Importance of witnessing

Witnessing is sharing the truth of God

Ps 145:10–12; Lk 24:46–48

See also 1 Ch 16:7–9; Ps 71:15; Mt 27:54; Jn 1:35–36; Jn 4:29

Believers are commanded to witness

Matthew 28:18–19 KJV 1900

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

See also Is 12:4–5; Mt 24:14; Ac 1:8; Ac 9:15–16

Special ministries of witnessing

By the prophets

John 1:6–8 KJV 1900

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.

See also Je 1:4–9; Eze 33:7–9; Jon 1:2; Jon 1:9; Jn 1:15; Jn 1:29; Jn 1:36; Ac 10:43

By Jesus Christ

John 18:37 KJV 1900

Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

See also Jn 3:31–34; Re 1:5; Re 3:14

By the apostles

Acts 4:33 KJV 1900

And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

See also Ac 2:32; Ac 10:39–42; Ac 13:30–31; 1 Jn 1:1–3

By Christian leaders

2 Ti 1:8 Paul, in prison for his faith, encourages the young leader, Timothy.

See also Ac 8:5; Eph 4:11

Witnessing is a task for all God’s people

1 Peter 2:9 KJV 1900

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

See also Ps 26:6–7; Ps 107:1–2

All of the people of Israel are called to be God’s witnesses:

Is 43:10; Is 43:12; Is 44:8

Is 52:7; Ac 8:4

Witnessing is a major aspect of Christian living

Romans 10:9–10 KJV 1900

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

See also Mt 10:32–33; 2 Co 4:13; 1 Jn 2:23; 1 Jn 4:15

Examples of witnessing to Jesus Christ

Mt 16:16 Simon Peter; Lk 2:16–17 shepherds; Jn 1:40–42 Andrew; Jn 1:49 Nathanael; Jn 11:27 Martha; Jn 20:28 Thomas; Ac 8:37 the Ethiopian eunuch

Witnessing recounts personal experience

Isaiah 63:7 KJV 1900

I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord, According to all that the Lord hath bestowed on us, And the great goodness toward the house of Israel, Which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, And according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses.

See also Ps 66:16; Je 51:10; Da 4:2; Mt 9:27–31; Mk 1:40–45; Jn 9:25; Ac 4:20

Witnessing to the resurrection of Jesus Christ

Acts 2:32 KJV 1900

This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.

See also Lk 24:33–35; Ac 5:30–32; 1 Co 15:3–7