Commissioned: Testimony: Your Story for Their EarSample

Paul’s Testimony as a Model

Paul gave this powerful testimony to a hostile crowd because he was preaching that Jesus, the Messiah, had come to save the whole world, not only Jews. Paul could have defended his teaching using Old Testament scripture to show that God had always intended to save the Gentiles, but he chose instead to give his testimony.

Notice that Paul’s testimony follows the pattern that was suggested for us in the Commissioned video: 1. Life before Jesus, 2. Encountering Jesus, 3. Life after Jesus.

1. Life before Jesus. Paul presented his life around the theme of being a zealous Jew and persecutor of Christians so that his listeners could relate to him.
2. Encountering Jesus. Paul told his story of encountering Jesus. Few of us will have a story as dramatic as Paul’s, but every story of encountering God is powerful.
3. Life after Jesus. Paul showed that his life changed after his encounter with Jesus.

Stop, think and pray:

Let’s take some time to think through our testimony. What themes are relevant to the people in my oikos? What moments in my encounter with God do I want to share? How has my life changed since encountering Jesus?

Let’s pray: “Lord, may what You have done in my life be a testimony to others of your love and power. Use my story to help others encounter You.” Amen.