A Few of Paul’s Principles of Communication
Acts 26:1-25
Quote:I know you believe you understand what you think I said, but I’m not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.
Source Unknown
1. Paul practiced wise diplomacy in the way he dealt with King Agrippa to enhance the effectiveness of his communications. By using such tact, adroitness and statesmanship, Paul was nearly about to convince the power King to become a Christian.
Illustration:Tact learns how to put it nicely, but not quite precisely.
Norma Becket, quoted by Mack McGinnis.
2. Paul’s prudence evidenced the Spirit’s leading not only in his content but also in his approach to people. Paul’s politically sensitive manner impressed the King and diffused a hostile opponent in Festus.
Illustration:
When pointing out a mistake by another person, always consider the person’s feelings. Milton Berle was dining with his wife, Ruth, in a Hollywood restaurant. When a waiter put too much pepper on her salad. Mrs. Berle tasted it and said, "Hmm. Needs more salad."
Source Unknown.
3. Paul’s presented the gospel with wise negotiating skills in a way that helped King Agrippa see the advantages of truth from his cultural, rational and political perspective.
4. Paul used the power of prayer to give continual supernatural intercession to bear on the King and all who heard his message. Without a dependence on the Lord, Paul knew that his words would have little effect.
Illustration:When we pray, remember:
1. The love of God that wants the best for us.
2. The wisdom of God that knows what is best for us.
3. The power of God that can accomplish it.
William Barclay, Prodigals and Those Who Love.
5. Paul used the power of his own transformation to allow the King to recognize that a relationship with Christ begins with God’s pro-active love. Salvation was presented in a way of simply receiving the free gift of God’s grace and forgiveness found in Christ Jesus the Lord.
6. Paul spoke with great compliments, respect and admiration for the position of the King and his people.
7. Paul addressed the King with all humility recognizing that it was a privilege to share of Christ’s love.
8. Paul spoke with a well-researched knowledge of the King’s culture, world- view and concerns.
9. Paul based his presentation on the hope given to him through Christ not on a successful response.
10. Paul used his past accomplishments as a bridge of credibility to his audience not for self-glory.
11. Paul used his Jewish heritage as significant reason for bringing corporate as well as personal redemption to all peoples for the peace of everyone and every nation.
12. Paul confesses his past mistakes and sins publicly to show how Christ rescued him from self-destruction.
13. Paul admits to be obsessed with persecuting Christians because of his own mis-perceptions of truth.
14. Paul cries out, "O King" to maintain the attention of Agrippa to minimize the tendency for his audience’s minds to wander. He was a master of communication in every sense.
15. Paul used the art and science of dialogue in his presentation when he recalled, "Then I ask, Who are you Lord and what do you want me to do?" Crucial questions throughout his presentations are immaculately timed to give the greatest emphasis to the most important truths.
16. Paul pointed out that Jesus spoke to him about God’s will when He said, "I am sending you to the Gentiles to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins." Paul’s approach was largely through example.
17. Paul used the powers of observation, interpretation and correlation to bring the truth of Christ’s healing touch to King Agrippa. Without Paul’s rational approach, the Greek King might not have been so moved.
18. Paul explained that his growth in Christ came as a result of obedience and not human wisdom or strength.
19. Paul allowed the criticisms and accusations of Festus to roll off of him like water off of a duck’s back.
20. Paul asserted his truth and reasonableness when he cried, "I am not insane, most excellent Festus," "What I am saying is true and reasonable." "The king is familiar with these things and I can speak freely to him." Paul used great skills of affirmation, confirmation and evaluation to bring the truth despite skeptical attacks.
21. Paul used powerful key words in his persuasive speech. Paul said, "I am CONVINCED that none of this has escaped the King’s notice, because it was not done in a corner."
22. Paul used the power of questions to bring home his main point when he said, "King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do." Then the King said, "Do you think in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?" Paul replied, "Short time or long - I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am - except for these chains." Paul knew how to dialogue the gospel.
23. Paul’s presentation was spiritually, emotionally, socially and mentally persuasive.
24. Paul left a great legacy of how to approach men of authority through this encounter. Even the King said, "This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment." As Christians we are not called to a life of ease, but to obey what God has told us to do and say. Let our communication leave a legacy of Christ likeness, love and truthfulness.
Conclusion:Psychologist Albert Mehrabian said, 7% of the impact of a speaker’s message comes through his words, 38% springs from his name, 55% from facial expressions.
H. Robinson, Biblical Preaching, p. 193, quoting F. Davis, How to read Body Language.
