What does "witnesses of all He did" teach about Christian testimony? The Setting: Acts 10:39 “We are witnesses of all that He did, both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They also put Him to death by hanging Him on a tree.” Peter is speaking in the household of Cornelius, recounting Jesus’ ministry, death, and resurrection. His phrase “witnesses of all that He did” becomes a template for every believer’s testimony. Witnesses of What? The Content of Testimony • Not merely opinions or feelings • Not a selective highlight reel • The totality of Jesus’ words, works, death, and resurrection (cf. Acts 1:3; Acts 1:22) Our testimony carries weight because it is anchored in historical, objective acts of God. Witnesses of All He Did: Scope and Completeness • “All” signals a comprehensive message—miracles, teaching, compassion, confrontation, cross, and empty tomb. • It guards us from trimming uncomfortable truths (John 6:60–68). • It calls us to a balanced gospel: grace and truth, love and lordship (John 1:14). Witnesses of All He Did: Personal Experience • Peter speaks as an eye- and ear-witness (1 John 1:1–3). • While modern believers were not there physically, we bear witness to Jesus’ transforming work in our own lives (2 Corinthians 5:17). • Personal encounter plus Scriptural certainty produces compelling testimony (Acts 4:20). Witnesses of All He Did: Public Proclamation • The disciples took their witness beyond private circles to the broader world (Luke 24:47-48). • Christian testimony is meant for both “the land of the Jews and Jerusalem” and to “the remotest part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). • Our audience includes neighbors, coworkers, and the nations. Witnesses of All He Did: Empowered by the Spirit • Jesus promised power for witness (Acts 1:8). • The Holy Spirit turns observers into bold proclaimers (Acts 4:31). • Authentic testimony is Spirit-enabled, not self-generated (1 Corinthians 2:4-5). Living It Out Today • Know the whole story—immerse yourself in the Gospels and Acts. • Tell the whole story—include Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and personal implications. • Live the whole story—demonstrate transformed conduct that matches the message (Philippians 2:15-16). |
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