Definition:
Personal witness refers to the act of an individual testifying to their faith in Jesus Christ and sharing their personal experiences of God's work in their life. It is an essential aspect of Christian discipleship and evangelism, where believers are called to be witnesses of the Gospel to others.

Biblical Basis:
The concept of personal witness is deeply rooted in Scripture. Jesus Christ Himself commissioned His followers to be witnesses. In Acts 1:8 , Jesus tells His disciples, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." This verse underscores the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers to testify about Christ.

Examples in Scripture:
1. The Apostles: The early church provides numerous examples of personal witness. Peter and John, after being commanded not to speak in the name of Jesus, boldly declared, "For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:20). Their testimony was based on their personal experiences with Jesus.

2. The Samaritan Woman: In John 4, the Samaritan woman at the well becomes a witness after her encounter with Jesus. She goes back to her town and says, "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?" (John 4:29). Her personal testimony led many to believe in Jesus.

3. The Apostle Paul: Paul's conversion and subsequent ministry are powerful examples of personal witness. In Acts 22 and 26, Paul recounts his encounter with the risen Christ and how it transformed his life, using his personal account to testify to both Jews and Gentiles.

Theological Significance:
Personal witness is not merely about recounting personal experiences but is deeply theological. It involves proclaiming the truth of the Gospel—Jesus' death, resurrection, and offer of salvation. Romans 10:14 emphasizes the necessity of proclamation: "How then can they call on the One in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach?"

Role of the Holy Spirit:
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in personal witness. As seen in Acts 1:8, the Spirit empowers believers to testify boldly. The Spirit also convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8), working through the witness of believers to draw others to Christ.

Practical Application:
Believers are encouraged to share their faith in everyday life, using their unique accounts to connect with others. 1 Peter 3:15 instructs, "But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you, but respond with gentleness and respect." This verse highlights the importance of readiness and the manner in which personal witness should be conducted.

Challenges and Encouragements:
While personal witness can be challenging due to fear of rejection or persecution, believers are encouraged by the promise of Christ's presence and the power of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:20 assures, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." This promise provides comfort and strength to those who step out in faith to share their testimony.

Conclusion:
Personal witness is a vital component of the Christian life, serving as a means through which the Gospel is spread and the Kingdom of God is advanced. Through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, believers are called to share their personal experiences of God's grace and truth, impacting the lives of those around them.