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TESTIMONY POWER

[Scheduled Reading: Acts 22-28]

Apostle Paul was one sharp cookie. 

He was extremely versed in the law of Judaism, educated by the famous Gamaliel.

He understood politics. And he understood the inner workings of the various legal systems and the interrelationship between various authorities (civic and religious). 

Paul used this knowledge and expertise to his advantage. 

Paul was arrested and jailed frequently, but he was hard to pin down because of his slippery ways. 

Sometimes he wormed his way out of trouble by defending and claiming his unique legal and citizenship rights. 

And other times he had the assistance of more divine escape measures  – like when angels appeared during the night to walk him out of his cell. 

But one of Paul’s favorite responses was to share his personal testimony. 

Paul had several opportunities to share his full story (chapter 22 & 26), as well as opportunities to reason with various authorities in his attempt to share the gospel.

Apostle Paul’s role in biblical history is legendary. He was among the most unlikely candidates to be chosen for his role. 

Since Abraham, God’s covenant relationship rested with the Israelite nation – the Jews. 

But Paul was chosen as the evangelist to share the faith with the non-Jewish world. 

His testimony was powerful. He was a Jew (from tribe of Benjamin) – but he once persecuted Christians to death. 

His blinding light experience on the road to Damascus was the famous turning point – an encounter with Jesus.

This encounter opened up the Christian faith to the non-Jewish world. And since then, the gospel has been advancing forcefully. 

Thanks to a man named Paul and his powerful testimony.

But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and Kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” Acts 9:15-16 

Family Talk

Have you taken time to craft your own personal testimony? 

Practice sharing your faith story/testimony with your family. Consider (a) when and how you came to know Jesus? (b) what it is that you believe about him? (c) and why?