Christ's Witnesses
Joe E. Galloway

The Apostles were the witnesses of Christ mentioned throughout the New Testament. Man, not understanding their unique work, misapplies the term "withess, " using it as a designation of Christians and their work today.

Peter, speaking of himself and the eleven, said, "we all are witnesses" (Acts 2:32). As a witness he testified (vs. 40). He repeated in Acts 3:15; 5:32 and 10:39 that "We are his witnesses." Peter and John are said to have "testified and preached the word' at Samaria (Acts 8:25). Those "which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem" (the apostles) "are his witnesses unto the people" according to Acts 13:3 1. Both Peter and John later wrote that they were witnesses of Christ (I Peter 5: 1 and I John 1: 2).

Why Were The Apostles Called Witnesses?

A witness is one who has personal 'firsthand' knowledge of something. The apostles had seen and heard Jesus while He did His work and teaching following His resurrection. Jesus told them, "ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning" (John 15:27). The one chosen to take Judas' place had to have been with Him and "a witness with us of his resurrection" (Acts 1:2 1-22). Later, Peter spoke of the apostles being, "witnesses of all the things which he did." They said that following Christ's resurrection. God "shewed him ... unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead."

Miraculous power accompanied Christ's witnesses. When Jesus told the apostles "ye are witnesses of these things," He followed this statement with the requirement that they wait in Jerusalem to be endued with power from God (Luke 24:48-49). This connection of miraculous power with their being witnesses is further emphasized in Acts 1:8; "ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me." Acts 4:3 3 says, "with great power gave the apostles witness." Acts 14:3 connects testimony with signs and wonders. Concerning the apostles, Hebrews 2:4 says: "God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost.

Paul was/is also a witness. He "was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles" (11 Corinthians 11: 5), even though he was "born out of due time" (I Corinthians 15:8). So, God had chosen him to "see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard' (Acts 22 14-15; also see 26:16). Consequently, Paul is often said to have testified, or witnessed, concerning Christ (Acts 18:5; 20:21, 24; 23: 11; 26:22; 28:23; 1 Corinthians 15:15).

No More Witnesses

At the close of the apostolic age there were none left who had seen Jesus. Hence, witnessing (or testifying) for Christ was no longer possible. Also, the miraculous power accompanying their witnessing had ceased. Such was not needed any longer. Their testimony had been written and miraculously confirmed by the power of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament.

Baptized Into Christ

We rejoice with the angels in Heaven in the response of Bradley Hurn to the Gospel, last Sunday morning Bradley came forward asking to be immersed for the remission of his sins. It is our prayer that God will bless and strengthen this young man and that we might be of mutual support in the race that is set before us.

February Calendars

The February edition of the Activities Calendar and Men To Serve List is available today in the foyer. Be sure to get your copy so that you might be informed of the upcoming month's duty schedules and activities.

TONIGHT!!

Our monthly last Sunday fellowship is scheduled for tonight after the evening worship. All members and visitors are encouraged to stay and enjoy our fellowship and food in the annex.
ALSO.. Meet with us at 5:30 this evening for our prayer session in classroom #3.

The difference between listening to a radio sermon and going to church, is the same as, the difference between calling a girl on the telephone and spending an evening with her.

Bill Norton