Prudent Proclivity

“And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:” (Ac 24:12 AV)

It is often stated Paul returned to Jerusalem because he could never temper his passion for the Jewish people to the detriment of his calling to the Gentiles.  In other words, it is stated Paul went back to Jerusalem to do the work of an evangelist, not listening to the Holy Spirit because the voice of his own heart would drown Him out.  However, according to Paul’s testimony here, when arriving at Jerusalem, he kept his ministry on the low down.  He did not do the work of an evangelist.  Rather, it would seem, his heart was to encourage the brethren with the gift brought from the churches of Asia and personal words of encouragement to the saints who assembled there.  Not all ministry is ministry of evangelization.  Yesterday, we saw that doors of opportunity may not be as they seem and just because we can be aggressive in our evangelistic endeavors does not mean the LORD would approve of it.  Here, we see Paul limiting the outward ministry of evangelism in favor of ministry to the saints.  He did this for a very good reason.

The accusation brought proves the reason why Paul choose to limit his ministry to the saints.  He knew that if he tried to do the work of an evangelist, his ministry would be about him and not about salvation in Christ.  Without even trying, the accusers attempted to lay at Paul’s feet the charge of insurrection.  They claimed he was stirring trouble among the citizens.  This is exactly why Paul did not pursue aggressive evangelistic endeavors.  He knew that if he did, the gospel would be ignored in favor of rioting in the streets.  This shows a great deal of wisdom on Paul’s part.  Paul knew the gospel ministry can only be successful if Christ is the center of what he did and no Paul.  If Paul worked as he usually does, he would have entered the temple and synagogues, seeking debate with anyone whom he could engage.  Yet, he chose a different type of ministry.  Encouraging the saints to be personal soul-winners was more effective than super confrontational ministry.  At least in this set of circumstances.

Don’t get me wrong.  I have street preached.  I have worked public venues.  I have also, and continue to do so, go door-to-door.  There are different types of soul-winning.  Different occasions.  Different methods.  And different objectives.  The key in whatever we do is to make sure that Jesus is the center of what we do and not us.  Sometimes, this takes restraint.  Other times, it takes aggressiveness.  Let me add one more thought.  It is not a good thing to restrain aggressive and public evangelization if we are not being equally devoted to personal soul-winning.  Sure, it may not be the time to shout the name of Jesus on a street corner, but engaging the lost one a personal level should still be a goal.  Too many times we use the principle above to avoid any and all attempts to talk with others.  Silence is not an option.  What the Spirit wants us to see is prudence.  Not cowardice.