Can I Get a Witness?
Does the Bible allow us to appeal to others to affirm the truthfulness of our words? Can we ask for a witness when our reputation is on the line?
We know that witnesses can be used to verify sin (Matt 18:16; 2 Cor 13:1; 1 Tim 5:19; cf. Deut 19:15–21), but what about righteousness instead? We know that Christ is our Advocate against the devil (1 John 2:1; cf. Rev 12:10), but what about a witness here on earth?
Surveyed below, Paul used witnesses to verify a ministry of usefulness and integrity for himself or someone else. When you reputation is on the line, yes—you can get a witness to help you out.
Sometimes we can call others as witnesses for the sake of ourselves or someone else.
Paul appealed to the Thessalonians as witnesses that he had been holy, righteous, and blameless while serving them in their midst (1 Thess 2:10). Writing to Timothy, he appealed to witnesses of Timothy’s confession to push Timothy to fight for the faith (1 Tim 6:12). Perhaps these witnesses were pastors (1 Tim 4:14), Paul (2 Tim 1:6), or people from Lystra, Iconium, or Ephesus (cf. Acts 16:1–5; 1 Tim 4:14; 2 Tim 1:6). Whatever the case, witnesses could verify Timothy’s confession, and Paul appealed to them in order to encourage Timothy to serve. Timothy knew who they were, and he therefore had to fight his fight for the faith.
Whether a matter of character or Christian service, we can call others as witnesses to ourselves or someone else. These witnesses establish who we are as Christians and what we must do for God.
Sometimes we can call God as witness for our sake when others doubt our motivations.
Paul appealed to God as his witness that he had prayed that he would be able to visit the Roman church (Rom 1:9–10). He appealed to God as his witness that he showed mercy by staying away from the Corinthian church (2 Cor 1:23). He appealed to God as his witness that he loved the Philippian church (Phil 1:8). He appealed to God as his witness that he neither flattered the Thessalonian church nor faked who he was because of greed (1 Thess 2:5).
All of these matters were internal for Paul—to persuade others to know who he truly was. His motivations were simple—ministry, mercy, love, sincerity—basic Christian stuff. And if others disbelieved, he called God as his witness alone. If others doubt you, sometimes your only witness is God above. What else can you do?
Encouraging Words
Are you in a difficult position where you must defend yourself?
As you know your character, you can speak for yourself: you are witness number one. As God knows your heart, appeal to Him: He is Witness Number Two. As others and whole churches know your character, many can be your witnesses as well. And if your faithfulness to God is believed by Him and no one else—as He did when He raised His Son, He will vindicate you one day.
David Huffstutler is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Rockford, IL. He blogs here, where this article first appeared. It is republished here by permission.
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