Jumpstarter 4 of 10

Ideas to help restart your discussion

Question 4

Justin Martyr tells the Romans to read the prophecies “none expecting to find in them polished diction”; what expectations do you personally bring to “serious” Christian teaching (style, sophistication, academic tone), and how might those expectations keep you from hearing God?

Another way to ask: Justin Martyr said not to expect fancy writing in the prophecies. What kind of style do you expect from “serious” Christian teaching, and how might those expectations make it harder for you to hear God?

Direct Answer Bercot’s material pushes us to examine whether we expect “serious” teaching to sound polished, academic, and rhetorically impressive; those expectations can block us from hearing God when He speaks in plain language aimed at obedience and fruit.

Support from Transcript:

Justin Martyr: “read the prophecies of the sacred writers, none expecting to find in them polished diction.”
Bercot notes Romans ridiculed the New Testament’s style as “poor diction” and “unsuitable for serious literature.”
Origen argues the biblical writers chose a style that would “gain over the multitude,” implying it won’t match elite literary expectations.
Origen warns against assuming “a truth adorned with the graces of Grecian speech is necessarily better.”
Bercot says Christianity “centered on Christ and His kingdom, not on fine points of theology,” and Jesus emphasized “fruit” and how we live.

Discussion Follow-ups When you hear a simple message about repentance, love, and obedience, do you instinctively label it “shallow”? How might that be the very thing Jesus meant to prioritize?

Jumpstarter 4 of 10

Add your phone number?

Thank you!

Jumpstarter 4 of 10