Biblical Basis for Heartfelt Persuasion

Persuasion in Christian apologetics is not merely about winning intellectual arguments but about appealing to the heart. Scripture underscores the importance of reaching the heart, as seen in Proverbs 23:26, where it says, “My son, give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways.” This verse suggests that true change and acceptance of the gospel happen at the heart level, beyond mere mental assent.

Understanding the Heart in Biblical Context

The heart, in biblical terms, is the center of emotional, intellectual, and spiritual activity. It is where decisions are made and beliefs are formed. Thus, effective apologetic evangelism must address the heart to impact one’s entire being. When Jesus spoke about the greatest commandment in Mark 12:30, He instructed to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” This command highlights the integral role of the heart in our relationship with God.

Crafting Messages That Reach the Heart

To craft messages that resonate with the heart, apologetics must engage more than just the factual or logical aspects; they must also connect emotionally and spiritually. Jesus’ use of parables is a prime example. These stories engaged the minds, emotions, and spirits of His listeners, providing deep spiritual truths in relatable terms. For instance, the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) touches on themes of forgiveness, redemption, and paternal love—core aspects of the gospel that appeal directly to the human heart.

The Role of Empathy in Persuasion

Empathy is vital in persuading the heart. By understanding and articulating the feelings and thoughts of others, Christian apologists can better connect the truths of the gospel with the listener’s life experiences. The apostle Paul demonstrated this approach in Acts 17:22-23 when he acknowledged the Athenians’ religiosity before introducing them to “the unknown god” they were already worshiping in ignorance. By connecting the gospel to their existing beliefs, Paul showed a deep understanding of their spiritual aspirations.

Using Testimonies as a Tool for Heartfelt Persuasion

Personal testimonies are powerful tools for persuasion that appeal to the heart. They offer real-life evidence of the transformative power of the gospel, making abstract theological concepts tangible. Revelations 12:11 highlights this, stating, “And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.” Testimonies not only provide proof of God’s active presence but also create emotional and spiritual bridges for deeper conversation.

Prayer as the Foundation of Persuasive Evangelism

Ultimately, the most effective tool for persuading the heart is prayer. Through prayer, evangelists seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who alone can convict and convert the heart. As stated in Ezekiel 36:26, Jehovah promises, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” This verse underscores the divine work involved in changing a heart, reminding us that while we can plant seeds through apologetics, only God can bring true growth and conversion.

Conclusion

Persuasion that appeals to the heart is essential in apologetic evangelism. It involves engaging the whole person—mind, emotions, and spirit—through biblical truths, empathetic engagement, and personal testimonies, undergirded by earnest prayer. By focusing on the heart, Christian apologists can facilitate a deeper, more genuine acceptance of the gospel, leading to lasting transformation in the lives of those they reach.

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).