Forming a Testimony - Part 1

Yesterday I wrote about having a testimony. Well, I'm going to use this blog to build mine. The best way for me to understand what a testimony should be is to look at examples of others. The best I know of are in Acts as that is when the Apostles began spreading the word throughout the world. So basically, over the next few days, I'm going to start at the beginning of Acts and work my way through, recording each time an apostle shared his faith with someone.

Acts 2 14:39 - These verses are Peter preaching on the day of Pentecost after the Holy Spirit was given. This situation was special because of the incredible miracle and circumstances surrounding it. 3,000 people were saved that day, and Peter didn't really say all that much. He started out by quoting scripture (2:17-21). He explained to the Jews that Jesus was put to death by crucifiction and was raised by God, defeating death. Peter also explained to them what they were seeing (verse 33). Just before that, he quote a Psalm in which David spoke of God making him "full of joy in Your presence." He closed by stating that Jesus is the Son of God.

Conclusion - The Jews that witnessed the outpouring of the Holy Spirit must have had many questions, and Peter explained it to them. But it was a simple message: Jesus is the Son of God. He was crucified and raised from the dead, defeating death. The result is that we, through Jesus, can overcome death as well if we "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." It's important that Peter explained to the Jews HOW they could be saved.

Acts 3 - There is no mention of any one being saved in this chapter, but Peter's testimony is so powerful that he and John were arrested because of it. It all started with him healing a crippled man. Now, I cannot heal the lame, but I can follow Peter's example. The man was asking for money. He could not work and was in need of help. Peter told him he could not give him any money, but appealed to the man's neediness by offering something better. He healed the man, but he explained that it was through faith in Jesus that he was healed. Just like in Acts 2, Peter explained that Jesus was crucified and raised from the dead, fulfilling scripture and for the people to "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord..."

Conclusion - Peter followed the same basic formula he did in Acts 2. He quoted scripture, explained the miracle, explained that Jesus died and rose from the dead and that you must repent. I think it's very important to note how he should that with faith in Jesus, any illness or infirmity can be overcome.

Acts 8:26-40 - In this passage, Philip helps an Ethiopian eunuch understand scripture. The Ethiopian was already interested and inquisitive but simply did not understand. This is where Philip, using his knowledge, explained Isaiah 53:7. The passage says that Philip "beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him." I take this to mean that Philip told the Ethiopian that Jesus was crucified in order to save. Philip also must have explained to him HOW he could be saved, because when the two saw water, the Ethiopian said to Philip, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized." Philip must have told the man about baptism before this. Philip told him, "If you believe with all your heart, you may."

Conclusion - Once again, the apostles use the foundation of Old Testament prophecy to explain Jesus' death and resurrection. This is an interesting story because it seems that the Ethiopian knew he needed something, but just didn't know quite what it was. Philip explained it to him.

I think that's a good place to stop for today, but a great start so far. This has already been helpful. Looking ahead, tomorrow I will look at the conversion of Saul and the start of his ministry.