TESTIMONY
Testimony, rooted in the Latin word “testis” denoting a third-party witness, serves as a fundamental pillar in both legal jurisprudence and religious discourse. It is a formal statement declaring the truth of a matter, often derived from personal experience or observation.
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This concept transcends boundaries, weaving through the fabric of human society, shaping narratives, and influencing perceptions. In legal settings, testimony stands as a cornerstone of justice, where witnesses provide firsthand accounts crucial for adjudicating disputes and upholding the rule of law. Their testimonies serve to elucidate events, establish facts, and guide the search for truth within the confines of the courtroom.
Conversely, in matters of faith and spirituality, testimony takes on a profound significance, as believers bear witness to the transformative power of their encounters with the divine. These testimonies serve not only to affirm personal faith but also to inspire and edify others within religious communities, fostering a collective sense of shared belief and spiritual connection.
“Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.”
( Matthew 10: 32-33 )
In one of the Ten Commandments, God commands, emphasizing the importance of truthful testimony in ensuring justice and integrity within society.
“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour,”
( Exodus 20:16 )
Moreover, the Psalms frequently extol the virtues of bearing witness to God’s faithfulness and righteousness.
“I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame,” highlighting the commitment of believers to testify to the truths of God’s word even in the face of adversity.
( Psalm 119:46
In the New Testament, Jesus himself serves as the ultimate witness to God’s love and redemption.
“You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth s to me.” ( John 18:37 )
It bears witness to the truth that His life, teachings, and ultimately His sacrificial death serve as a testimony to the truth of God’s salvation for humanity.
Etymology
In Hebrew, the word often translated as “testimony” is ” עֵדוּת ” (edut) This word is derived from the root “עֵד“(ed), which means “witness” or “testify.” The concept of testimony in Hebrew culture is closely associated with the idea of bearing witness to the truth, particularly in legal or religious contexts.
In Greek, the word for “testimony” is often translated as “μαρτυρία” (marturia). This word is derived from the root “μάρτυς” (martys), which means “witness” or “one who testifies.” The concept of testimony in Greek culture shares similarities with Hebrew tradition, emphasizing the role of witnesses in affirming the truth or validity of a statement or event.
The Triune Witness in Scripture
In Christian theology, the term “Triune” typically refers to the doctrine of the Trinity, which holds that God exists as three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—within one divine essence. This doctrine highlights the unified testimony of Christians regarding the nature of God.
God’s Supreme Testimony:
Throughout the Bible, God the Father bears witness to His Son, Jesus Christ, affirming His identity, mission, and divine nature. At Jesus’ baptism and transfiguration, the Father speaks audibly, declaring Jesus as His beloved Son.
And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” ( Matthew 3:17 )
While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” ( Matthew 17:5 ).
God’s testimony is greater than human testimony, for it is rooted in His unchanging character and faithfulness. His testimony about His Son carries divine authority and certainty, surpassing any human affirmation or witness.
When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by,
he swore by himself, ( Hebrews 6:13 )
Jesus declares that the Father Himself testifies about Him, validating His identity and mission. God’s testimony about His Son confirms the truth of Jesus’ divine nature and salvific role in the world.
“I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to finish—the very works that I am doing—testify that the Father has sent me.And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, ( John 5:36 )
The Testimony of the Son:
Jesus Himself serves as a witness to the truth of God’s revelation and redemptive plan.
“You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” ( John 18:37 )
Throughout His ministry, Jesus testifies to the kingdom of God, His identity as the Son of God, and the way of salvation through faith in Him.
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
( John 14:6 ).
The Testimony of the Spirit:
Jesus promises the coming of the Holy Spirit, who will testify about Him. The Spirit serves as the divine witness, affirming the truth of Jesus’ identity and mission.
“When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me. ( John 15:26 )
The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God. Through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, believers experience firsthand the witness of God’s truth and love.
The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. ( Romans 8:16 )
The Testimony of Water and Blood:
At Jesus’ crucifixion, a soldier pierces His side, and water and blood flow out.
Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. 35 The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. ( John 19: 34-35 )
This event symbolizes the sacrificial nature of Jesus’ death and serves as a testimony to His identity as the Son of God and the Savior of humanity. The apostle John affirms the testimony of water and blood, emphasizing their agreement with the testimony of the Spirit.
This is the one who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. 7 For there are three that testify: 8 the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement. 9 We accept human testimony, but God’s testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son. ( 1 John 5: 6-9 )
Together, they witness the truth of Jesus’ divine nature and redemption from sin.
