June 22. Acts 26. Joe Strange

Servant and Witness

Paul is sharing his testimony as part of his defense to a governor, a king and the king’s wife. After being blinded by the light in the middle of the day and asking ‘Who are you Lord?’, Jesus responds ‘I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting. But get up and stand on your feet. For I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and a witness of what you have seen and will see of me.  I will rescue you from your people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a share among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ (v. 15-18).

Those two words jumped out at me as I was studying this out. The word used for servant here is described as “an underrower, subordinate rower” or “the attendant of a king”. Paul lives out both. This idea of living as a servant at the will of someone else. Many times on his journeys, Paul is told to go in a different direction. Paul never complains, but instead follows the spirit of God and Jesus, his Lord, his King. He serves both those who loved him and supported him as well as those who might have been turned against him by other’s evil intent. He thanked God continually for them, prayed for them and poured out his love for them. I wonder how Paul does this. The first thought that comes to mind: my Lord loves them, I will love and serve them.

The second word used for witness is “martys”, where we get the word martyr. It’s translated as “witness” over 80 times from Old and New Testaments. Paul is a witness wherever he goes and whatever he does. In Acts 21:13, Paul shares that he is willing to die for the name of Jesus. His life most definitely shows that conviction. Even when he’s not preaching the word, he lives his life in such a way that he is beyond accusation. The Roman governor, king, and their companions finally realize that Paul should be released because they find no reason to keep him. Paul trusts the Lord, even through this injustice.

These two little words challenge me. Paul’s example of pouring himself out for others and speaking and living as a witness are profound. I pray to grow in both of these areas as we continue to study through the New Testament together.

Dear Lord, give strength to us, your servants and witnesses. Amen.

Grace and peace to you!