Acts 22:1 (KJV)
Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you.
Rhetoric
“the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, especially the use of figures of speech and other compositional techniques.”[1]
The Apostle was well-trained even before his salvation and calling. He was also highly experienced by this time, having spent years in public preaching. While he was unsuccessful in persuading this audience (there are significant lessons to be learned even from that observation), he was nonetheless masterful in his presentation.
Men, brethren, and fathers
My understanding is that this was a traditional opening meant to express respect.
Men,
General audience. All who would hear.
Brethren
Of the same family, sentiments, and background.
Fathers
Leaders, elders, counselors, and teachers.
This opening could be thought of individually or corporately. He was one of them, respected them, and appealed to their reason and emotions.
We do not have to be obnoxious in our appeals. Neither do we have to be dripping with false affections. We can:
- Identify with our audience,
- Give them proper respect, and
- Deliver doctrinal truth to which they may choose their own responses
[1]https://www.google.com/search?q=rhetoric&oq=rhetoric&aqs=chrome..69i57.4870j0j1&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
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Acts 22:1 The Art of Effective Persuasion
