The Power of a Testimony: Acts 21:40-22:11
“40) When he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the stairs, motioned to the people with his hand; and when there was a great hush, he spoke to them in the Hebrew dialect, saying,” ““1) Brethren and fathers, hear my defense which I now offer to you.” 2) And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew dialect, they became even more quiet; and he *said, 3) “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated under Gamaliel, strictly according to the law of our fathers, being zealous for God just as you all are today. 4) I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and putting both men and women into prisons, 5) as also the high priest and all the Council of the elders can testify. From them I also received letters to the brethren, and started off for Damascus in order to bring even those who were there to Jerusalem as prisoners to be punished. 6) “But it happened that as I was on my way, approaching Damascus about noontime, a very bright light suddenly flashed from heaven all around me, 7) and I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ 8) And I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene, whom you are persecuting.’ 9) And those who were with me saw the light, to be sure, but did not understand the voice of the One who was speaking to me. 10) And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Get up and go on into Damascus, and there you will be told of all that has been appointed for you to do.’ 11) But since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me and came into Damascus.” Acts 21:40-22:11
This test is very insightful. After being led away in chains, Paul spoke to the commander in Greek and sought permission to speak to the people from the stairs. When he motioned with his hands, a hush came over the people. Then Paul addressed them in the Hebrew dialect. Did you notice what just happened?
Paul was at least bilingual. He most likely knew Latin as well. He was a highly educated man and could read, write and speak in multiple languages. He was very scholarly.
Yet when given the opportunity to address the people, Paul resorted to his testimony. Never down play the value and power of your testimony. It is the irrefutable story of what Jesus Christ had done in you. There is much to learn from the way Paul told his story.
A good testimony should briefly tell the story of your old life and then focus on how you came to faith in Jesus Christ. It should point others to the gospel and encourage them to turn to Jesus Christ as well.
Paul often used his story as the introduction to the gospel message when speaking to a new group. (See Acts 26) This gave them context and answers the question; “Why should I listen to you?”
If you know Jesus Christ, you have a testimony. I encourage you to have a short version and a longer version. Then start sharing it with people. A simple opening might be; “Let me share my story and how Jesus Christ has changed my life.”
Why is this important? It enables you to start sharing the gospel! It is the starting point of being a witness. (Acts 1:8) The more you share your story, you will get better and better. Your testimony can be used one on one with another person or during a group setting. I encourage you to prepare your story and have it ready in your ministry tool box.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
