[Dutchboy88]

"But to be clear of course we are NOT saying that witnessing is therefore unnecessary. Witnessing is commanded so we do it gladly. There just may be a bit of a difference in the motivations and expectations behind that witnessing."

Absolutely true. We are told to be ready to give a defense for the hope within us AND we have the model of Paul, Peter and others speaking out about the truth. These two expressions are part and parcel of our life in Christ.

The difference I detect between this and the tone on the initial thread is whether one thinks a frenetic tone about the message (bordering on panic) is needed or whether we are called to a calm, deliberate disclosure of the truth.

[Forest Keeper]

The difference I detect between this and the tone on the initial thread is whether one thinks a frenetic tone about the message (bordering on panic) is needed or whether we are called to a calm, deliberate disclosure of the truth.

Yes, on the latter I think the totality of scripture reveals this very approach.