Acts 1:8 says, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 

The Greek word translated “witnesses” has several meanings in Scripture. Among other things, it can refer to presenters of legal testimony, eyewitnesses of events, or bearers of God’s truth. 

Jesus’ disciples were eyewitnesses of the greatest story ever told. As such, their testimony was reliable in every sense. 

On the Day of Pentecost, Peter proclaimed, “God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it” (Acts 2:32). 

An eyewitness who had been part of Jesus’ inner circle, Peter was empowered to serve as a gospel witness — just as the Lord had promised. 

Later, Peter told the Sanhedrin, “We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him” (Acts 5:32). 

Testifying was not just for the first-century Church. It is for all believers, of all times.

Peter’s testimony was in agreement with the Spirit’s testimony, which was in perfect harmony with the testimony of Jesus and the Father (John 8:18; 15:26; 1 John 5:9). All aligned with the Old Testament witness. 

Paul told King Agrippa, “I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen — that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles” (Acts 26:22–23). 

The apostles recognized they were part of a redemptive story the Lord had been writing from the beginning. They joined the testimony of God and His Word in proclaiming the good news everywhere they went. 

Testifying was not just for the first-century Church, however. It is for all believers, of all times. 

The power Jesus promised for witnessing was “for all who are far off — for all whom the Lord our God will call” (Acts 2:39). 

God’s story of redemption is still unfolding. As you preach the gospel and make disciples who testify of Christ’s goodness in their spheres of influence, you participate in this ongoing narrative. 

Wherever your community and mission field — your end of the earth — may be, you are a witness of what Jesus has done and is doing. 

May the Spirit empower you, the Word equip you, and the good news encourage you in your ministry calling. 

This article appears in the Fall 2024 issue of Influence magazine.