Articles
Testimony of a Persecutor
In his book The Case for Faith, author Lee Strobel investigated a number of objections commonly given for not accepting Christianity. His previous book, The Case for Christ, was aimed at determining whether Biblical claims concerning Jesus were credible or not.
His work received attention for at least two reasons. First, having been educated in law at Yale Law School and employed as the legal editor at the Chicago Tribune, Mr. Strobel says he used a legal journalist’s approach to compile evidence for his “investigation” of biblical claims. Second, he admits to having been a vocal atheist. Prior to his investigation he ridiculed believers for what he considered to be a faith based upon ignorance. But in the process of investigating he came to believe what he once opposed.
His efforts may well have caused others who were skeptical to reconsider own their views, or even to become believers. It is sometimes easier to be persuaded by one who has ‘walked in your shoes’ than someone who never thought the way you did.
One of the most powerful advocates for Christ was the Apostle Paul, who like Strobel once opposed Christianity, but to a much greater extent. Paul said:
I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women, as the high priest and the whole council of elders can bear me witness. From them I received letters to the brothers, and I journeyed toward Damascus to take those also who were there and bring them in bonds to Jerusalem to be punished. (Act 22:4-5, ESV)
For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. …They only were hearing it said, "He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy. And they glorified God because of me." (Gal 1:13, 23-24).
Paul’s conversion made a powerful impact on Jew and Gentile alike. Because he persecuted the church zealously, his credibility could not be questioned because he had nothing to gain in becoming a Christian. Paul suffered persecution and the ‘loss of all things’ (Philippians 3:8).
Unable to challenge Paul’s sincerity or refute his testimony, Festus’s statement in Acts 26 was a classic ad hominem – rather than answering Paul’s testimony he discredited the Apostle:
Festus: “…your great learning is driving you out of your mind."
Paul: "I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words. For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner.”
Paul defended his belief in Christ as being ‘true and rational words’. Isn’t this the perfect rational even in our present age? The gospel of Christ is indeed true and rational. We need to make the same arguments today.
When confronted with evidence, Paul concluded that he had been wrong. He marveled and expressed gratitude that Christ chose him, of all people, to be an apostle and messenger for that which he once opposed.
Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. (Eph 3:6-10)
The testimony of one who once doubted can be powerful. Are you a doubter? If so follow the example of those who doubted, considered true and rational words then believed. Then let them glorify God because of you.
