And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people. Acts 13:31 (KJV)

There were many witnesses of Jesus and His resurrection. The word witness in this verse is the Greek word martus, one who testifies by act or word to the truth (which is Christ). We are to be witnesses for the truth of the Word and of what Christ has done in our personal and community lives.

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8 (KJV)

Jesus was telling the disciples they would receive power to be witnesses. The word witness in this verse is martyr, which is a variation of the word we just discussed. It refers to the power to lay your life down for the truth, even by death if need be.

God has given us the power of the Holy Ghost to be witnesses. Jesus makes us fishers of men. We must first become who He has made us to be so we can do what He has called us to do. We are called to witness so we must become witnesses, or people empowered to lay our lives down. The Holy Spirit gives us this empowerment.

We all have a testimony of what Jesus has done for us. Evidence like our own personal experience is hard to refute. So whether we live or die, let’s choose to be witnesses that Jesus is truly the Son of God, the Savior, and Lord. Tell others what the Lord has done for you. Let’s be willing to lay down our own lives, reputations, and well-being to bring others to Jesus. Jesus laid His life down for us. Let’s follow His example, and be witnesses of the Truth.