“We must win rulers; political, economic, scientific, artistic personalities. They are the engineers of souls. They mold the souls of men. Winning them, you win the people they lead and influence” (Richard Wurmbrand). Because Paul knew that kings influence culture, he shared his personal testimony so they could trust Christ as their Savior. Acts 26 gives a great example on how to share your personal testimony.
The Jews requested a favor against Paul to have him killed on the way to Jerusalem. Festus requested influential men to prosecute Paul if there was anything wrong about him. The Jews brought serious charges against Paul they could not prove. Paul said he committed no offense against the Law, temple or Caesar. He appealed to Caesar saying he would be willing to die if he committed anything worthy of death (Acts 25:1-12). Those opposed to the gospel may seek to harm you or bring charges they can’t prove.
Festus told King Agrippa that the Jews had points of disagreement about their own religion and concerning Jesus who Paul said was alive. When King Agrippa said he would like to hear Paul, Festus brought him to the Emperor (Acts 25:13-27). Bold witnesses seek every opportunity to share the gospel, even to people of influence when it is uncomfortable.
Paul said he was glad to make his defense before King Agrippa since he was an expert about Jewish customs and questions. Paul said he lived as a Pharisee and stood trial “for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers.” He asked why it seemed incredible if God raised the dead. Paul admitted doing many things hostile to the name of Jesus by locking Christians in prisons, casting his vote to put them to death and pursuing them in foreign cities (Acts 26:1-11). Bold witnesses share briefly about their lives before trusting Christ.
On his way to Damascus, Paul saw a bright light from heaven and heard a voice asking why he was persecuting Him. After asking, ‘Who art Thou, Lord?’ the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting’. . . . to appoint him as a minister and witness of what he saw and appear to him being delivered from the Jews and Gentiles ‘to whom I am sending you, to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the domain of Satan to God, in order that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me’ (Acts 26:12-18). Bold witnesses share how they trusted Christ so people know what to believe.
Paul told King Agrippa he was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but kept declaring to those in Damascus, Jerusalem, Judea and the Gentiles that they should repent, turn to God and perform deeds appropriate to repentance. He spoke what the Prophets and Moses said would take place, that Christ would suffer and be the first to proclaim light to the Jews and Gentiles after His resurrection (Acts 26:19-23). Bold witnesses share how their life changed after trusting Christ.
Festus said loudly that Paul’s learning was driving him mad. He asked King Agrippa if he believed the Prophets. He said in a short time that Paul would persuade him to become a Christian. Paul said he hoped all listening become like him except for the chains (Acts 26:24-29). Bold witnesses ask people to believe in Christ.
King Agrippa said Paul did nothing worthy of death or imprisonment. He said that might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar (Acts 26:30-32). Bold witnesses are willing to suffer consequences so they can share their faith.
1. Write down and practice sharing your personal testimony including your life before Christ, how you came to know Christ and how your life changed afterward
2. Ask God to lead you to people where you can share your testimony of Christ
3. Ask for boldness and be available to share your testimony with people of influence
