Christian witnessing

Witnessing is what spread the Gospel through the entire Roman Empire within a generation. Many of the first Christians were actual eyewitnesses to the birth of Christianity. Their testimony is what our New Testament is founded on. The responsibility of Christian witnessing is still with us. What can we learn from these early Christians about witnessing?

Acts is attributed to Luke, though there is question among Bible scholars about the authorship. It was written between 60 and 70 A.D. as a history of the formation of the early Church. It records the events experienced by the disciples just after the death of Christ and His resurrection and assumption into Heaven.

After His resurrection but before His ascension, Jesus told His disciples to wait in Jerusalem. “And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” (Luke 24:49) They were to wait on the power of the Holy Spirit, which would serve to commission and empower them to witness. “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

Today we witness with the power of the Holy Spirit, too. When we receive Jesus Christ as our Savior, we invite the Holy Spirit to live in us. It is the Holy Spirit that changes our lives, guides us and teaches us how to be Christ-like. It is also the Holy Spirit that instructs us on how to share the Good News of the risen Christ. When opportunities to witness arise, we should pray and ask God for the help of the Holy Spirit to present the case for Christianity.

Though some Christians have a special calling to witness (Acts 9:15 –16), all Christians are chosen to witness. (Acts 10:41) It is a responsibility and a privilege to do so. “And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. 43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.” (Acts 10:42-43)

We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to give testimony regarding the resurrection of Christ. (Acts 4:33) Though we are not eyewitnesses to the event, we are spiritual witnesses to the power of the resurrection. It is this power over death that allows Christ to save us from death. His life-changing transformation of our spirit from condemned to forgiven is something all Christians can testify to. “This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.” (Acts 2:32)

Many Christians, especially those new to the faith just don’t understand witnessing. They are not sure what they should say. Luke tells us to testify to Christ’s Saviorhood, “Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.” (Acts 5:31-32) Luke further says of witnessing, “The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)” (Acts 10:36) The Apostle Paul used his own conversion story to begin his testimony. (Acts 22:3-8)

Paul’s example is good. Start with sharing your own conversion experience. Share what was happening in your life that lead up to your conversion. “For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.” (Acts 22:15) Then tell about Christ. “Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.” (Acts 1:22) Once you make the sacrifice of faith to tell the story, the Holy Spirit in you will help you relate it.

Peter’s style of witnessing was somewhat different. Luke records his style, “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 2:38)

By the Holy Spirit, we can witness boldly if we are faithful to fulfill our responsibility to share the Good News. “And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,” (Acts 4:29) You mustn’t become discouraged when you are not heard. You are planting seeds of faith; someone else may have the honor of harvesting what you plant. It is difficult to accept sometimes, but the crop does come in even if you’re not the harvester.

The first century Christians were called away from Jerusalem to remote places. “Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.” (Acts 8:4) Don’t be surprised if as you mature in your faith the same thing happens to you. God has a special calling for each of us and you may find that your calling is witnessing far and wide. This is usually called missionary work but in truth all Christians are missionaries of a sort.

Luke leaves us a critical reminder about our commission and responsibility to testify, “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” (Acts 20:28) We are the caregivers and the builders of the church of Christ. He paid for our souls with His very own blood. He bore the pain of all sin for all time for us who deserve no mercy. The very least we can do in return for His sacrifice is tell others what Christ has done for us. Let your life be a witness, certainly, but don’t fail to let your mouth witness Him, too.