Acts 26--A Model Witness

Sometimes applying a passage of the Bible to our lives is easy. Sometimes it is not as easy. Sometimes the point of the passage isn’t as easy to find. That is true of our particular passage. It is difficult to draw application partly because we are breaking up the story.

Here is the first key question we want to ask: “how does this chapter advance the purposes of the Biblical writer.” We say that because the writer could have written about anything. Why did he deem these details to warrant a place in his letter or story. This advances Luke’s plot in Acts by showing how the gospel is being witnessed to all the way to the ends of the earth (1:8). Also, it shows a model example of how to witness in response to accusation. Paul is not defensive. He simply tells his story with confidence. The confidence that is drawn from his faith is compelling to the point where Festus to the defensive.

The second question is this: “How does the purpose which was originally intended for an ancient audience transcend to today?” Just like Paul was grateful to have the opportunity to present the gospel to all corners of the Roman Empire, we should joyfully look for any and every opportunity to give witness to Jesus Christ in every corner of our lives. Then, when attacked, we need not get defensive but tell our story with the kind of confidence that expects God to be drawing our hearers just as he had drawn us.

Many tell their story with apology and the response is as you would expect. Let’s remind ourselves that we witness not with our own persuasive words but in the power of the Holy Spirit 1 Cor 1-2). We should not just expect God to empower our words but to lead them to hearts the people He is drawing to Christ.

There is a classic story about Charles Spurgeon and a conversation he had with a young pastor. The young man asked Dr Spurgeon how to preach so that people will come to Christ in response. Dr. Spurgeon asked the young man, “do you believe that every time you preach someone will come to Christ?” The young preacher sheepishly said, “no.” Spurgeon responded, “Well that is your first problem.”

“Expect great things from God, Attempt great things for God.” William Carey