Wisconsin Capitol.
Tuesday, 19 March 2024
“especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which have to do with the Jews. Therefore I beg you to hear me patiently. Acts 26:3
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More literally, the Greek reads, “Especially, you being a knower of all the customs of Jews, and also of questions. Therefore, I implore you patiently to hear me” (CG).
Paul had just noted that he was prepared to answer concerning all of the things that the Jews had accused him of. Now, he gives a reason why this was so, saying, “Especially, you being a knower of all the customs of Jews.”
The word translated as “knower” is gnóstés. It is a noun used only here in the New Testament. It is derived from the verb ginóskó, to know or perceive. Paul understood that Agrippa was perfectly familiar with the aspects of the law and of the traditions which were built upon the law. This is summed up in the word translated as “customs,” which signifies the habits, institutes, rites, and so forth.
Paul found this pleasing because he was not talking to an uninformed audience as had been the case for the past two years. Rather, he finally had someone who could more fully grasp what he was doing, and he could convey this knowledge to the governor accordingly.
If nothing else, he could validate to the governor that what he was up to was not contrary to these customs. Further, he continues with, “and also of questions.”
The “questions” would be those areas that were subject to debate, just as Christians have. This is especially true in the matters by which the Pharisees and the Sadducees were divided. In this, Paul will speak not only as one who was a Pharisee with a hope but as a converted believer who possessed the surety of that hope.
As this was so, he would be careful to detail what he believed, why he believed it, why it was a rational point of debate, etc. As this may take time to fully express, he continues further with, “Therefore, I implore you patiently to hear me.”
Here is another word found only once in Scripture, makrothumós. It is a compound word derived from makros, of long duration or length, and thumos, an outburst of passion or wrath. As such, it is Paul’s way of petitioning for Agrippa to not blow up at him quickly, but to be patient and longsuffering as he detailed his journey of faith in Christ.
Therefore, he is asking for Agrippa’s patient ear, something he would get neither from his foes who opposed him nor from a non-Jew who would be wholly uninterested in such matters. The latter will be perfectly evident from Festus’s response to Paul’s discourse in Acts 26:24.
Life application: If one understands his audience, it is a great help to prepare words in advance for communicating what must be said. If you are preaching to a familiar crowd, you don’t need to explain yourself or what your intent is. However, you may still have to explain at some point during your talk the details of something more complicated that they may not have heard of before.
If you are talking to a crowd wholly unfamiliar with your subject matter, it may be best to start with a simple illustration concerning what you will be speaking of, building upon that so that your audience doesn’t get lost.
Obviously, if you are speaking to children, you need to talk on a level that they can grasp. This basic level of instruction may also be needed for politicians, especially those on the left, as well.
Whatever the state of the audience, being familiar with it and accommodating to their level of understanding is a key ticket to having them grasp what is being conveyed. Paul is taking advantage of this approach by speaking to Agrippa on a level that he is able to understand.
Whether Agrippa agrees with his viewpoint or not, at least Paul will be able to convey what he believes, why he believes it, and how his actions have been in accord with the customs and laws of his people and of Roman society. We, too, should speak in such a manner to ensure our thoughts are being properly conveyed to those we address.
Lord God, the world has an incredible number of languages. Within those language groups are more divisions of thought, such as customs, laws, rites, rituals, etc. Unless we can properly relate to those people, how can we adequately communicate the gospel to them? Lord God, we pray for our missionaries who are in so many places around the world, asking that You give them wisdom and ability to effectively do their jobs through rightly understanding their target audiences. Thank You, O God. Amen.