By Robert Olsen, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
WITNESS
Acts 22:6–21
An Encounter (6–9)
While back in Jerusalem, Paul was recognized by some Jews from Asia, and they stirred up trouble against him. Soldiers were called in to remove Paul from the situation and figure out what the ruckus was all about. As Paul was being led away, he took advantage of the situation to explain to the Jews his conversion experience.
Paul used his conversion experience to explain how he turned from a Pharisee to a Christian. Since the Jews had shared Paul’s beliefs, they already had common ground with him. The question in their eyes was how he went from being a good Jew to an “apostate.”
This shows us that we should not underestimate our own testimony. We should not downplay the work of God in our own lives. When we share the gospel with people who know us, it is important for us to help them understand how we came to know Christ because God can use this to open their eyes to the gospel.
Sight Restored (10–16)
Paul told how he had seen the bright light on the road to Damascus, blinding him. Paul was told to go to Damascus and find Ananias, who healed Paul’s blindness and told him that he would be God’s witness.
In Paul’s case, God clearly told him what was in store for him and that he was going to be a witness for Him. It is not typical for God to deal with us in ways like this today, but this does not mean we are left in the dark.
God has given us His Word, and in it God reveals His will for us. God’s will is for us to believe in the One He has sent (John 6:29) and to live in a way that is pleasing to Him (Rom. 12:1–2). If we read God’s Word, pray and listen to godly wisdom, we can live our lives fulfilling God’s will and glorifying Him in our choices.
The Task (17–21)
Paul finished his testimony, mentioning how in the past he had persecuted Christians and even approved the stoning of Stephen. Finally, he mentioned that God sent him to the Gentiles, which enraged the Jews.
Paul did not hold back in detailing how God had dealt with him, and we should also be willing to tell others our testimonies.
Our testimonies are important because it shows that God saves us in different ways. Each believer is going to have a different perspective of how God has worked in his or her life. We should never begrudge the way God has chosen to save us.
I know some Christians who consider their testimony to be “bland” and would rather have one more like Paul’s. Interestingly, the people who have the more notable testimonies often wish they did not have those things as part of their past because they often made many bad decisions with lasting impacts.
We need to be content with how God saves us, and we need to be honest in our testimony because God can use it to reach other people who have similar pasts as ourselves.
Paul’s testimony shows us that it is important to remember that God is capable of saving even the greatest of sinners. Instead of doubting that God can change their hearts, we need to preach the gospel knowing that God saves people who are at odds with Him. This should give us confidence that God can change the hearts of those who may seem to us to be beyond hope.
EDITOR’S NOTE — The Sunday School lesson outlines are provided by Lifeway.
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