Dictionary of Bible Themes: 8498 witnessing, and Holy Spirit

8498 witnessing, and Holy Spirit

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 8000 The life of the believer » 8400 The tasks of the believer » 8495 witnessing » 8498 witnessing, and Holy Spirit

Christian witnessing is made effective through the empowering, strengthening and guiding of the Holy Spirit. Witnessing is an aspect of spiritual warfare, and believers need supernatural aid to face Satan's opposition.

The Holy Spirit supports believers in witnessing

Acts 5:31-32 See also John 15:26-27

The Holy Spirit empowers effective witness

Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 See also Luke 4:14-19; Luke 24:48-49

He confirms the testimony of believers

1 Thessalonians 1:5; Hebrews 2:3-4

He convinces people of their need

John 16:7-11

He brings people to new birth

John 3:5-8

The Holy Spirit guides believers in witnessing

Acts 8:39-40 See also Acts 8:29-35; Acts 16:6-7

Witnessing and spiritual warfare

Revelation 12:11 See also Ephesians 6:15-17

Witnessing and persecution

Witnessing results in persecution

Revelation 1:9 See also Acts 4:17; Acts 5:40; Acts 7:54-60 Stephen's witnessing leads him to become the first Christian martyr. The English word “martyr” comes from the Greek word for “witness”; Acts 22:22-25; Ephesians 6:19-20; Colossians 4:3-4; 2 Timothy 1:8; Revelation 2:12-13; Revelation 6:9; Revelation 17:6

Supernatural help to face persecution

Matthew 10:18-20 pp Mark 13:9-11 pp Luke 21:12-15 Acts 7:55 See also Acts 5:18-19; Acts 18:9-10

Witness is promoted by persecution

Acts 8:1-5; Philippians 1:12-14