I have been extensively studying the book of Acts for a class I am participating in and one of our assignments was to identify “keys” to the establishment and expansion of the first-century church. That is, what recurring themes do we find in the book of Acts that helped the church become grounded and grow “to the ends of the earth”? And what of those things that occurred in the first century church a few thousand years ago are still applicable today? Over the next six weeks I would like to share some of the things I found in my study of Acts that if we were to take seriously and adopt as a church we may see the amazing power of God unfold in our lives and ministries.
Common patterns that seemed to arise in the book of Acts that contributed to the establishment and expansion of the First-Century Church are centered around the following themes: Leadership, Prayer, Witnessing, Unity, Holy Spirit Empowerment, and Persecution. Many of these areas overlap (i.e., praying in one accord is both prayer/unity) but it was helpful for me to compartmentalize the keys into these general categories.
Today we’ll talk about WITNESSING
Being a witness was the prime command from Jesus to His apostles, and they took every opportunity to proclaim Jesus—That He is who He says He is, and He did what He said He would do—beginning with the Jews of Jerusalem into the rest of Judea, Samaria and eventually the Gentiles of nations all the way to Rome and beyond. The ability to witness was not limited to the early disciples but is a mandate for all believers. Being a witness isn’t always about the words you speak, but often about the life you live for all to see.
I invite you to check out some (by no means a full list!) of these keys pertaining to witnessing I identified, along with their scripture references from the book of Acts. As you read through these, decide what of these we can apply to our lives today to be in alignment with God’s design for His church.
Peter boldly preached the kerygma to the Jews, telling the truth of who Jesus is and what He has done using revelation of scriptures and gave steps to remission of sin (2:14-39, 3:11-26)
Stephen boldly witnessed to the religious counsel using his extensive knowledge of the traditions and history of Israel, past key leaders, and Israel’s continued rebellion against God to share who Jesus is and their part in His rejection (7:1-53)
The apostles and leaders who followed like Philip expanded their territory of preaching and teaching as they travelled through Samaria and Judea on their way to and from Jerusalem and other cities (8:25, 40)
Saul began preaching that Jesus is the Son of God, which astounded those who heard because of his dramatic conversion to Christ whom He once zealously persecuted (9:20-22, 29)
Peter boldly witnesses to the gentiles, sharing the gospel message of Jesus (10:34-43)
Some of the scattered believers preached to the Hellenists at Antioch and many turned to the Lord (11:19-21)
Paul preached Jesus in Pisidia giving a persuasive argument that Jesus is promised Messiah foretold in the Old Testament scriptures and both Jews and Gentiles believed, asked for further preaching, and began following Paul and Barnabas (13:13-44, 46-48)
The preaching of the word was sharply dividing cities such as Iconium, seeing both a large number of believers and an equally large number of dissenters of the word (14:1-7)
Paul went to strategic places to evangelize and made a connection with Lydia at Philippi which resulted in her household being saved and baptized as well as further opportunity to meet and teach others while having provision from a benefactor (16:11-15)
The jailer believed as a result of witnessing supernatural signs that happened in the jail, as well as Paul’s words and he believed and provided food and care for Paul and Silas (16:25-34)
Paul began to develop a preaching pattern by which he would systematically preach Jesus Christ, and it was utilized in Thessalonica to see some believe and many devout Greeks join Paul and Silas (17:1-4)
Paul evangelized using the cultural customs of Athens and appealed to the logic of the Greeks when he preached Jesus and some believed (17:16-34)
Paul addressed the angry mom in Jerusalem in the Hebrew language telling of his personal encounter and witness of Jesus, and sharing his purpose in being sent to the Gentiles (21:40-22:21)
Paul testifies to the Sanhedrin and knows exactly the right words to say to divide the interests of the leaders and to detract attention from himself (23:1-10)
As I reflect upon how we do ministry today, I am encouraged that when we as disciples employ these same principles within the context of our lives and ministries we should hope to see the same power, signs and wonders the apostles experienced. After all, the same Spirit that worked in each of the men and women during the establishment and expansion of the First-Century Church is the same Spirit that was in Jesus, and continues to dwell in us today. As we seek to turn our ministries to become realigned with the Way of Christ and His Apostles I am confident we shall continually move to see the Church unfold in power and in great works in the world, as well as transform the hearts and lives of His people to a greater degree.