24. Disciples are Witnesses to the Gospel

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” — Acts 1:8

In the last study, The Promise of an Eternal Home, we looked at the joy and glory that awaits every follower of Jesus in eternity. Knowing what Jesus has prepared for us should strengthen our determination to share that same hope to a world that desperately needs it. If heaven is real, if eternity is promised, and if the alternative is unthinkable, then our mission on earth becomes desperately urgent.

This study begins the final section of our Discipleship According to Jesus series. Titled The Mission of a Disciple, we will explore what Jesus sent us into the world to do. Just before Jesus ascended into heaven, he gave them a set of instructions of how to start His Great Commission (Matt 28:18-20). When you receive the Holy Spirit, your mission begins –  “and you will be My witnesses.” In other words – tell others about what you have seen and heard about Jesus. Share with them how Christ has changed your life, and explain how they too can be changed, and receive eternal life.

Witnesses Tell What They Know

Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He told His disciples that their primary role would be as a witness. A witness is not a teacher, a scholar, a philosopher, or a debater. They simply describe what they have seen, heard, and experienced. Scripture gives us many examples of ordinary people who bore witness to what Jesus had done in their lives.

The blind man healed in John 9 stood before hostile religious leaders who demanded explanations beyond his understanding. Yet his testimony was simple: “One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see.” (John 9:25). He didn’t need to answer every question; he just needed to tell the truth about what Jesus had done for him.

The Samaritan woman at the well ran back to her town, declaring, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did.” (John 4:29). She did not wait to take classes or memorize verses; she simply invited others to meet the One who transformed her.

The man freed from a legion of demons begged to follow Jesus, but Jesus sent him home, saying, “Tell them how much the Lord has done for you.” (Mark 5:19). And he went throughout Decapolis spreading what Jesus had done.

Paul, in his final defense before King Agrippa, kept returning to a single theme. “What happened to me on the road.” (Acts 26). His witness began with a story, not an argument.

All these examples show that the most effective witness, whether in a courtroom, an interview, or sharing a testimony, begins with telling what you saw, heard and experienced.  We are a witness not because we know everything, but because we know Him. Your story of how you were saved, forgiven, and transformed, is one of the most powerful tools God uses to draw others to Christ.  Adversaries can always argue theology or philosophy, but they can never dispute your personal testimony of what Jesus did for you.

Witnesses Live What They Believe

Witnessing is not only about what we say, but also about how we live. A changed life is one of the clearest pieces of evidence of the power of the Gospel. Jesus called His disciples the “light of the world” (Matt 5:14), a living demonstration of God’s character in a dark and confused world.

The early church’s witness was not primarily through their preaching but through presence. Their unity, courage, generosity, and joy were so striking that the watching world could not explain it. Even their suffering became a testimony. When beaten and imprisoned, they rejoiced that they were “counted worthy of suffering for the Name.” (Acts 5:41). Their hope could not be silenced.

In a world where many reject Christian teaching but admire Christlike character, the disciple’s life becomes a compelling witness. When you forgive instead of retaliating, love when it is not deserved, serve without complaining, and give without expecting return, you are bearing witness to the name of Jesus. The Gospel is most credible when it is visible, and a transformed life will speak louder than any argument.

Witnesses Go Where Jesus Sends

Acts 1:8 gives us a map for the mission of every disciple. Jesus names four expanding circles:
Jerusalem – the people closest to us
Judea – our wider community
Samaria – those who are different from us, even difficult for us
The ends of the earth – the nations, cultures, and peoples beyond our borders

The mission of a disciple begins at home with family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. It moves outward to our community and beyond. Making his command even more powerful, Jesus purposely included Samaria, a place Jews avoided. Jews hated the Samaritans, and the feeling was mutual. God calls us not only to be witnesses to those we like, but even to our enemy. Jesus knew that the Gospel transcends personal feelings and breaks down the walls of prejudice, fear, and division.

Every disciple has a “Jerusalem”, in their family, school or workplace and a “Judea”, in their town or city.  And every disciple is equally called to care about the “ends of the earth,” whether through prayer, giving, sending, or even going.

Witnesses Trust the Spirit’s Leading

Witnessing is never a solo assignment. Jesus included a promise with His command: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you.” Disciples do not witness in their own strength. The Spirit opens hearts, prepares conversations, gives courage, and provides the right words at the right moment.

In Luke, as Jesus was speaking about future persecutions, He told His disciples: “And so you will bear testimony to me. But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.” ( Luke 21:13-15)

In Acts 4, when the believers prayed for boldness, the Holy Spirit filled them, and they spoke the word of God courageously. Peter, once fearful, became fearless because the Spirit empowered him.  The results of witnessing do not depend on persuasion or personality. It depends on the Holy Spirit who draws people to Christ. We are called to speak; God is responsible for the outcome.

What This Means for a Disciple Today

Being a witness is not an optional add-on to the Christian life. It is central to what it means to follow Jesus. To witness is to share the hope you have received, to live in a way that reflects Christ, and to trust the Spirit to guide your steps.

For the disciple today, this means:
Share your story – someone needs to hear it
Live the Gospel – your life may open doors your words cannot
Pray for opportunities – God delights to answer this prayer
Trust the Spirit – He will equip you for every moment He leads you into

You are not called to convince the world but to point to Jesus. You are not responsible for results, only for faithfulness. Every disciple is a witness because every disciple has a story that proclaims: “Jesus changes lives.”

Witnessing is where His mission begins, but disciple-making is where it continues. In the next study, Disciples Make Disciples, we will explore Jesus’ command to not simply proclaim the Gospel, but to equip those who believe to grow in their own walk with Christ to become disciples who make disciples.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

What part of your story of following Jesus do you feel most confident sharing, and what part do you still struggle to put into words?

How does understanding that a “witness” simply shares what they know change the way you view evangelism?

In what ways does your daily life—your actions, attitudes, and choices—serve as a visible witness to Christ?

Who is part of your “Jerusalem” right now? (Those closest to you who need to hear or see the Gospel.)

How might the Holy Spirit be prompting you to step into your “Judea” or “Samaria”? (People or places beyond your normal comfort zone.)

Looking back at your walk with Christ, can you identify a moment when the Spirit clearly guided you in sharing your faith? What did you learn from it?

How are you involved with being a witness to the “ends of the earth”?  Are you purposefully learning about what God is doing around the world?  Are you praying?  Are you giving? Do you personally know any missionaries?  Have you ever felt God calling you to go?