Sharing our spiritual experience of transformation is essential for every believer. Witnessing, sharing, and presenting personal transformation should be done wisely. Paul’s conversion was dramatic, and it has been recorded in the New Testament in different formats. Generally, it has one template of three sections: First, life before conversion, second, the event of conversion and third, the transformed life. Here are five models that were presented to different audiences with specific intention.
1) Narrative Model (Acts 1:1-9): Luke provides the event as it happened. The reason for Paul’s travel is given. Then his personal encounter with Lord Jesus Christ. Then his healing, commitment and changed life.
2) Specific audience – Jews: Luke records how Paul shares his testimony to a hostile audience, who wanted to kill him. (Acts 22: 1-21) Here also Paul explains his life of zeal for Law and violent attitude towards disciples of Lord Jesus Christ. Then he provides his conversion experience, followed by his mission of taking the gospel to all, including Gentiles.
3) Specific audience – Gentiles: Paul was summoned to present his defence before dignitaries of the Roman Empire. (Acts 26:1-29) In this also, Paul explains his hostility towards followers of Lord Jesus Christ, dramatic experience on the Damascus Road and his obedience to heavenly vision.
4) Theological understanding: Paul explains to the believers in the Philippi city, how he was proud about Law, then understood these are just rubbish or trash. Then his willingness to suffer to experience the power of resurrection. (Philippians 3: 1-11)
5) Edification of believers: Paul explains how Lord Jesus Christ came to save sinners as the essence of the gospel. And he wisely presents himself as a case study of the transformation of sinner to saint. (I Timothy 1: 12-17)
Sharing testimony should be spontaneous yet has to be thought through in our mind and prepared in advance. “Always be prepared to make a defence to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” (I Peter 3:15)
Am I prepared to always share my faith to all?