The Testimony Of Paul
Acts 26:10 This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. 11 And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.
Acts 26:12 “While thus occupied, as I journeyed to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, 13 at midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me. 14 And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ 15 So I said, “Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 16 But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. 17 I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, 18 to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’
Acts 26:19 “Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. 21 For these reasons, the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. 22 Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come— 23 that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.”
There's something about a person's testimony that is powerful. It conveys what they believe about something that took place. In this case, this testimony reveals why Paul is traveling, speaking, and doing the things he does.
If Paul did not believe that His encounter with Jesus was real, why would he endure the sufferings and persecutions he went through and continue speaking and doing?
It's a great witness for someone to continue pressing forward despite rejections, persecutions, hardships, and opposition. For them not to give in and seek the easier path, a path of less resistance, is proof of their being convinced.
Paul could have easily chosen to change his message concerning who Jesus is, what Jesus did, and how people need to change their minds and put their faith in Jesus, rather than in their idols and themselves. Paul was eventually beheaded for his faith in Jesus. Perhaps he could have renounced his faith and message and lived, who knows for sure. However, this man accepted death with His testimony intact and faith unwavering. What is your testimony?
