Two different approaches to a common task

In a previous column on Acts we watched as a young Jewish enthusiast was struck blind as he journeyed to Damascus. It was Saul, a fierce opponent of that new interpretation of his religion known as Christianity. The first stop after his conversion was Jerusalem where his bold approach struck fear into the hearts of the disciples (The account of his rejection by the disciples is told in Acts 9.) There was one man, however (Barnabas by name), who understood what was happening and explained it to the Jerusalem church. Meantime Saul kept “preaching fearlessly in the name of Jesus (v. 27).” The down side was that the Hellenistic Jews were trying to kill him so the local leaders smuggled Saul out of town and off to Tarsus (9:30). Luke, the author of Acts, notes that, with the removal of Saul, the church throughout that entire region “enjoyed a time of peace” (v. 31).
       I’m struck with a certain conflict this poses for today’s believer. Should we, like Saul, go about fearlessly proclaiming the gospel message, or, should we, like the church in Jerusalem, get rid of the prophetic voice and “enjoy a time of peace?” Put simply, should we be prophets or peacemakers? This question has plagued many a Christian from the very beginning. Does God want me to be out front boldly telling people that Christ died for their sins, or do I serve God better by just remaining quiet and “share my faith” by the way I live? 
       Just before Jesus went back to heaven he told his disciples that they should “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:19). The Great Commission, as it is called, seems to imply the more prophetic option. One doesn’t reach the entire world with the counter-cultural message of the incarnate Christ by remaining in a quiet little house by the side of the road. That’s true, but the disciples seemed to choose the second option and shipped Saul off to Tarsus where he remained incognito for the next 14 years (Gal. 2:1). So how should we carry out the responsibility that is ours to propagate the message of salvation by faith?
       The only answer I know is for each person to use the specific spiritual gift that God has given him. Some find it easier to openly share with others what Christ has done for all. One example: Our friend  Maggie traveled halfway across the United States in a bus rather than taking a plane because, as she explained, that would give her more opportunities to share the Four Spiritual Laws with others traveling alongside. Maggie was a very attractive young lady who related to others with a graciousness that few could resist. Her years in Campus Crusade for Christ had prepared her for a life of effective outreach. She told us that two different passengers on that trip had opened their hearts to the Lord.
       Walt was a New Testament scholar. You will find his name as one of the 3 editors of a major study Bible. His cousin Jean grew up in a non-evangelical church and never really heard how to become a child of God. After a difficult period in her life she went to Walt for guidance and he, knowing her life situation, gave her a copy of J. B. Philips Letters to Young Churches suggesting that she read the book of Romans. She read it, accepted the Lord as personal savior and, radiant with joy, rushed to her sister's house to share what had happened. 
       My conclusion is that both kinds of evangelism fulfill the Lord’s charge to “make disciples” (v. 19 of Matt. 28) and “teach them to obey” (v. 20). Prophet and Peacemaker are not two denominations but two sides of a common responsibility. Live out your spiritual gift; that’s why He gave it to you.