Public debate
Vibrant democracies and successful coexistence in a pluralistic society require good, fair debates. In a debate, several speakers meet according to clear rules: They present arguments and counterarguments on a question and aim to convince the audience of their point of view. The French word "débat" literally means "to beat one's opponent with words." This is why Friedrich Nietzsche warned: "Anyone who cannot put their thoughts on ice should not enter the heat of argument."
A vivid biblical example of this is Apollos, a gifted preacher who came to Ephesus: “Now there came to Ephesus a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, an eloquent man and well versed in the Scriptures” (Acts 18,24). Scripture refers to the Old Testament. Apollos, a Jew from Alexandria, Egypt, spoke convincingly in the synagogue. Unfortunately, Apollos only understood the gospel in fragments. He had been taught by John the Baptist and knew that Israel was called to repentance in order to await the Messiah: "This man was instructed in the way of the Lord and spoke fervently in the Spirit and taught correctly about Jesus, but he knew only about the baptism of John" (Acts 18,25).
Priscilla and Aquila noticed this gap: "He began to preach boldly and openly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately" (Acts 18,26The meeting in the house of Priscilla and Aquila evidently gave Apollos crucial clarity. When he later wanted to leave Ephesus for Achaia (Greece), the brothers encouraged him and sent a letter of recommendation: "But when he was about to go to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples, asking them to welcome him. And when he arrived there, he greatly helped those who had believed by grace" (Acts 18,27).
Apollos responded openly and humbly to their explanation. With his new understanding, he publicly advocated for Jesus and dispelled the objections of his Jewish listeners: "For in public debates he strongly refuted the objections of the Jews and demonstrated from the Scriptures that Jesus is the promised Savior" (Acts 18,28 Hope for all).
Later, Paul describes their collaboration as follows: "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So then neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but God who gives the growth" (1. Corinthians 3,6-7).
Apollos enthusiastically testified to Jesus Christ as Savior and Redeemer. Likewise, we who have accepted Jesus as Savior and firmly believe that God raised Jesus from the dead are called to confess our Redeemer and Savior before the world. Let us continually deepen our understanding, factually correct common misconceptions about Christ, and answer questions that arise calmly and respectfully. Raise your voice responsibly so that through your testimony, many may recognize the liberating truth through the gospel of Jesus Christ.
by James Henderson
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