
A Faithful Witness
Chris Nunn
When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the LORD’s anointed is before him.” But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” —1 Samuel 16:6–7 (ESV)
And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. —Matthew 4:19–20 (ESV)
For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. —1 Corinthians 1:26–29 (ESV)
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. —1 Peter 2:9 (ESV)
If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. —Romans 8:11 (ESV)
Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. —1 Corinthians 6:9–11 (ESV)
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. —Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)
Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! —2 Timothy 2:8–9 (ESV)
For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward. —Mark 9:41 (NKJV)
Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. —Matthew 18:5 (NKJV)
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, —Matthew 28:19 (NKJV)
Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. —Luke 24:46–47 (NKJV)
But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. —Acts 5:29 (ESV)
For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. —Galatians 1:10 (ESV)
So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven. —Matthew 10:32 (ESV)
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. —Romans 13:1–2 (ESV)
Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. —Titus 3:1–2 (ESV)
Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. —1 Peter 2:13–15 (ESV)
And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. —Mark 16:15 (ESV)
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” —Acts 1:8 (ESV)
But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake. This will be your opportunity to bear witness. Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. —Luke 21:12–15 (ESV)
For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! —1 Corinthians 9:16 (ESV)
If I say, “I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name,” there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot. —Jeremiah 20:9 (ESV)
STUDY GUIDE
1. Boldness in the Face of Persecution
Peter and John showed extraordinary courage, boldly standing for their faith despite threats.
Something to Think About: What fears hold you back from sharing your faith, and how does their example inspire you to face them?
2. The Power of a Changed Life
The undeniable transformation in Peter and John’s lives was a powerful testimony to Jesus’ resurrection.
Something to Think About: How does your life reflect the reality of God’s work, and in what ways can it be an even stronger testimony?
3. Obedience to God Above All
Peter and John chose to obey God rather than human authority, prioritizing His commands.
Something to Think About: In what areas of your life is God calling you to prioritize His will over the expectations or opinions of others?
4. Recognizing Our Calling as Witnesses
As believers, we are called to share our personal story of faith to bring glory to God.
Something to Think About: What might be holding you back from sharing your story more boldly, and how can you rely on God to help you overcome it?
PRAYER POINTS
Pray for Boldness in Witnessing: Ask God to help you proclaim your faith openly and courageously, even when it’s difficult.
Pray for Transformation: Seek a closer relationship with Jesus, allowing His presence to change and empower your everyday actions.
Pray for Obedience to God’s Call: Pray for strength to follow God’s lead, prioritizing His will over the pressures of the world.
Pray for Faithful Testimony: Ask God to let your life serve as a testament to His grace and power, shining as a beacon of hope to others.
Pray for Perseverance in Faith: Seek God’s help to remain faithful, even in challenges, remembering the legacy of Peter and John’s boldness.