Turning the Subject

Late one night as I flipped through the channels, I started watching a training session on C-SPAN for new members of Congress on how to deal with the press. I found it intriguing and stayed up far too late! They talked about such things as the difference between being on-the-record and off-the-record, what to wear on television and how to check out press credentials. One of the most memorable parts was the explanation of what to do when you are asked a question that you don’t want to answer. The instructor said, “In that circumstance, answer the question that you wish that you had been asked.” In other words, totally change the subject.
In a way, that’s what the apostles did during an interrogation by the religious leaders. When they were accused of continuing to talk about Jesus after they had been commanded to stop, the apostles said, “We must obey God rather than men.” But then they changed the subject and said, “The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead – whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”
Although the authorities intended to entrap them with their hostile interrogation, the apostles used the opportunity to talk about Jesus. Turning the subject to Jesus is a good strategy for us, as well.


Related Scripture: Acts 5:29-32

© 2007 Leith Anderson