READ ACTS 26:1-20

Acts 26:16-18, "But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; [17] Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, [18] To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me."

Paul is giving his testimony before King Agrippa, his wife Bernice, Porcius Festus, and others. He is in a courtroom setting defending himself from the lies and accusations of the Jewish religious establishment. It is amazing that many times the greatest persecution comes from people who are religious. Today, Muslims are the greatest persecutors of Christians on the planet.

The above verses are the words of Jesus Christ spoken to the Apostle Paul while he was on his way to Damascus (to persecute Christians). Jesus reveals His purpose for appearing to Paul and speaking these words. It was to make him a minister and a witness (vs. 16). Let's take a look at these two words:

• Minister is the Greek Word "huperetes" which speaks of one who is a servant or under rower. One that would be found deep in the bottom of the ship rowing to keep it moving. We are all called to be God's servants. Many words are used to describe the life of the Christian and one of the most common is the word servant. Paul had chosen to become a "bondslave" of Jesus which is the Greek Word doulos. He made a choice to be bound to Jesus forever as His servant. If we desire to be a disciple of Jesus, then, we also need to be the bondslaves of Jesus Christ.

• Witness is the Greek Word "martus" which speaks of a spectator of something. A witness is one who tells what he knows to be true. We know that Jesus is God incarnate. We know Jesus lived a perfect sinless life. We know Jesus died for our sins, that He was buried, and rose again on the third day. If we are going to be disciples of Jesus Christ, we must witness and tell others what we know to be true about sin and salvation.

What is the reason behind being a servant and a witness for Jesus? It is to change the eternal destiny of those who are lost.  Jesus spoke of the process in verse 18: "To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me (that is in Jesus)."  italics mine

Glory to God!!!! We can serve the Lord and witness for Christ so others can come to saving faith in Jesus. Will you be a servant and witness for Jesus? I trust this will be our life-long passion.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1. What do you think causes persecution of Christians?

2.  Should we be detoured by persecution in serving and witnessing for Jesus?

3.  What is Paul’s great motivation for serving and witnessing according to vs. 18?

4.  What happens to people who die without Christ?  What happens to people who live without Christ?  Are you living your life with or without Christ?