No one is anything remotely like either of those restatements.

Still, I would defend the Pseudo-Franscian statement on the grounds that its original meaning never intended to communicate a “wordless gospel”, as if actions along could–in and of themselves–allow someone to fully grasp the saving news of Jesus Christ.

The problem isn’t really so much the statements historical intent, but rather its modern application.

I am wondering is most of the people who insist that you have to preach the gospel with words are preachers themself.

A phone number is a factoid, the Gospel is a relatively simple message on its face but it involves life change and touches every relationship with God and others. A phone number can be employed by anyone with a phone, the Gospel can be repeated and comprehended by many who will never benefit from it because they refuse to accept it.

I take the point that words ARE necessary, but sometimes few words backed by many actions is the best witness.

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“Preach the gospel; if necessary use actions.”

However, there’s a distinction between saying “our actions speak loudly” and “we don’t need words at all”. The saying that’s referred to — “if necessary, use words” — seems to suggest that the ideal way of spreading the gospel would be to spend your entire life without speaking a single word, if your actions were able to speak loudly enough.

It’s probably not the intention of the statement; the goal is probably to point out how loudly our actions can speak, and how much more powerful words can be if they are reserved. But I’ve definitely heard the passage quoted to justify timidity in speaking out about Jesus in order to simply love people in action, and that’s not a Biblical or an effective way to spread the gospel. If you can’t express your motivation for love in words, that love will simply confuse people rather than changing their lives.

‘They hate him who reproves in the gate, and they abhor him who speaks the truth….Therefore he who is prudent will keep silent in such a time, for it is an evil time.’ Amos 5:10,13

‘Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the good sense of your words.’ Prov 23:9

‘Leave the presence of a fool’ Prov 14:7

There is ‘a time to keep silence, and a time to speak’ (Eccl 3:7).

‘…the wise heart will know the proper time and the just way. For there is a time and a way for everything…’ (Eccl 8:5-6)

‘The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable…’ Prov10:32

Even Peter seemed to indicate to wait until asked – we are to be ‘prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you’ 1Pet3:15. That is the language of waiting expectantly for God to give an opportunity.

And Paul said similar when he said we should ‘walk in wisdom toward outsiders’ (Col 4:5) and the focus was on knowing ‘how you ought to answer each person’ rather than how to ‘ask’ each person if they know the 4 spiritual laws. (Not that that isn’t appropriate on some occasions.)

Even Paul himself was seeking an open door before he declared the Word: ‘…pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ…’ (Col 4:3).

And Jesus, to a guy delivered from demon-possesion, did not tell him to go tell everyone in sight but only to ‘Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you’ (Mk 5:19).

Maybe I am wrong but I just think we should not put burdens upon ourselves that God has not put upon us. I take the attitude of being ready to speak when God brings me an opportunity where it seems appropriate to say something suitable. And that does not happen all the time. But it does happen.

What do you make of those scriptures?