Testimony #1

Today we continue our story in Acts 22. Taken into protective custody, Paul now obtains permission to speak to the crowd that wants to kill him. "Brethren and fathers, hear my defense before you now" (v.1). The Greek word translated "defense" is "apologia", from which we get our word "apologetics". Theologically, "apologetics" means defending the faith--giving reason and rationale for the things we believe. Peter said in 1 Peter 3:15, "...sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a DEFENSE (APOLOGIA) to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear..." Peter uses this same Greek word instructing us that we are always to be ready to give an explanation of the spiritual hope we have in Jesus Christ. We are to testify to a lost world what Christ has done for us.

Well, Paul testifies here on the steps of the Fortress Antonia, and, in doing so, gives us a Biblical model for our own testimonies. First, he told of his life before he met Christ (v.2-5). He identified with the Jews by speaking to them in Hebrew, telling of his credentials and brought out the fact that he was even reared in Jerusalem (in this city-v.3). Next, Paul told of his conversion (v.6-16). He told of how Christ arrested him on the road to Damascus. He gave the details of how Jesus approached him, spoke to him, and saved him. And finally, Paul described his life since that day on the road to Damascus when the Son of God stepped out of heaven and into his heart (v.17-21). Here Paul described how God had called him to minister the gospel to the Gentiles. Of course, Paul didn't get to finish because when he said that word "gentiles" the riot was on again (see v.21-22ff).

So here we have the basic ingredients of a testimony. First, share with an unbeliever your life before you met Christ. Identify with him or her. (for we are all sinners...). Then tell of your conversion experience--how you came to know Christ. Tell of the day when Christ stepped out of heaven into your heart. And finally, tell of how your life is today in Christ. That's the outline for your testimony. I encourage you to write it out so it will be clear in your mind, then, when someone asks of the reason of hope that is in you, you'll be able to give an 'answer' 'defense'-- 'apologia'.
Tomorrow, I'll give you some tips on sharing your testimony in "Testimony #2". Until then, God bless and always be ready to share your faith.