Evaluating the Effectiveness of Biblical Communication Methods

The Bible emphasizes the importance of effective communication in conveying the message of faith. In Philemon 1:6, the apostle Paul prays that "the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus" ^[1]. This verse highlights the significance of faith being communicated effectively.

The effectiveness of biblical communication methods can be understood by examining how the biblical authors conveyed their message. In Malachi 1:2-5, the prophet engages in a literary disputation, a format that resembles a courtroom setting, to present the truth that God loves Israel ^[2]. This method of communication is effective in conveying the message, as it involves a clear presentation of the thesis followed by a debate.

The New Testament writers also employed various methods to communicate the gospel effectively. For instance, the writer of Hebrews notes that God communicated his will to men under the Old Testament through various means, including prophets, whereas under the New Testament, God speaks through his Son ^[5]. This change in communication method highlights the progression and clarity of God's revelation.

The apostle Paul's approach to communication is also noteworthy. In 1 Thessalonians 2:13, Paul commends the Thessalonians for receiving the word of God not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God ^[3]. This indicates that the effectiveness of biblical communication depends on the recipients' perception of the message as being from God.

In 1 Corinthians 2:1, Paul explains that he did not use human eloquence or rhetorical arts to convey the gospel, relying instead on the testimony of God ^[6]. This approach underscores the importance of simplicity and authenticity in communicating the biblical message.

The Bible also highlights the importance of understanding in effective communication. In Genesis 11:7, God's confounding of the language at Babel resulted in the people's inability to understand each other, thereby curtailing their unified sinful ambition ^[7]. Conversely, the gift of prophecy in 1 Corinthians 14:2-4 is considered more beneficial than speaking in tongues because it is immediately intelligible and strengthens, encourages, and comforts those who hear ^[8].

The early Christian writers and theologians continued this emphasis on effective communication. John Gill notes that the exhortation in Hebrews 3:15 to "exhort one another" is a repetition of a previous citation, showing that Scripture instructions are of perpetual use and contain matter of great concern ^[4].

In evaluating the effectiveness of biblical communication methods, it is clear that the biblical authors employed a range of approaches to convey their message. These methods include literary disputations, simple and authentic communication, and an emphasis on understanding. The biblical writers also recognized the importance of the recipients' perception of the message and the role of the Holy Spirit in facilitating effective communication.

The effectiveness of biblical communication is also linked to the confession of faith and a good conscience, as noted by Matthew Henry in his commentary on 1 Peter 3:16 ^[9]. A good conversation in Christ, accompanied by a pure and uncorrupt conscience, is essential for credible witness and effective communication of the faith.

The biblical emphasis on effective communication has implications for Christian witness and evangelism. By understanding and employing the communication methods used in the Bible, Christians can convey the message of faith more effectively.

Sources

King James Version “[KJV] Philemon 1:6 — That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.”
Malachi (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Malachi 1:2: 1:2-5 Malachi’s sermons are literary disputations—a format that calls to mind the setting of a courtroom and establishes the tone of a trial for the prophet’s message. This first disputation presents the truth that God loves Israel (1:2). The prophet then debates this thesis with his audience in the five messages that follow. 1:2 loved: In portraying a relationship between the Lord and Israel, love has covenant implications. The term may be equated with God’s choice, or election, of Israel as his people. Malachi’s message indicates that the other dimensions of God”
1 Thessalonians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 Thessalonians 2:13: Here observe, I. The apostle makes mention of the success of his ministry among these Thessalonians (Th1 2:13), which is expressed, 1. By the manner of their receiving the word of God: When you received the word of God, which you heard of us, you received it, not as the word of men, but (as it is in truth) the word of God. Where note, (1.) The word of the gospel is preached by men like ourselves, men of like passions and infirmities with others: We have this treasure in earthen vessels. The word of God, which these Thessalonians received, they heard from ”
Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 3:15: While it is said today,.... Exhort one another, and hold fast Christ and his Gospel, and faith and confidence therein; what follows is a repetition of the citation in Heb 3:7 in order to make a further improvement of it; which shows, that the words belong to the present times of the Gospel, and contain in them matter of moment, and great concern; and that Scripture instructions and exhortations are of perpetual use. in order to make a further improvement of it; which shows, that the words belong to the present times of the Gospel, and contain in them matter of momen”
Hebrews (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Hebrews 1:1: Here the apostle begins with a general declaration of the excellency of the gospel dispensation above that of the law, which he demonstrates from the different way and manner of God's communicating himself and his mind and will to men in the one and in the other: both these dispensations were of God, and both of them very good, but there is a great difference in the way of their coming from God. Observe, I. The way wherein God communicated himself and his will to men under the Old Testament. We have here an account, 1. Of the persons by whom God delivered his mind”
1 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Corinthians 2:1: When I came to you - Acting suitably to my mission, which was to preach the Gospel, but not with human eloquence, Co1 1:17. I declared to you the testimony, the Gospel, of God, not with excellency of speech, not with arts of rhetoric, used by your own philosophers, where the excellence of the speech recommends the matter, and compensates for the want of solidity and truth: on the contrary, the testimony concerning Christ and his salvation is so supremely excellent, as to dignify any kind of language by which it may be conveyed. See the Introduction, Section 2.”
Genesis (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Genesis 11:7: 11:7 Come, let’s go down: God addresses his angelic court (see 1:26; 3:22; and study notes). • won’t be able to understand each other: Their inability to communicate would curtail their unified sinful ambition. The God-honoring unity of language on the day of Pentecost was a symbolic reversal of the Babel dispersion (Acts 2:5-13; see Zeph 3:9).”
1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 14:2: 14:2-4 The problem with the gift of speaking in tongues is that hearers cannot readily understand the message; the gift of prophecy, however, is immediately intelligible and beneficial as a word from God that strengthens . . . encourages . . . and comforts those who hear.”
1 Peter (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 Peter 3:16: The confession of a Christian's faith cannot credibly be supported but by the two means here specified - a good conscience and a good conversation. conscience is good when it does its office well, when it is kept pure and uncorrupt, and clear from guilt; then it will justify you, though men accuse you. A good conversation in Christ is a holy life, according to the doctrine and example of Christ. "Look well to your conscience, and to your conversation; and then, though men speak evil of you, and falsely accuse you as evil-doers, you will clear yourselves, and brin”

Ask Your Own Question