9/4/2023 0 Comments Eloquent words bible![]() ![]() ![]() Occasionally he raised his arms to indicate the start of a speech (Acts 13:16 26:1), but that's about it. ![]() However, Paul doesn’t appear to have used any of the recommended stage-craft skills. He certainly knew how to write well, using techniques similar to those described in the manuals: irony, asking and answering questions, appealing to shared emotions etc. Jewish scholars learned how to debate from the Hebrew Bible using proof-texts, with logic. Roman students also learned law and logic, but in addition they studied rhetoric –the art of public speaking.Ī number of thick ‘textbooks 'on rhetoric from that time have survived and many scholars have analysed Paul’s writings in the light of these. Perhaps this was a conscious choice, but probably it was due to his education. Paul, it seems, simply spoke, and spoke simply. Instead of “eloquence.with wise and persuasive words”, he spoke "in weakness with great fear and trembling” (1 Corinthians 2:1-4). The rhetorical flourishes, emotional persuasion and choreographed anguish and anger with which other public speakers thrilled audiences in those days was not part of his repertoire. When Paul invited the general public to hear him speak (Acts 19:9-10), his stage presence didn’t enthral them. Artfully letting your toga slip to reveal toned muscles during vigorous arm waving and emotional outbursts was a part of good onstage delivery. Visits to the gym, the bathhouse and the barber were essential in order to get performance-ready, with full chest and leg-hair plucking recommended in order to restore a youthful, shiny look. When a Greek orator arrived in a new town, he would advertise a free show, hire a hall and pay people to chalk up notices with the time and venue. He seemed to think it didn't matter because the message was more important (1 Corinthians 2:1-7). But communicating effectively does matter. His detractors found him uninspiring and said there was little in his delivery to get excited about (2 Corinthians 10:10). Paul himself admitted he wasn’t a good orator. But there was a problem: Paul wasn’t very good at public speaking. Before the age of broadcasting, the opportunity to hear someone who could speak well was a form of free entertainment and this is one reason why churches were full and even politicians drew crowds. After this, the synagogue invitations dried up. He needed a new platform, so became a public speaker. Paul’s next step was to take his message to Gentiles. Summer reading guide: 18 books to add to your list.Freedom in Christ founder Neil T Anderson on spiritual warfare, mental health and the end times.Wes Streeting MP: ‘My faith made it very difficult to accept my sexuality’. ![]()
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