In what ways can Acts 22:4 inspire us to witness to non-believers? Setting the Scene Acts 22 records Paul defending himself before a hostile Jerusalem crowd. In verse 4 he admits: “I persecuted this Way even to the death, binding and delivering both men and women to prison.” What Stands Out in Paul’s Confession • Unvarnished honesty—Paul openly names his sin without excuse. • Radical change—his present boldness for Christ stands in stark contrast to his violent past. • God’s initiative—only divine grace can turn a persecutor into a preacher. • A bridge to his hearers—his former zeal mirrored the crowd’s current hostility, giving common ground. Inspiration for Our Own Witness • Authentic testimony speaks loudly. Sharing how Christ met us—failures and all—connects with real people more than polished arguments. • No one is beyond reach. If God saved Paul (1 Timothy 1:15-16), He can save the hardest skeptic we know. • Humble transparency disarms defenses. Admitting past rebellion shows we aren’t placing ourselves above unbelievers. • God uses our story to spotlight His story. Paul’s past magnified the gospel’s power (Romans 1:16). • Zeal redirected is powerful. The same passion once used against Christ became passion for Christ; our energies can be similarly redirected. Scriptures That Echo the Theme • Acts 26:9-11—Paul repeats the same confession before Agrippa, reinforcing credibility. • 1 Timothy 1:12-14—he calls himself “formerly a blasphemer, persecutor, and violent man.” • 2 Corinthians 5:17—“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” • Acts 9:1-6—the dramatic moment of encounter shows salvation originates with the risen Lord, not human merit. Practical Ways to Put This Into Action • Write out your testimony in three parts: life before Christ, how you met Him, life after. Keep it clear and concise like Paul’s. • Look for shared experiences with unbelievers—workplace stress, family struggles, past mistakes—and use them as entry points, just as Paul used his past zeal. • Share the gospel, not just self-improvement tips. Paul’s story always led to Christ’s death and resurrection. • Pray for the “impossible” cases by name, trusting that Saul-type conversions still happen. • Stay humble. Continually recall who you were without Christ; it fuels compassion and urgency. Why This Matters Now Paul’s blunt admission in Acts 22:4 reminds us that the gospel is about transformation, not moral polish. When we witness with the same honesty, humility, and confidence in grace, God can turn former foes into future ambassadors—just as He did with Paul. |
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