Observation: Paul is about to pronounce his final words of the book of Acts, which will be quoting Isaiah in reference to non-believers. This is why such a pronouncement is made ... because when the Jews don't believe in the Messiah, they don't just say 'no' in their hearts or even out loud, they instead get "cantankerous and start bickering". They do not simply ignore such belief, but they fight about the truth and meaning and legalistic interpretations explicit and implicit within the very word of God.
Paul recognizes that this is something different than non-belief. It is easy - common - to hear someone make a persuasive argument, decide you don't agree with it, and simply let the matter be. It is also possible to disagree about such a matter by presenting the facts of one's own beliefs, even identifying where the two viewpoints do not align. However, arguing and bickering against something, fully rejecting the logic but without contradicting logic, and rejecting or nit-picking every single "word" of it, is a different kind of rejection. It is a rejection of the spirit, occurring at a spiritual warfare level.
Application: We have so many different belief systems in the world today, some of which are based on such wild and crazy concepts that they have no logical basis. However, many have a logical (albeit flawed) basis, embraced by millions of people. And while I know my faith is based on my personal experiences and the way I have felt the Lord in my life, I am also very convinced Christianity has a foundation that is provable by logic and science. With these understandings, I need to consider three things.
First, I need to recognize when others reject my beliefs by responding to them with negative and argumentative emotions. These are individuals who are not engaged in a logical response to Jesus, and thus their real issue is spiritual. They are being influenced in the spiritual realm, and any engagement with them needs to consider that fact.
Second, I need to recognize when others reject my beliefs through logical counter-arguments to statements about their own faith. THESE are individuals who are misinformed, but are (perhaps) willing to be informed. It is not useful to legalistically or logically debate ... it is better to 'preach Christ crucified' ... but in these cases conversations are possible.
Third, I need to recognize when I respond to other's beliefs with emotions, not logic, and reset my mind. "Beliefs" can include religious and secular activities, from Hinduism to non-binary gender practices. If I respond with anger and emotion to any of these, I can be easily dismissed by those who hold those beliefs, even giving them ammunition to further hate Christians. If I respond with love, and a little logic, then the ball is back in their court to see if they will be logical or hate-filled.
Prayer: Dear Lord, it is so difficult to have your wisdom and your patience and your peace when interacting with those who are opposed to Jesus. In my daily interactions, may I find a way to rely upon the Holy Spirit alone to properly center myself in every conversation. Amen.
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