Acts: Go & Be Chapters 19-28Sample

What is this passage saying?

Acts continues to follow the story of Paul as he shares the Gospel in the face of wild persecutions. This passage is no different because even as the soldiers take Paul into the barracks, he dares to request a moment with the crowds to give a defense. Paul sees his “defense” as a divine opportunity to share the Gospel using his testimony. A testimony is simply a story about how Jesus Christ radically changed your life. Paul gets permission to share, and suddenly he has everyone’s attention. He recounts his Damascus Road story and his fateful encounter with the resurrected Lord. He even admits to his previous way of life and how Christ graciously rescued him from sin. Perhaps the most beautiful aspect of Paul’s testimony is the personal touch of Christ. It reminds each of us that Jesus is intimately involved in our lives and wants to be relational with us. To imagine how Christ crafted a unique rescue plan and divinely entered our story is nothing short of marvelous.

What is this passage teaching?

This passage teaches us what boldness in the Spirit looks like. In the face of imprisonment and even death, Paul boldly proclaims the gospel through his testimony. Throughout this book, the Spirit challenges and teaches us to preach the Gospel and take God’s kingdom expansion seriously. But this passage specifically shows us the value of sharing our story. The crowds hated Paul but listened to him when he spoke to them in a language they could understand. Regardless of their perception or opinion of him, he boldly shared how Jesus Christ radically changed his life. When was the last time you boldly shared your story?

How do I respond?

A testimony is simply a story about how Jesus Christ radically changed your life. Because we live in the United States, we do not fear death when we share our faith story. Unlike Paul, who shared his story even in the face of beatings, imprisonment, and death. So, what is holding you back from sharing your testimony? What is holding you back from sharing about Christ’s divine love and never-ending commitment to you and others? Embarrassment? Loss of friends? A decrease in social status? No reason is a good reason to withhold your story. God gave it to you for a reason. Commit to sharing your story with someone this week, and pray that God will give you the boldness to do it.