How can we, like Paul, testify to "small and great alike" today? Paul’s Stand in Acts 26 “ So to this day I stand and testify to small and great alike, saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen ” (Acts 26:22). Essential Ingredients of Paul’s Testimony • He stood—courageously taking a visible, public position. • He testified—used clear, personal words rather than vague hints. • He addressed “small and great”—servants, soldiers, governors, kings, anyone present. • He stayed within Scripture—“nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said.” • He pointed to Christ’s death and resurrection (vv. 23 – 25). What “Small and Great” Looks Like Today • “Small”: friends, children, neighbors, coworkers, classmates, online contacts. • “Great”: bosses, civic leaders, professors, community influencers, social-media followings, governing authorities. • God shows no favoritism (James 2:1), so neither should we; every person is an eternal soul who needs the gospel. Practical Steps to Testify in Everyday Life 1. See every encounter as a God-given appointment. – Acts 1:8: we are witnesses “to the ends of the earth.” 2. Share your story the way Paul did (vv. 4-18). – Briefly describe life before Christ, how you met Him, and life since. 3. Anchor comments in the written Word. – Quote or paraphrase Scripture naturally; God’s Word carries authority (Hebrews 4:12). 4. Keep the message Christ-centered. – 1 Corinthians 15:3-4—death, burial, resurrection. 5. Speak the same truth to all, yet adapt language to your listener. – Colossians 4:5-6: “seasoned with salt.” 6. Maintain respect and gentleness. – 1 Peter 3:15: “with gentleness and respect.” 7. Use modern platforms wisely. – Personal conversations, text threads, social media posts, blogs, podcasts, community forums. 8. Watch for crisis moments. – Illness, loss, transition often open hearts. 9. Live a consistent life. – Philippians 1:27: “conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel.” 10. Invite response. – Acts 26:28-29 shows Paul lovingly pressing Agrippa to believe. Anchoring Every Word in Scripture • Romans 1:16—confidence in the power of the gospel. • 2 Timothy 4:2—ready “in season and out of season.” • Matthew 28:19-20—our ongoing commission. • Ephesians 6:19-20—pray for boldness to “proclaim it fearlessly.” These verses remind us that our authority rests not in personal charisma but in God’s inerrant Word. Depending on the Spirit’s Power • The same Spirit who empowered Paul lives in every believer (Romans 8:11). • He provides boldness (Acts 4:31), wisdom (John 16:13), and conviction (John 16:8). • Rely on Him in real time: quick silent prayers before speaking, surrendering outcomes to God. Encouragement to Persevere • Rejection never equals failure; success is faithfulness (1 Corinthians 4:2). • God opens hearts—Lydia in Acts 16:14 reminds us of His role. • Keep sowing; harvest comes “at the proper time” (Galatians 6:9). Following Paul’s pattern, we can confidently testify to everyone—whether seated across a kitchen table or addressing a packed boardroom—knowing that the gospel remains “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” |
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