Clear, Not Clever
Apologetics That Keeps Christ at the Center
Clarity and precision. Those are two of the main ingredients to an effective apologetic interaction. Whenever I’m engaging in evangelism or removing barriers to the gospel, I struggle to be as doctrinally precise as possible while being as clear as possible. This sounds second nature, but anyone who has attempted it will affirm that it's harder than one may think.
I’m currently engaged in several ongoing apologetic conversations, where this is a bit of a struggle. How does one be as doctrinally accurate as possible, while being clear to someone who may not understand the necessary words to convey theologically complex topics? This is the dilemma of the apologist. Compounded with that is the all-too-real temptation of pride rising. Many believers who attempt at apologetics will struggle with knowledge “puffing them up,” so to speak. These are all pitfalls that aspiring apologists need to be aware of.
In my recent devotional reading, I came across a text that addresses all these concerns. In Paul’s first letter to the church at Corinth, Paul begins in his usual fashion. There is a greeting and thanksgiving offered, then down to business. The Apostle Paul, in speaking about a division rising in the church regarding who the converts were following, makes this statement in passing.
“For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.” 1 Corinthians 1:17 ESV
Here, the Apostle Paul shares a bit of his methodology. He was sent to preach the gospel, to preach it with clarity, and in a manner that doesn’t draw attention to himself, but to the message alone. We, in the same manner, should follow his lead.
Words of Eloquent Wisdom
Paul was an educated man. To be more precise, Paul was highly educated in comparison to the average person on the streets, at least theologically. He was trained in the Old Testament scriptures, and this training would likely have included a number of other disciplines as well. Still, Paul neglects to use “words of eloquent wisdom” as he believes that this will render the gospel powerless. How? I have two thoughts.
Confusion
Words of eloquent wisdom could describe scholarly language. In other words, the Apostle Paul might be afraid that he would speak over the heads of his audience. The message of the gospel is meaningless if the recipients of the message don’t understand it. The takeaway here is that when defending the faith, we need to ensure that we’re actually communicating effectively. If we’re using words that our audience doesn’t understand, we’re not communicating.
Here is where the struggle for balance between clarity and precision lives. If we’re too simplistic, we risk diluting the message or making outright erroneous statements. Yet, we don’t want to parrot the pages of a Grudem’s Systematic either. What’s the answer? If time permits, I will use the term and then explain it, but only if it's necessary. What should be avoided is the next thought.
Wrong Focus: Pride
The eloquent words could cause the audience to lose focus on the gospel and place the focus on you. This is the natural context for the statement. Eloquence is prized today, and it was also in antiquity. The New Bible Commentary offers a wealth of contextual information on the subject.
A first-century orator or public speaker was expected to produce carefully crafted speeches which drew attention to his skilful use of rhetorical conventions. Oratory was called ‘magic’ because it was seen to bewitch the hearers. The content of the speech was immaterial, only the performance mattered. They spoke to gain the adulation of their audiences. 17b Paul used none of the orator’s tricks of the trade, for he did not preach with words of human wisdom, lit. ‘by means of the wisdom of rhetoric’. To have adopted the secular convention would have promoted the speaker on whose performance the audience sat in judgment. This would have diverted their attention away from the cross to Paul himself, thus robbing the hearers of the opportunity to hear about the amazing event by which God rescues people.
The Apostle Paul wanted to keep the focus on the gospel and off of himself. Using rhetoric and other devices commonly employed by the orators of his time would put his audience in awe of him rather than in awe of Christ. As apologists, we all need to remember that the gospel is of primary importance. We should never draw attention away from the gospel. This is not the time to show off how much you know, or how much you’ve been reading. Keep the spotlight on Christ and off of yourself.
Takeaways
Be Clear
When engaging in apologetics, we may have to present scholarly material. I’m often in situations where I am asked for evidence, and what I provide comes from an academic source. It's integral to ensure that you explain that information. That you only use academic terms when necessary, and that you ensure that your audience clearly understands those terms.
Check your pride
Always remember that someone’s eternity is at stake. The gospel already has enough barriers; you don’t want to become one of them. If your goal is to show off, you should consider finding another hobby. Remember to keep the spotlight on Christ and off of yourself.
Notes
Bruce Winter, “1 Corinthians,” in New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition, ed. D. A. Carson et al., 4th ed. (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994), 1164.