Topical Bible: Christian Minister: Witnesses

Bible > Topical > Christian Minister

◄ Christian Minister: Witnesses ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the context of Christian ministry, the term "witnesses" holds significant theological and practical implications. The concept of witnessing is deeply rooted in both the Old and New Testaments, serving as a foundational element of the Christian faith and practice.

Old Testament Background

The role of witnesses in the Old Testament is multifaceted, encompassing legal, prophetic, and covenantal dimensions. In legal terms, witnesses were essential for establishing the truth in judicial proceedings. Deuteronomy 19:15 states, "A lone witness is not sufficient to establish any wrongdoing or sin against a man, regardless of what offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses." This principle underscores the importance of corroborated testimony in the pursuit of justice.

Prophetically, the nation of Israel was called to be a witness to the nations, demonstrating the reality and sovereignty of Yahweh. Isaiah 43:10 declares, "You are My witnesses," declares the LORD, "and My servant whom I have chosen, so that you may consider and believe Me and understand that I am He." Here, Israel's role as a witness is tied to their identity and mission as God's chosen people.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the concept of witnessing takes on a more explicit evangelistic dimension. The Greek word for witness, "martys," is the root of the English word "martyr," reflecting the early Christians' commitment to bearing witness to Christ, even unto death. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 encapsulates the call to witness: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you."

The Book of Acts provides a narrative of the early church's witness, beginning with Jesus' instruction in Acts 1:8 : "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." This verse highlights the empowerment of the Holy Spirit as essential for effective witnessing.

Theological Significance

Witnessing in the Christian context is not merely about verbal proclamation but encompasses a holistic demonstration of the gospel through word and deed. The Apostle Paul exemplifies this in his ministry, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 1:5 : "Our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with full conviction."

The role of witnesses is also eschatological, as believers are called to testify to the truth of the gospel until Christ's return. Revelation 12:11 speaks of the ultimate victory of the faithful witnesses: "They have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so as to shy away from death."

Practical Implications for Ministry

For Christian ministers, the call to be witnesses involves equipping the church to live out and share the gospel in diverse contexts. This includes fostering a community that embodies the love and truth of Christ, as well as engaging in personal and collective evangelism. The integrity of the witness is paramount, as the Apostle Peter exhorts in 1 Peter 3:15-16 : "But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience."

In summary, the role of witnesses in Christian ministry is a dynamic and integral aspect of the faith, rooted in biblical tradition and empowered by the Holy Spirit to testify to the transformative power of the gospel.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 1:8
But you shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come on you: and you shall be witnesses to me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and to the uttermost part of the earth.
Nave's Topical Index

Acts 5:32
And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God has given to them that obey him.
Nave's Topical Index

Acts 26:16
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 these things which you have seen, and of those things in the which I will appear to you;
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Personal Characteristics.
... systematic theology, which is an ideal system for any minister. ... held in much esteem
by the Christian Church ... fields and other places, have been witnesses of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclean/william black/vi personal characteristics.htm

Some Hymns of Great Witnesses.
... to us scarcely rank them among the great witnesses"with the ... a tune to the words of
a Christian who stood ... a graduate of Harvard, and formerly minister of the ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter ii some hymns of.htm

Christian Benevolence of Atticus Bishop of Constantinople. He ...
... Chapter XXV."Christian Benevolence of Atticus Bishop of Constantinople ... be proved,
who yet do not minister to the ... Besides,' said he, they are witnesses to our ...
/.../chapter xxv christian benevolence of atticus.htm

Christian Names.
... Their Hebrew names were to them witnesses for God, mementoes ... to the child, and
reiterated by the minister before the ... burning shame is this to the Christian home ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xii christian names.htm

Lyra Germanica: The Christian Year
... Lyra Germanica: The Christian Year Catherine Winkworth. ... caught him, and set up false
witnesses against him ... ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for those ...
//christianbookshelf.org/winkworth/lyra germanica the christian year/

The Warning Neglected
... fine language in the expression of his thoughts; ye are all my witnesses, that if ...
a God, he would never take notice of men." Said a Christian minister, who was ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the warning neglected.htm

The Feast of the Lord
... many to what they called the Christian faith, they ... produce the document, nor find
the witnesses to prove ... assimilated into the system; they minister strength to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/the feast of the lord.htm

Power "In" and "Upon. "
... that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me ... I remember
particularly a Christian minister there who had his head bowed on his hand ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/secret power/chapter ii power in and.htm

The Three Witnesses
... Spirits of God; but in each one he witnesses to Jesus ... that if a man professes to
be a Christian and he is ... such a noise should be made when a minister is, truly ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 20 1874/the three witnesses.htm

A Word to Workers
... power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you, and ye shall be witnesses unto
Me ... Let us ask God then, that every minister and Christian worker may be ...
/.../murray/the deeper christian life/vii a word to workers.htm