What Made Paul A Great Preacher?

Most Christians today measure how good a gospel preacher is by how good a public speaker he is, but that is not what made Paul so great. We know that because Paul says about himself in II Cor 11:6a “Even if I am unskilled in speaking” (ESV) and in I Cor 2:1 “And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.”

Paul had many great qualities, but let’s mention here three traits that might be lacking in some today. First Paul was willing to warn those he preached to (Acts 20:26-27,31, Ezek 3:18). It is always easier to preach about those who are not there than to have to tell those who are actually present they need to change their belief and/or practice on an issue. Second, Paul (like Jesus) was willing to defend his teaching in public oral debate (Acts 17:17, 19:8-10). How many today are still willing to do that? And third, Paul didn’t just preach “publicly” but also from “house to house.” (Acts 20:20, 28:30-31). Paul made opportunities to teach the lost (Acts 13:5), he didn’t just wait for the lost to come to him. I guess some today just don’t have the time for that (Matt 6:33).

Luke 6:26 says “Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.” So preachers the brethren think so highly of are not likely the ones God thinks highly of.

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