What is the role of the preacher in delivering God’s Word? Paul had this to say in 1 Corinthians chapter 1,
“For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe” 1 Corinthians 1:21 (NASB)
Given Paul’s statements concerning the preacher in 1 Corinthians 1-2, is it appropriate for the preacher to consider sermonic style and substance and seek to improve their skills of communication?
First, one needs to understand the culture of the church that Paul was writing too. First century Corinth was known for its love of the Greco-Roman art of rhetoric. Rhetoric, Aristotle says, may be defined as “the faculty of discovering the possible means of persuasion in reference to any subject whatever.” This was something that drove the thought process of many in the Christian community in Corinth. They understood that success in political, religious, legal, and business settings demanded that one be trained in rhetorical skills. Sophists, a paid teacher of philosophy and rhetoric set up schools to teach their craft, which involved a combination of training in eloquence, argumentation, persuasive techniques, the development of vocal timbre, and even entertainment.
With the powerful cultural pull of rhetoric, the ancient audiences …show more content…
That work come through understanding the different cultures present in the congregation, and how to accurately articulate the message of the Gospel in that context. A deep understanding of the text being exposited and I believe a clear mastery of the use of language in that culture. As stated in the book, Sin and Syntax, one can make sure they follow these rules by William Zinsser, “who states in On Writing Well, “four articles of faith”: clarity, simplicity, brevity, and
“For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe” 1 Corinthians 1:21 (NASB)
Given Paul’s statements concerning the preacher in 1 Corinthians 1-2, is it appropriate for the preacher to consider sermonic style and substance and seek to improve their skills of communication?
First, one needs to understand the culture of the church that Paul was writing too. First century Corinth was known for its love of the Greco-Roman art of rhetoric. Rhetoric, Aristotle says, may be defined as “the faculty of discovering the possible means of persuasion in reference to any subject whatever.” This was something that drove the thought process of many in the Christian community in Corinth. They understood that success in political, religious, legal, and business settings demanded that one be trained in rhetorical skills. Sophists, a paid teacher of philosophy and rhetoric set up schools to teach their craft, which involved a combination of training in eloquence, argumentation, persuasive techniques, the development of vocal timbre, and even entertainment.
With the powerful cultural pull of rhetoric, the ancient audiences …show more content…
That work come through understanding the different cultures present in the congregation, and how to accurately articulate the message of the Gospel in that context. A deep understanding of the text being exposited and I believe a clear mastery of the use of language in that culture. As stated in the book, Sin and Syntax, one can make sure they follow these rules by William Zinsser, “who states in On Writing Well, “four articles of faith”: clarity, simplicity, brevity, and