"Do you speak Greek?" he replied. Aren't you the Egyptian who started a revolt and led four thousand terrorists out into the desert some time ago?"
Paul answered, "I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city. Please let me speak to the people."
Having received the commander's permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. When they were all silent, he said to them in Aramaic: "Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense."
Acts 21:37-22:1
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My Bible has the following notes for this passage:
By speaking Greek, Paul showed that he was a cultured, educated man and not just a common rebel starting riots in the streets. The language grabbed the commander's attention and gave Paul protection and the opportunity to give his defense.
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Paul was probably speaking in Aramaic [for the second part of the above quoted material], the common language among Palestinian Jews. He used Aramaic not only to communicate in the language of his listeners, but also to show that he was a devout Jew and had respect for the Jewish laws and customs. Paul spoke Greek to the Roman officials and Aramaic to the Jews. To minister to people most effectively, use their language.
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How interesting. He used language to say something about himself. In speaking Greek, he was saying, "I am educated, I am a man of culture" as well as specifically showing that he wasn't the rebel leader who was Egyptian. In speaking Aramaic, he was saying, "I understand and respect your culture, I am a part of your people, I am not here to throw out everything you know." Those things, he didn't say with specific words, but just by choosing which language to speak. I haven't even read further to see what words he did say because I thought that was so interesting. Granted, I realize that Americans often only speak on language. But at the same time.... when you minister to a "lost soul", do you conjure up the biggest most religious words in your arsenal and emphasize your spiritual superiority? Or do you meet them where they are, speak in real life words about real life situations, put yourself on the same level and live with them there?
The passage makes me think of those who find their spiritual standing a matter of pride and status and use language to make sure everyone knows it. They tithe, they can list the sacraments, their sinful souls have been resurrected under the grace of the All Mighty, everything's about religion and the big words that come with it. Do people really hear you better when you use "church words", though? Do they feel the love of God when you swamp a simple kind deed with waves of religious jargon? Maybe, maybe not.
It's true on the other side, though. When you're addressing people of education and culture, trying to talk about the love of God, is your dialogue full of sloppy phrasing and vulgarity and the 'hip' things to say? Again, just meet people where they are. I'm not suggesting changing who you are or your personality based on who you're talking to. But think about who you're talking to, what language they speak, and how you can communicate most effectively. This is especially true with non-verbal languages. If someone is down on their luck and can't find a smiling face anywhere, is verbal even the language you need to be using, or do you need to find out how you can serve them or give out a few hugs or just spend some time with them? Love speaks all languages, yeah? So maybe we should take a clue from Paul and use that to our advantage. (-:
And just because it's in my head and I love to share songs, especially from Chris Rice, here's the part I can remember of one of his songs which I believe might be titled "Face of Christ".
He shares a room outside with a dozen other guys
And the only roof he knows is that sometimes starry sky
A tattered sleeping bag on a concrete slab is his bed
And it’s too cold to talk tonight
So I just sit with him instead and think
How did I find myself in a better place
I can’t look down on the frown on the other guy’s face
‘Cause when I stoop down low, look him square in the eye
I get a funny feeling, I just might be dealing
With the face of Christ
After sixteen years in a cold, gray prison yard
Somehow his heart is soft, but keeping simple faith is hard
He lays his Bible open on the table next to me
And as I hear his humble prayer
I feel his longing to be free someday
How did I find myself in a better place
I can’t look down on the frown on the other guy’s face
‘Cause when I stoop down low, look him square in the eye
I get a funny feeling, I just might be dealing
With the face of Christ
See you had no choice which day you would be born
Or the color of your skin, or what planet you’d be on
Would your mind be strong, would your eyes be blue or brown
Whether daddy would be rich, or if momma stuck around at all
So if you find yourself in a better place
You can’t look down on the frown on the other guy’s face
You gotta stoop down low, look him square in the eye
And get a funny feeling, ‘cause you might be dealing ...
How did I find myself in a better place
I can’t look down on the frown on the other guy’s face
‘Cause when I stoop down low, look him square in the eye
I get a funny feeling, I just might be dealing
With the face of Christ
