What Is A Witness In The Bible – A Comprehensive Guide
The concept of a ‘witness’ is central to Christianity. In fact, the entire religion is founded on the testimonies of those who witnessed the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. So what exactly is a witness in the biblical sense?
Simply put, a witness is someone who has seen or experienced something firsthand and can give an account or testimony about it.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the biblical meaning of a ‘witness’, look at key examples of witnesses in the Bible, examine what it means to be a witness for Christ, and help you understand the vital role that witnesses play in God’s plan of salvation.
The Biblical Meaning and Definition of a Witness
Eyewitness Account
In the Bible, a witness is someone who has personally seen or experienced an event and can give a first-hand testimony or account of what transpired (Luke 24:48). The disciples of Jesus were called to be witnesses because they had lived alongside Him and seen His works and miracles.
Their eyewitness accounts serve as evidence to verify that the life, death and resurrection of Jesus truly happened.
One Who Testifies and Proclaims
A witness in Scripture also refers to one who testifies, gives evidence, or proclaims the truth about something they know or have seen, often in a formal setting. The Ten Commandments instruct that “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” (Exodus 20:16), commanding truthfulness in witness or testimony.
The book of Acts documents how the apostles witnessed about Christ’s resurrection despite threats and persecution (Acts 5:32).
Biblical witnesses spoke boldly on behalf of God to convey His word and truth. The prophets witnessed about the coming of the Messiah centuries before His birth (Isaiah 43:10). John the Baptist witnessed about Jesus being the Lamb of God (John 1:29-34).
On trial, Stephen witnessed about how Jesus was the promised Messiah before he was martyred (Acts 7:52-56).
Witnessing About Christ
To be a witness for Christ encompasses both the previous meanings – having first-hand experience of who Jesus is and being able to testify about Him. Christian witnessing involves sharing the gospel message with unbelievers to make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20).
It includes telling people what Jesus has personally done in one’s life and explaining Bible verses about salvation. Power is imparted when believers witness under the influence of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8).
In a court trial, credible eyewitness testimony is highly valued for establishing facts about a case. Similarly, our personal stories of how Jesus saved us carry weight and authority as we call others to believe in Him.
Christian witnesses point people to salvation and living hope in Christ (1 Peter 3:15). Our words and lives should align to give clear evidence that testifies that Jesus is indeed the Son of God.
Key Examples of Witnesses in the Bible
The Disciples as Witnesses
Jesus commissioned his closest followers, the twelve disciples, to be witnesses of his life, death, and resurrection (Luke 24:48). As eyewitnesses of Jesus’ ministry, the disciples were tasked with testifying about what they saw and heard.
Their witness is recorded in the four Gospels and the book of Acts.
The disciple John emphasizes his role as an eyewitness who testifies to the truth: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands…we proclaim also to you” (1 John 1:1, 3).
The testimony of the disciples, as direct witnesses of Jesus, was foundational evidence for the early Christian church.
Paul’s Witness and Testimony
The apostle Paul did not physically follow Jesus like the twelve disciples. However, after his dramatic conversion, Paul viewed himself as called to be a witness to the risen Christ (Acts 22:15; 26:16).
Although not an eyewitness of Jesus’ earthly ministry, Christ himself appointed Paul to give testimony as to what he had seen in his vision of the resurrected Lord (Acts 26:16).
Paul’s letters are saturated with legal witness language as he seeks to convince his readers of the truth of the gospel. For example, to the Thessalonians he writes, “God is witness” and “We are witnesses” of these gospel truths (1 Thess 2:5, 10). Paul viewed Christian witness as a sacred charge.
The Two Witnesses in Revelation
The book of Revelation describes “two witnesses” that prophesy in Jerusalem at the end times for 1,260 days (Rev 11:3). They perform miracles like calling fire from heaven, stopping the rain, and turning water into blood as they give their testimony.
The imagery connects back to the witnesses Moses and Elijah in the Old Testament.
After the two witnesses are killed, they are resurrected and vindicated by God in the sight of their enemies. Most scholars see the two witnesses as symbolic of the witness of the church empowered by the Holy Spirit to testify faithfully even in persecution.
Their resurrection signals God’s ultimate victory despite opposition to the gospel message.
