The book of Acts: The Jesus movement spread all over the Roman Empire in 30 years

Acts 1:8 8 “But 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.” (These were Jesus’ words to his followers)

“Spirit” It was by the power of the Holy Spirit working through people that the Gospel spread so quickly.

“Witness” In Greek: martus – One who testifies in court; One who tells others what he has seen or experienced. Martus  Martyr – One who loses his life because of his witness.

Paul was one of Jesus’ witnesses, in the power of the Spirit

Paul give his testimony twice Acts 22 Acts 26 Paul’s testimony as his defense before the Jewish extremists Paul’s testimony as his defense before King Herod Agrippa

Four stages in Paul’s Life I. Paul the Persecutor of Christ II. Paul the Convert to Christ III. Paul the Witness for Christ IV. Paul the Prisoner for Christ

I. Paul the Persecutor of Christ

Acts 26:5 5 “They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I conformed to the strictest sect of our religion, living as a Pharisee.”

Acts 26: “I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the Lord’s people in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them.

Acts 26:11 11 Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. I was so obsessed with persecuting them that I even hunted them down in foreign cities.”

Saul – Jewish name Paul – Greek/Roman name After his conversion he was called Paul, because God wanted him to reach the Greek and Roman people.

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

II. Paul the Convert to Christ

Paul experienced the risen Jesus – that transformed his life! He became a witness to Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit.

What we learn from these first two stages in Paul’s life, for becoming God’s witnesses in the power of the Spirit: First, Paul needed conversion. We all need conversion and transformation.

What we learn from these first two stages in Paul’s life, for becoming God’s witnesses in the power of the Spirit: Second, “scars” or a terrible past do not disqualify us. God can transform anyone.

III. Paul the Witness for Christ

Acts 26: “Then I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ “ ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied. 16 ‘Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me.

Acts 26: I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them 18 to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’

Jesus sent Paul especially to reach the Gentiles (non-Jews)

Map of Paul’s Missionary Journeys

From the “witness” stage in Paul’s life we learn: Jesus wants all of us to be his witnesses.  Some far away;  Some close to home.  In words and in actions.

Impossible task! – We can do it only in the Holy Spirit’s power.

IV. Paul the Prisoner for Christ

From this Prisoner stage in Paul’s life we learn: First, Opposition is normal. Expect it. Don’t be discouraged by it.

From this Prisoner stage in Paul’s life we learn: Second, we need to be faithful and persevering. The Holy Spirit will enable us to persevere.

Review what we have learned from Paul’s testimony about being Christ’s witnesses in the power of the Spirit (Let’s read these aloud together):

First, we all need conversion and transformation in order to become Christ’s witnesses. We all need to repent, receive forgiveness through Jesus’ blood, and surrender our lives to him.

Second, transformation is possible by the power of God’s Spirit. Your past does not disqualify you, and God’s power can change anyone.

Third, God wants all of us to be his witnesses – some going far away, like Paul did. - Some close to home. We all have an assignment from God.

Fourth, it’s the power of the Holy Spirit that will enable us to be his witnesses. We can’t do it in our own strength.

Fifth, opposition is normal. Paul faced it wherever he went. We have to expect it, and not be discouraged by it.

And sixth, we have to persevere through hardships and suffering as Christ’s witnesses. The Holy Spirit will enable us to endure and be faithful.

Do you need prayer in one of these areas? Then come to the front after the worship service, and a member of the prayer team will pray with you.

Go, as God’s witnesses in the power of the Spirit!