Using Our Background And Experience To Witness For God
BRD REFLECTIONS
Acts 22:22-30; Acts 23:1-11 and Psalm 112 (NIV)
(Stella Carter, Wesley Missioner, serving with Cru Singapore)
READ:
Acts 22:22-30; Acts 23:1-11 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
Acts 22 and 23 gave me a glimpse of Paul’s life and background: a Jew born in Tarsus of Cilicia but brought up in Jerusalem, studied under Gamaliel (first-century Jewish rabbi and a leader in the Jewish Sanhedrin) and was thoroughly trained in the law of his ancestors (Acts 22:3); a Roman citizen (22:26) by birth (22:28); and a member of the Pharisees (23:6).
He was arrested for preaching about the hope of the resurrection of the dead (21:27, 23:6). His arrest and torture did not deter him from testifying for the Lord in Jerusalem. He is skilled and wise in using his background and education to defend himself and his faith.
- He uses his right as a Roman citizen to stop the flogging (22:25). He was protected from being torn to pieces by the crowd when the commander ordered the troops to bring Paul to the barracks (22:24).
- He uses his life (a life of good conscience and fulfilled his duty to God) to confront the Sanhedrin (23:1).
- He knows his audience and uses his credentials (studied under Gamaliel) to get the Sanhedrin to listen to him (22:3). Knowing that there were Sadducees and Pharisees, he uses a difference in their core beliefs to divide them (23:6): “The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, and that there are neither angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees believe all these things” (23:8). Hence some of the Pharisees speak out for him saying that they find nothing wrong with him (23:9).
- The Lord encouraged Paul in the barracks, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” (23:11).
APPLY:
- I should appreciate all that God has given me: God will use my family background, educational level, experience, and nationality to be a witness for Him if I submit myself to Him.
- I must always live a life beyond reproach to be a good witness for Him.
- When sharing my faith, I must analyse my audiences well to make the gospel message more relational and meaningful to them.
- In times of difficult opposition to the gospel, I look to God for encouragement.
DO:
Be bold in using my family background, education, training, and experience to share my faith in a relational manner to my witnessing contacts.
PRAY:
Lord, may I always remember that you are the One who endows me with all that I have, and I should use all that you have given me to witness for you effectively. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