What it Means to be a Witness for Christ
Telling Others About Christ
Being a witness for Christ begins with sharing the gospel message with others. As believers, we are called to spread the good news of salvation through faith in Jesus. This starts by building relationships and having spiritual conversations to understand where people are at in their faith journey.
When opportunities come up, we can share our testimony or explain core aspects of the Christian faith. Key biblical passages like Romans 10:14 state: “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?
And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” So telling others is an essential component of witnessing.
Living Out Your Faith
While words matter, perhaps one of the most powerful ways to witness is through our actions. Being an authentic witness for Jesus is less about preaching and more about modeling what it looks like to live as His follower. As Francis of Assisi famously stated: “Preach the gospel at all times.
When necessary, use words.” The way we conduct ourselves in public and treat people should align with biblical values of love, mercy, honesty and integrity. Our character and deeds can spark curiosity in others to ask about the hope within us.
Being Ready to Share Your Testimony
Along with sharing the overarching gospel message, an impactful witnessing approach is telling people your personal story of how you came to faith in Christ. Focus on key aspects like: what your life was like before, how you heard about Jesus, what impacted your decision to believe, and how He has changed you since then.
This brings an intimate relatability about faith. As 1 Peter 3:15 notes: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” So we must know our own spiritual journey well enough to articulate it.
Research shows that 79% of practicing Christians today feel at least somewhat compelled to share their faith, yet only 30% actually do so on a regular basis. Being an effective witness starts with intentionality whether through words, actions or personal stories of redemption through Christ.
The Role of Witnesses in God’s Plan of Salvation
Witnesses to Christ’s Resurrection
The biblical accounts emphasize the importance of the witnesses to Jesus’ resurrection. After Jesus rose from the dead, he appeared to numerous followers, including the twelve disciples, Mary Magdalene, two followers on the road to Emmaus, and over 500 others (1 Corinthians 15:3-8).
The testimonies of these eyewitnesses were crucial for verifying and spreading the incredible news that Jesus had conquered death.
The Gospel writers took care to record the specific names and details about these resurrection witnesses. For example, all four Gospels explicitly name the women who discovered the empty tomb on Easter morning, including Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James (Mt 28:1, Mk 16:1, Lk 24:10, Jn 20:1).
The detail and abundance of witnesses provided powerful testimony that Jesus was alive.
Witnesses to Spread the Gospel
After his resurrection, Jesus commanded his followers to spread the Gospel across the world, saying “you will be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8). Empowered by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the disciples began boldly proclaiming that Jesus is Lord and Messiah.
The book of Acts records the apostles’ role as key witnesses in carrying the message of salvation to Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and the ends of the earth.
All Christians are called to continue the legacy of witnessing about Jesus today. Just as the apostles’ testimony transformed lives in the 1st century, our proclamation of the Gospel has power to lead others to salvation now. Our words, backed up by our lives that show Christ’s love, can change hearts and shape eternity (Romans 10:14-15).
Our Witness Today
We have the privilege of testifying about the amazing grace we have received in Jesus. Our primary witness is sharing our personal stories of encountering God’s love and redemption. Transparently talking about our spiritual journeys makes the Gospel relatable and accessible.
However, our witness encompasses all of life, including how we treat our neighbors, care for people in need, honor relationships, practice integrity, and serve our communities. In an increasingly skeptical culture, our Christ-centered actions may open doors to share the reason for the hope we have (1 Peter 3:15).
St. Francis of Assisi famously said, “Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words. “ People should see Jesus’ influence in our character and lifestyle.
As witnesses for the Good News in the 21st century, we have more opportunities than ever before. Through building genuine friendships, volunteering locally, creating on social media, blogging about our faith journeys, supporting global ministry, and daily spiritual conversations, our testimony impacts lives near and far.
Every follower of Jesus has a story worth sharing.
Conclusion
In summary, a witness in the biblical sense is someone who has experienced Christ firsthand and testifies about him to others. Key witnesses in Scripture include the disciples, Paul, and the two witnesses in Revelation. To be a witness means proclaiming Christ through our words and actions.
As modern believers, we have the privilege and responsibility to continue the witness of those first eyewitnesses who saw the risen Savior. Our witness is vital to spreading the gospel and fulfilling God’s plan of redemption for the world.