WITNESSING THE DIVINE
In the Old Testament, the concept of “testimony” is indeed articulated in various forms, each serving as a distinct expression of truth and divine presence. These different forms of testimony offer rich insights into the multifaceted nature of faith and the ways in which believers bear witness to God’s actions and decrees.
1) Historical Signs and Memorials:
The Pile of Stones
Jacob and Laban erect a pile of stones as a witness to their covenant agreement.
Come now, let’s make a covenant, you and I, and let it serve as a witness between us.” 45 So Jacob took a stone and set it up as a pillar. 46 He said to his relatives, “Gather some stones.” So they took stones and piled them in a heap, and they ate there by the heap. ( Genesis 31 :44-46 )
This physical monument stands as a lasting testimony to the covenant made between them, serving as a tangible reminder of God’s faithfulness and the binding nature of their agreement.
Oral Testimony: Moses’ Speech
Moses delivers speeches throughout the book of Deuteronomy, proclaiming God’s commandments and promises to the Israelites.
After Moses finished writing in a book the words of this law from beginning to end, 25 he gave this command to the Levites who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD: 26 “Take this Book of the Law and place it beside the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God. There it will remain as a witness against you. (Deuteronomy 31:24-26)
Moses charges the Levites with safeguarding the Book of the Law as a witness against the Israelites. His words serve as a solemn testimony to the importance of obedience to God’s commands.
Personal Testimony: Job’s Afflictions
In the book of Job, Job’s afflictions serve as a personal testimony to his steadfastness and unwavering trust in God, even in the midst of adversity.
Surely, God, you have worn me out; you have devastated my entire household. 8 You have shriveled me up—and it has become a witness; my gauntness rises up and testifies against me. ( Job 16: 7-8 )
Symbolic Action: The Stone of Witness
Joshua sets up a stone as a witness to the covenant renewal between the Israelites and God.
“See!” he said to all the people. “This stone will be a witness against us. It has heard all the words the LORD has said to us. It will be a witness against you if you are untrue to your God.” ( Joshua 24:27 )
This symbolic gesture serves as a tangible testimony to the commitment of God’s people to follow His commands and remain faithful to their covenant relationship with Him. Hostile Witness: Dust on the Disciples’ Feet Jesus instructs his disciples to shake the dust off their feet as a testimony against those who reject their message.
And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” ( Mark 6:11 )
This symbolic action signifies the disciples’ proclamation of truth and serves as a hostile witness to those who refuse to accept it, highlighting the consequences of rejecting the Gospel.
2) The Witness of Sincerity
In both Hebrew tradition and St. Paul’s epistles, the concept of testimony serves as a powerful affirmation of truth and sincerity. Through biblical examples and St. Paul’s own words, we see how invoking God as a witness underscores the authenticity and integrity of one’s words and actions
Hebrew Tradition:
Laban and Jacob make a covenant. Here, Laban invokes the Lord as a witness to their agreement, emphasizing the solemnity and authenticity of their covenant.
If you mistreat my daughters or if you take any wives besides my
daughters, even though no one is with us, remember that God is a
witness between you and me.” ( Genesis 31:50 )
Job, amidst his suffering, appeals to God as a witness to his innocence. His invocation of God as a witness underscores his unwavering commitment to truth and righteousness, even in the face of adversity.
Even now my witness is in heaven;
my advocate is on high. ( Job 16:19 )
St. Paul’s Epistles: God as Witness to Sincerity
In his letter to the Romans, St. Paul expresses his desire to visit them. Here, St. Paul invokes God as a witness to the sincerity of his intention to visit the Romans, highlighting his genuine desire for fellowship and ministry.
10 in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way
may be opened for me to come to you. ( Romans 1:10 )
St. Paul appeals to God as a witness to his integrity in changing his travel plans. Paul’s invocation of God as a witness underscores his commitment to truth and his concern for the well-being of the Corinthians.
I call God as my witness—and I stake my life on it—that it was in order to
spare you that I did not return to Corinth. ( 2 Corinthians 1:23 )
3) Bearing Witness: Legal and Written Testimony
In both legal proceedings and sacred texts, the concept of bearing witness holds immense significance. From written documents to oral testimonies, the act of witnessing serves as a means of affirming truth and establishing credibility.
(a) Jeremiah’s Written Testimony:
The prophet Jeremiah is instructed to write a deed of purchase as a testimony of his purchase of a field in Anathoth. This written document serves as a legal testimony to the transaction, providing evidence of Jeremiah’s ownership.
so I bought the field at Anathoth from my cousin Hanamel and weighed
out for him seventeen shekels of silver.
