Acts 22- Tell Your Story

Read Acts 22.

The last chapter of Acts left us at a cliffhanger (chapter 22 does again).  Paul was about to speak to a group of riotous Jews.  This is where we pick up the story.

Remember that Paul is one of the most intelligent men in the Bible.  He was great at using logic to argue for the Gospel.  However in this chapter that is not what he does.  Paul tells his story.

I'll let you read his story in Acts, but I want to find what we can learn from Paul's story.

1) Whenever possible establish a common ground with the hearer of your story.

Paul explained how he was a Jew's Jew.  He was taught by the most respected rabbi of his time.  He was zealous for God just like his hearers were.  He, like them, persecuted Christians.

When you tell your story begin with where you were before Christ came into your life.  This doesn't need to be dramatic.  I thank God that my story isn't dramatic.  I wasn't an alcoholic or in a biker gang or a staunch atheist.  No, I was blessed enough to be born to great Christian parents.  But I was born into slavery to sin and that's exactly where I can start my story.  But if you are blessed with a dramatic story, don't spare the details.  Tell the depths that you were brought out from.

2) Tell the difference Christ has made in your life.

Paul explained not only where he was before Christ but he also shared with his hearers where he was at that moment.  He was no longer a persecutor of Christians; he was changed into a missionary for the Gospel.

When you tell your story share the change that God has made in your life.  Tell what He is doing for you today.  Our Christian race does not end at conversion.  Share where you are on your journey and how far you've come.

3) Maintain God as the main character of your story.

In verse 14 Ananias said to Paul, "The God of our fathers has chosen you to know His will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from His mouth."  Paul highlighted that God chose Paul not the other way around.  Jesus revealed Himself to Paul when Paul didn't want to see Him.

Your story, in its entirety, is the story of the work of God NOT of your work.  When you tell your story you must make this abundantly clear so that your hearer doesn't mistakenly think that you are more capable of being saved than they are.  We are all savable without exception because it isn't about us it is about Him!

I encourage you to know your story and then to tell your story.  Paul was a great theologian and thinker, but you don't need to be a theologian to present the Gospel.  Many times the best way to share the Gospel is to share your story.  As the hymn says, "I once was lost, but now I'm found."  That is so simple, but oh so powerful.  Share your story with someone today.