FIRST CENTURY WITNESSING

Different styles for different people. The book of Acts records the First Century believers' obedience to the Great Commission. They witnessed in many ways ... in many places ... to many varied people ... and most often from the strength of unity with at least one other believer. And in just one generation they spread the Gospel from Judea to Samaria, Galilee, Africa, Asia Minor, Macedonia, Greece, and Rome. Studying their example helps us learn to be more effective witnesses throughout our world.

How did they witness? What style or methodology did they use? They used varying methods in varying circumstances. There was no one method used by all. They preached, proclaimed, and testified about the Good News. Sometimes when talking with Jews, they started from Old Testament history to lay a foundation for the message of Christ. To Gentiles in Athens, Paul began by referring to their idols and one of their poets ... then he explained about Christ. In other situations, they gave evidence ... reasoning, proving, persuading, and encouraging. They debated, taught, conversed, and wrote about the Gospel. They spoke boldly in all circumstances ... relying on the Lord. The lesson for us is that we should use a variety of methods based on our gifts and abilities ... adjusted to varying circumstances ... made relevant to the needs and knowledge of the individual or group to whom we are witnessing. The First Century believers witnessed in many ways. We too should use any appropriate means to communicate the Gospel.

Where did they witness? The simple answer to this is in their obedience to Acts 1:8. "You shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth." They began where they were in Jerusalem ... then they took the Gospel into the surrounding area of Judea and Samaria ... and then continued out into the world. They witnessed in cities, in their travels, in the marketplace, and wherever persecution scattered them. They spoke of Christ in their court defense, in prison, and even at an execution. They witnessed in an upper room, at a riverside prayer meeting, in a school, in synagogues, in an open-air theater, and at a meeting of philosophers. The Early Church believers witnessed everywhere that God opened a door, Colossians 4:3, Acts 14:27, 1 Corinthians 16:9, 2 Corinthians 2:12. And when God shut the door, they moved on, Acts 16:6-7. The lesson for us is that we should pray for and seize every opportunity ... being sensitive to God's opening and closing doors. Start where you are. Look for opportunities everywhere ... witness to friends, acquaintances, and strangers. Follow God's leading where you live ... and out into the surrounding areas and into the world.

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