To Touch Everyone
The third chapter of Ray Vander Laan’s book, Cultures in Conflict, is entitled Turning Weaknesses into Strengths. Vander Laan notes the change in strategy that Paul adopts when he leaves Athens and approaches Corinth. The contrast between the two cities is quite striking—Athens is the Roman colony that continues to reflect the overwhelming influence of Greece. In addition to the numerous temples dedicated to many goddesses and gods, the Areopagus is the center of the marketplace most notable because of the exceptionally influential people who conduct the legal affairs of Rome. In his attempt to connect with the council of the Areopagus, Paul not only flatters them to commenting upon the numerous temples, he also quotes from the leading poets of the day. Epimenides is among the poets that Paul mentions. However, when Paul comes to Corinth, he radically changes his approach.
Because Corinth is a colony that was initially settled by former slaves, the poor and retired soldiers, the culture is markedly different from Athens. Corinth was an isthmus that lay between the Gulf of Corinth and the Saronic Gulf. Rather than sail around the Peloponnese, sailors would transport their boats across the isthmus on logs. While awaiting the completion of the transport of their boats, sailors would engage in the lascivious activity of the region. Vander Laan noted that Corinth was known for its tainted social and moral reputation. As a result, an entirely different strategy was needed to successfully proclaim the good news of God’s justice and liberation. In Athens, the primary audience include intellectuals and the elite, while in Corinth, the proletariat were the prevailing segment of the population.
The contrasting cultures between Athens and Corinth seem to epitomize the words of the poem by Rudyard Kipling “if you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch.” Paul appears to have engaged in an antiquated example of “code-switching.” He knew the languages, examples and culture that were most impactful for his audience. Similarly, it is important for us to adapt effective techniques for connecting with those around us. Sometimes these adjustments are made seamlessly. Other times, keen awareness, flexibility, sincerity and dedication are necessary. The measure of effectiveness is determined, in part, by the outcome. Paul’s mission was to proclaim Jesus in ways that others would feel compelled to follow.
We’ve all had occasions in which our invitation was accepted enthusiastically and we’ve had moments when we were rejected even before we began speaking. There is a place where each of us are called to minister. Sometimes that location is obvious and our success is immediate. Have you found the place you’ve been called to serve? Let’s talk more about it, learn more, laugh more and love more in worship and on Sunday morning classes. We are eager to see you there.
In Christ,
Jon McCoy
