3 explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ.”
4 And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with a large number of the God-fearing Greeks and a number of the leading women.
5 But the Jews, becoming jealous and taking along some wicked men from the market place, formed a mob and set the city in an uproar; and attacking the house of Jason, they were seeking to bring them out to the people.
6 When they did not find them, they began dragging Jason and some brethren before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have upset the world have come here also;
7 and Jason has welcomed them, and they all act contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.”
8 They stirred up the crowd and the city authorities who heard these things.
9 And when they had received a pledge from Jason and the others, they released them.” Acts 17:1-9.
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In today’s Scripture, we see the role of reason. Paul and Silas “reasoned with them from the Scriptures” (verse 2). Paul and Silas were “explaining and giving evidence” (verse 3). Some of them were “persuaded” (verse 4). We even see the role of reason in Jason and others who gave a pledge to obtain the release of those who were held (verse 9).
Yet, Paul writes to the Thessalonians (to whom he preached in today’s Scripture): “for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.” 1 Thessalonians 1:5.
Likewise, when we preach and teach, we do our best to reason, explain and give evidence, and persuade, but we also recognize that our preaching and teaching does not come “in word only” but comes “in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction”.
There may be temptation for us Reformed preachers and teachers to make quick judgments as to who is the elect and who is not the elect. There may be temptation for Reformed preachers and teachers to not do their best to reason with their audience, leaving it to God to use His power to “irresistably draw” His elect to understanding and belief.
But, God wants us and uses us His servants to do our best to reason, explain and give evidence, and persuade.
So, we reason, explain and give evidence, and persuade with wisdom and skill. “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
So, we reason, explain and give evidence, and persuade patiently and gently. “The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.” 2 Timothy 2:24-26.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 