Acts 22 - Paul’s Testimony
Acts 22 NLT
This chapter is cool because, essentially it's Paul telling his story to these people in Jerusalem from his perspective. From time to time, we are presented with similar opportunities to "give our testimony". It is a good thing to think this through and to be prepared. What can we learn from Paul about how to tell our stories?
"When they heard him speak to them in Aramaic, they became very quiet." (vs 2) When we tell our story, it is important to speak in a language that the listener will understand and relate to - whether it is literally in a different language (as in this case) or whether it is the way we speak (the tone, etc) or the type of words that we choose - not using religious terms that might sound weird or that don't mean anything to people that are not in that world ("I was washed in the blood of Jesus", for example).
"I'm a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia but brought up in this city." (vs 3) Give some basic background that helps people know where you're from, etc.
"Under Gamaliel I was thoroughly trained in the law of our fathers..." (vs 3) Give some details about your formation, training, influences - in particular sharing parts of your story that will be meaningful to your listeners. In this case Gamaliel was a very highly respected rabbi in Jerusalem so this connection adds to Paul's credibility in their eyes.
Remember Gamaliel? He was the one who said of the early Jesus followers: "Leave these men alone. Let them go. For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God" (Acts 5:38-39) How cool is it that this is the guy that trained Paul? I wonder if Paul was there that day when he made that speech? If he was, he obviously didn't listen very well because it was just after this that Stephen was stoned and Paul was approving of that.
"...I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today." (vs 3) Talk about your spiritual background and help relate it to your listeners.
"I persecuted the followers of the Way to their death..." (vs 4) Most of us have some part of our story that we are not proud of - or a point in our life when we realized that something needed to change. It is great to be vulnerable with your story, sharing the difficult parts when it is appropriate and will be helpful and relatable for the listeners.
"...the Lord said go into Damascus. There you will be told all that you have been assigned to do." (vs 10) The highlight of all our stories is when we came face to face with the reality of the living Jesus who has a purpose for our lives. It is always fun to tell this part!
"You will be his witness to all men of what you have seen and heard." (vs15) What an amazing thing when each of us, like Paul, comes to the realization of God's call on our lives. This is the part of our stories that brings us to the present day where we can talk about how God is currently working in our lives.
Prayer: Thank you Lord that you did this amazing work in Paul's life. And thank you for this cool "outline" of how we can share our story with others of how you changed our lives. Lord continue to reveal to me more fully what you have for me to do. Help me continue to hear your voice and obey just like Paul. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
