Acts 22:1-2. “Men, brethren and fathers, hear ye my defense which I make now to you. (And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith).”
HOW TO GIVE A TESTIMONY. Four reasons why people will listen to a witness: [1] The power of God was obvious. He could silence the noisy mob with his raised hand. He spoke without fear of man. [2] The way Paul spoke: he spoke in the listeners’ own language – they understood him easily. The message never changes but the tone of respect is adaptable. He was willing to adapt his testimony to the situation he was in. People sense when you speak with love and concern. [3] People recognize the ring of truth: telling the truth commands attention. Being confronted with the authority of Christ’s commands, makes people stop and think. [4] A farewell speech commands attention: there is urgency when one speaks for the last time. There is finality about each statement. There is conviction in the voice when one knows this is the last time to speak to some souls. Five principles a speaker must use: [1] He must be able and willing to identify with the audience. Do not stand aloof. It is not always “you”, but “we” so that they will know you are one of them. Be willing to communicate your association with the audience. [2] Be conciliatory. Commend what is genuinely commendable. Give credit where credit is due. Calm an audience, by being calm yourself. Tone of voice and hand motions can set a conciliatory tone. [3] Use terms that communicate effectively: do not unnecessarily provoke your hearers. Some challenges are best unmade. Some words are best unsaid. Avoid phrases the audience does not know. Highlight your testimony in a frame of reference the listeners can identify with – “saw a light”; “heard a voice”. God has spoken. He was acting in obedience to God. It wasn’t his choice, it was God’s. God’s command was given him through the revelation of Christ. It impact was unmistakable. [4] Make sure people actually hear and understand your words. Clearly project your voice; clearly present you thoughts in an orderly fashion. [5] Major on facts that keep your audience with you. Do not get side tracked into lengthy explanations that really don’t add to the witness being made.
Paul gained a hearing and established common ground with the audience and then gave his testimony. Sound reasoning is good, but it is also important to state what God has done in your own life. Paul shared how he had come to faith in Christ. We must faithfully and responsibly present the Gospel and leave the results to God. Not everyone will accept it.
When Paul used the word “Gentile” that brought out their anger and exposed the actual problem they had. They had heard the Gospel before no doubt, through Peter and others in the city who were faithful preachers. Paul put his finger right on the issue and they didn’t like it. We too, must ultimately expose the problem that keeps sinners from coming to Christ.
“Father in heaven: I know that being put in trust with the Gospel is a great responsibility. Help me to be always ready to speak a seasonable word whether to believers or unbelievers. When I give some form of personal testimony, may I always give Christ the preeminence in the conversation or address. Keep me from majoring on “self.” In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.”