Title: The Relentless Witness / Topic: Evangelism

Today’s Reading: Job 17; Acts 24; Acts 25; Acts 26

Scripture: Acts 26:22-23
22 But I have had God's help to this very day, and so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen— 23 that the Christ would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to his own people and to the Gentiles."

Observation: Paul is standing before a king, a queen, a governor, and other influential people. He is on trial for his life. Yet, his defense is not designed to get him off -- it is designed to share the Gospel. Notice that Paul states, "so I stand here and testify to small and great alike... that the Christ would suffer and... would proclaim light to his own people and to the Gentiles." Paul is the witness, not for the defense, but for the offense. He is not testifying for Paul. He is testifying for Christ. Paul is the consummate evangelist. King Agrippa recognized it, asking Paul, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?" (vs. 28) And Paul's response in verse 29 clearly shows his evangelistic intent: Paul replied, "Short time or long—I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains."

Application: No matter what we are doing, there should be an awareness that we are sharing the Gospel. Our words, actions, and attitudes must convey the truth of the message of Jesus. And we can't just leave it to vague impressions. Like Paul, we need to explicitly share the Gospel, giving a real opportunity for people to respond and come into the light.

Prayer: Lord, give us the courage and conviction of Paul. May we view every encounter as an opportunity to preach the Gospel. Give us success in drawing many into relationship with You.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.