10 I signed and sealed the deed, had
it witnessed and weighed out the silver on the scales.
( Jeremiah 32: 9-10 )
b) Ruth’s Marriage Law:
Witnesses are called upon to confirm Boaz’s redemption of Ruth and the transfer of property rights. This written testimony, recorded in the presence of witnesses, establishes the legality of the marriage and the inheritance rights associated with it.
Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be
my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the
name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate
of his place: ye are witnesses this day.
( Ruth 4:10 )
c) False Witness:
Proverbs’ Warnings Against False Witness
A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape. ( Proverbs 19:5 )
A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly. ( Proverbs 21:28 )
A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.
( Proverbs 25:18 )
The book of Proverbs contains several warnings against bearing false witness. It cautions against the consequences of dishonest testimony, emphasizing the importance of integrity and truthfulness in legal proceedings and everyday life.
d) Witnesses of Jesus:
Apostles as Witnesses of Jesus
47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name
among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
48 And ye are witnesses of these things. ( Luke 24:48 )He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was
not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
( Acts 2: 31-32 )
In the New Testament, the apostles serve as witnesses of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name
among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
48 And ye are witnesses of these things. ( Luke 24:48 )
It emphasizes their role in proclaiming the Gospel message, bearing witness to the transformative power of Jesus’ ministry and resurrection.
e) Martyrs as Witnesses:
Those who suffered and died for their faith are also considered witnesses in the New Testament.
And when the blood of your martyr Stephen was shed, I stood there
giving my approval and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.’
( Acts 22:20 )Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let
us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And
let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,
( Hebrews 12:1 )
It highlights their steadfast commitment to Christ, even in the face of persecution and martyrdom.
F) Jesus as the Faithful Witness:
In the book of Revelation, Jesus is described as the faithful witness.
and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the
dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.
To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood,
( Revelation 1:5 )14 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:
These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of
God’s creation. ( Revelation 3:14 )
It affirms his role as the ultimate witness to God’s truth and salvation, embodying perfect integrity and faithfulness.
Testify: Sharing the Gospel Mandate
Throughout the Bible, from the Old Testament to the New, the importance of sharing one’s faith and testimony is repeatedly emphasized.
- Whether through oral proclamation, written accounts, or personal witness, believers are called to boldly testify to the transformative power of God’s work in their lives.
“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 )
- The man’s testimony of Jesus’ power and mercy becomes a powerful witness to those around him.
“Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you,
and how he has had mercy on you.” ( Mark 5:19 )
- Peter and John boldly declare, affirming their commitment to share their firsthand experiences of Jesus’ ministry, death, and resurrection.
As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” ( Acts 4:20 )
- Paul highlights the necessity of preaching the gospel. The spoken word is instrumental in leading others to faith in Christ.
“How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” ( Romans 10: 14-15 )
- John’s testimony, recorded in his epistles, serves as a written account of Jesus’ life and teachings, inviting others into fellowship with God.
1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2 The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We write this to make our joy complete.
( 1 John 1: 1-4 )
- Luke begins his gospel by stating his intention to write an orderly account of the events surrounding Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. His gospel serves as a written testimony to the truth of God’s work in Jesus Christ.
1 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 3 With this in mind since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. (Luke 1:1-4)
- Paul recounts his encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus, describing how he was appointed as a witness to both Jews and Gentiles, testifying to the light of Christ and calling people to repentance and faith.
16 ‘Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me. 17 I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them 18 to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’
( Acts 26:16-18 )
- As believers in Christ, our testimony is a powerful declaration of the transformative work of God in our lives.
Through Christ, sinners are reconciled to the most- high and loving God, becoming His children by grace through faith. It is our duty and responsibility to lead our lives according to the principles of God, demonstrating His righteousness and love to the world around us.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Our lives should reflect the light of Christ, serving as a testimony to the world of God’s love, grace, and transforming power. ( Matthew 5:16 )
Our commitment to righteous living serves as a witness to the reality of our identity as children of God, drawing others to glorify Him.
“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” ( 1 Peter 2:12 )
Ultimately, as children of the loving Father, our lives should bear witness to His mercy, compassion, and grace. Through our words and actions, we testify to the reality of God’s kingdom and His redemption of the world. May we embrace our role as ambassadors of Christ, living in such a way that we point others to the hope found in Him and glorify our heavenly Father in all we do