Telling others about Jesus

I’ve seen Bible verses on social media with a note that comes across as a mini-sermon, preachy and without personal contact in that context. Today, the last part of Acts instructs me of other ways to share the Gospel.

Paul is arrested and defends himself, first before a Jewish mob and the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem, then before Felix, Festus, and Herod Agrippa II in Caesarea, and is finally taken to Rome. This was not an easy journey. One of his experiences was a shipwreck, but he was faithful to share Christ even during that. Finally, he was chained to a guard in his own rented house, free to carry on his preaching and teaching resulting in those of “Caesar’s household” hearing the Gospel.

In the first section of this part of his story, Paul spoke to Jewish religious leaders who rejected Christ. He speaks to them differently that how he speaks to Roman rulers, first by talking to them in their language:

“Brothers and fathers, hear the defense that I now make before you.” And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even more quiet.(Acts 22:1-2)

If speaking to an unsaved person, I need to be aware that they may not be familiar with Christian terminology. My words can be totally confusing so I need to speak in their language.

And (Paul) said: “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all of you are this day. I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women, as the high priest and the whole council of elders can bear me witness. From them I received letters to the brothers, and I journeyed toward Damascus to take those also who were there and bring them in bonds to Jerusalem to be punished.(Acts 22:3-5)

Paul shared his past ideas and assumptions when he was also like them — rejecting Jesus and even persecuting those who believed. He was an educated Jew and methodical in his zeal. This revelation would be humbling to say out loud, particularly to his peers, but he was willing to be honest about his past. They would nod their heads thinking, “This man knows how we feel.” I also need to share my pre-Christ attitudes and experiences if this will help my audience know that I understand them.

“As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me. And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ And I answered, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’ Now those who were with me saw the light but did not understand the voice of the one who was speaking to me. And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Rise, and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.’ And since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me and came into Damascus. And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well-spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, came to me, and standing by me said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight.’ And at that very hour I received my sight and saw him.” (Acts 22:6-13)

Paul also told exactly what happened to him when Jesus stopped him on his way to harm Christians. This is one thing that cannot be disputed — a personal experience. People can think I am daft, but they cannot deny what happened to me. Also, that story is major because it shows that I didn’t choose Jesus — He choose me, a major truth of the Gospel.

Neither was Paul afraid to tell his listeners about the task God gave him:

“When I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance and saw him saying to me, ‘Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me.’ And I said, ‘Lord, they themselves know that in one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. And when the blood of Stephen your witness was being shed, I myself was standing by and approving and watching over the garments of those who killed him.’ And he said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’” (Acts 22:17-21)

Another thing that marked this man’s sharing of the Gospel was that he did not worry about the response. Acts 22 tells that, “Up to this word they listened to him. Then they raised their voices and said, ‘Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live.’” The rest of the story tells how God rescued him from this mob and from there, sent him to places where some reacted like that but many others listened, accepted, and gave their lives to Jesus Christ.

^^^^^^^^^^^

Lord, You saved Paul and gave him courage and wisdom in telling his story. Because of this, two thousand years later there are billions of people who also have given their lives to You. Hallelujah, what a Savior!