Perhaps there is no more well-known Christian testimony than that of the apostle Paul, recorded in Acts 9. In Acts 22, while under arrest, Paul defends himself in Jerusalem by recounting what happened to him on the road to Damascus… a city very much in the news today.
I don’t think Paul’s only objective was to escape imprisonment; he wanted people to know that his message of Jesus the Christ is true and life changing. “Look, my bothers, I used to be just like you! I was taught the Scriptures by the finest teachers and I was zealous for God. I even persecuted those who claimed Jesus to be Messiah. I held the coats of those who stoned Stephen, and when he said he saw Jesus standing by the throne of God, I thought he blasphemed. But then that same Jesus appeared to me and my life has never been the same.”
When God gives us a story to tell, humility must be our trademark. Pride prevents us from confessing our wrongs or admitting our confusion or sharing errors in thinking. The servant of God must be willing to be real with others and to embrace weakness. Paul knew he was not a ‘changed man’ because of his heritage or brilliance or effort… he was saved by grace.
The greatest result of any testimony is for others to see Jesus for who He is and be drawn to the Father by the loving Holy Spirit. Paul did not want to gain prestige for himself… he wanted all to know that the Jesus he once persecuted is the risen King of kings who will soon return to this earth. He wanted every listener to believe his story and put faith in the Son of God.
“Leave Jerusalem immediately, because the people here will not accept your testimony about Me.” (Acts 22:18) The Lord simply told Paul what we know is true: many will not believe. But does that prevent us from sharing the truth? Why did Paul go from town to town proclaiming a message he knew would get him in trouble? Why did he endure beatings, arrests, and imprisonment?
It is true that God called him and sent him, but Paul understood as well as anyone that had he not been confronted by the Lord, he would have been lost. Paul told his story and explained the Gospel because he wanted everyone to have eternal life. What he had been freely given, he wanted to give to others. When this is our objective, God receives honor and glory.
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners — of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” I Timothy 1:15-17