Witness in Absence
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The concept of "Witness in Absence" in the Bible refers to the testimony or evidence provided by individuals who are not physically present. This idea is woven throughout Scripture, emphasizing the enduring impact of one's faith, actions, and words even when they are not directly observable.

Biblical Examples and Context

1. Abel's Faithful Witness: One of the earliest examples of a witness in absence is found in the account of Abel. Hebrews 11:4 states, "By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead." Abel's faith and righteousness continue to testify to future generations, despite his physical absence.

2. The Testimony of the Prophets: The prophets of the Old Testament often served as witnesses to God's truth, even when they were not present. Their writings and prophecies, inspired by the Holy Spirit, continue to bear witness to God's plans and purposes. For instance, the prophet Isaiah's words about the coming Messiah (Isaiah 53) serve as a powerful witness to the life and work of Jesus Christ.

3. Jesus Christ's Enduring Witness: Jesus Himself spoke of the enduring nature of His words and teachings. In John 14:26, He promised the coming of the Holy Spirit, who would remind the disciples of everything He had said: "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you." Even in His physical absence, Christ's teachings continue to guide and instruct believers through the Holy Spirit.

4. The Apostolic Witness: The apostles, particularly Paul, often wrote letters to early Christian communities, providing guidance, correction, and encouragement. These epistles, though written in the absence of the apostles, serve as a lasting witness to the truth of the Gospel. For example, Paul's letters to the Corinthians address various issues within the church, offering wisdom and instruction that remain relevant today.

5. The Cloud of Witnesses: Hebrews 12:1 speaks of a "great cloud of witnesses" surrounding believers, referring to the faithful individuals mentioned in Hebrews 11. These witnesses, though absent in body, provide a powerful testimony to the life of faith and perseverance. Their accounts encourage believers to "run with endurance the race set out for us."

Theological Implications

The concept of witness in absence underscores the enduring nature of faith and testimony. It highlights the idea that one's life and actions can have a lasting impact, transcending time and space. This principle encourages believers to live faithfully, knowing that their witness can influence others even when they are not physically present.

Furthermore, the notion of witness in absence points to the reliability and authority of Scripture. The Bible, as the written Word of God, serves as a perpetual witness to His truth, providing guidance and revelation to all generations. The testimonies of those who have gone before us, recorded in Scripture, continue to speak and bear witness to the faithfulness of God.

Practical Application

Believers are called to be witnesses of Christ in their daily lives, understanding that their actions and words can have a profound impact even when they are not present. This includes living a life of integrity, sharing the Gospel, and leaving a legacy of faith for future generations. The concept of witness in absence challenges Christians to consider how their lives testify to the truth of the Gospel and to strive to be faithful witnesses in all circumstances.
Subtopics

Witness

Witness by Laying Hands on the Accused

Witness of Instruction in Righteousness

Witness of the Holy Spirit is Truth

Witness of the Holy Spirit: Borne Against all Unbelievers

Witness of the Holy Spirit: Borne to Christ in Heaven

Witness of the Holy Spirit: Borne to Christ: As Coming to Redeem and Sanctify

Witness of the Holy Spirit: Borne to Christ: As Exalted to be a Prince and Saviour to Give Repentance,

Witness of the Holy Spirit: Borne to Christ: As Foretold by Himself

Witness of the Holy Spirit: Borne to Christ: As Messiah

Witness of the Holy Spirit: Borne to Christ: As Perfecting Saints

Witness of the Holy Spirit: Borne to Christ: On Earth

Witness of the Holy Spirit: Given to Saints: As an Evidence of Adoption

Witness of the Holy Spirit: Given to Saints: As an Evidence of Christ in Them

Witness of the Holy Spirit: Given to Saints: As an Evidence of God in Them

Witness of the Holy Spirit: Given to Saints: On Believing

Witness of the Holy Spirit: Given to Saints: To Testify to Them of Christ

Witness of the Holy Spirit: The Faithful Preaching of the Apostles Accompanied By

Witness of the Holy Spirit: The First Preaching of the Gospel Confirmed By

Witness of the Holy Spirit: To be Implicitly Received

Witness of the Spirit

Witness: Corrupted by Money

Witness: General Scriptures Concerning

Witness: Incorruptible

Witness: Qualified by Oath

Witness: Required to Throw the First Stone in Executing the Sentence

Witness: To Marriage

Witness: To the Transfer of Land

Witness: Two Necessary to Establish a Fact

Related Terms

Tongues (67 Occurrences)

Witness (295 Occurrences)

Marriage (74 Occurrences)

Quickeneth (4 Occurrences)

Voices (76 Occurrences)

Vast (54 Occurrences)

Keeping (282 Occurrences)

Nathanael (6 Occurrences)

Namely (81 Occurrences)

Nahum (3 Occurrences)

Occurrences (1 Occurrence)

Ophir (12 Occurrences)

Jachin (8 Occurrences)

Leaven (24 Occurrences)

Lazarus (19 Occurrences)

God's (602 Occurrences)

Giveth (378 Occurrences)

Gate (248 Occurrences)

Filled (336 Occurrences)

Tenth (89 Occurrences)

Thereupon (22 Occurrences)

Terror (137 Occurrences)

Receiveth (48 Occurrences)

Related (45 Occurrences)

Exclaimed (45 Occurrences)

Enjoin (15 Occurrences)

Experience (28 Occurrences)

Dung (27 Occurrences)

Daphne

Miracle (15 Occurrences)

Manifested (48 Occurrences)

Mercyseat (1 Occurrence)

Mercy-seat (23 Occurrences)

Pontus (3 Occurrences)

Preserves (16 Occurrences)

Papers (3 Occurrences)

Performing (24 Occurrences)

Blast (28 Occurrences)

Blasting (4 Occurrences)

Blaspheme (16 Occurrences)

Boaz (25 Occurrences)

Blasphemed (28 Occurrences)

Believers (50 Occurrences)

Canon

Constantly (47 Occurrences)

Considerable (17 Occurrences)

Adjuration (2 Occurrences)

Assuredly (31 Occurrences)

Ancients (17 Occurrences)

Soldiers (83 Occurrences)

Stephen (13 Occurrences)

Stamping (11 Occurrences)

Secure (78 Occurrences)

Salome (2 Occurrences)

Septuagint

Security (41 Occurrences)

Antichrist (4 Occurrences)

Sarai (13 Occurrences)

Deeds (309 Occurrences)

Belial (23 Occurrences)

Tahpanhes (7 Occurrences)

Sarah (38 Occurrences)

Philippi (8 Occurrences)

Tiberius (1 Occurrence)

Chaldaeans (65 Occurrences)

Fire (602 Occurrences)

Setting (82 Occurrences)

Athens (5 Occurrences)

Witnesses (69 Occurrences)

Holy (1097 Occurrences)

Spirit (706 Occurrences)

Plagues (28 Occurrences)

English

Conversion (1 Occurrence)

Carried (327 Occurrences)

Red (124 Occurrences)

Burial (25 Occurrences)

Present (577 Occurrences)

Witness in a Pagan World
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