The Testimony of Faithful Witnesses

This quarter will look at the examples of faithful witnesses from Scripture. These were people who heard the call of God, responded in faith, and testified to God’s mercy and fidelity to his promises through their words and deeds.

Faithful Witnesses in Ancient Israel

Faithful witnesses in ancient Israel model God’s faithfulness to his word. Deborah, a courageous judge of Israel, demonstrates her trust in God’s promise to save his people by risking her life in battle (Judges 4:4–10, 14; see lesson 1). In the period following the judges, a devoted supplicant named Hannah tearfully prays to God for a child (1 Samuel 1:9–20; see lesson 2). Because of her persistence, Hannah plays a vital role in God’s plan for Israel, dedicating her son to serve God. This son would become a significant figure in the monarchy of Israel.

During that time, the friendship between David and Jonathan shows the love and loyalty humans can share (1 Samuel 18:1–4; 20:16–17; etc.; see lesson 3). David maintains this commitment even after Jonathan dies (2 Samuel 21:7), modeling the faithfulness that God shows to his people. Finally, in the era of the divided kingdom, the prophet Amos confronts his own people for their refusal to heed God’s warnings about impending judgment (Amos 2:11–12; 3:7–8; see lesson 4).

Faithful Witnesses Say “Yes” to Jesus

In the New Testament, we see many examples of faithful witnesses who encounter Christ and respond with a resounding “Yes!” An unnamed centurion, a servant of the hated Roman Empire, demonstrates “great faith” by trusting that Jesus will heal his servant (Matthew 8:5–13; see lesson 5). A despised tax collector named Zacchaeus subverts expectations by following Jesus and repenting of his wrongdoing (Luke 19:1–10; see lesson 7).

Even those closest to Jesus had to make their own commitments of faith. Simon Peter recognizes Jesus more clearly than any other, but that disciple still falters and needs restoration (Mark 8:27–29; Luke 22:31–34; John 18:25–27; 21:15–17; see lesson 6). Another disciple, Thomas, although known for his doubts, nevertheless expresses a faith that empowers him to share the gospel (20:24–29; 21:1–2; see lesson 9). Even Jesus’ mother says “Yes” to him; she is chosen to bear the Son of God and demonstrates persistent faithfulness to her son throughout his life (Luke 2:15–19; John 2:1–5; 19:25–27; see lesson 8).

Faithful Witnesses Share the Gospel

The gospel spreads through the work of faithful witnesses. Stephen, the first martyr, serves God even in death (Acts 6:7–10; 7:54–60; see lesson 10). His boldness in proclaiming the message leads to the scattering of faithful witnesses throughout the region, enabling the gospel to disperse further.

After approving Stephen’s execution, Saul encounters the resurrected Christ (Acts 22:3–15; see lesson 11). This experience transforms him into the faithful apostle we now call “Paul.” He becomes a witness, sharing his firsthand experience with Christ Jesus. One of the recipients of Paul’s message is Lydia, a seller of purple cloth and a worshiper of God. After responding to Paul’s message, she is baptized and demonstrates hospitality as her own faithful witness (Acts 16:11–15, 40; see lesson 13).

Paul’s ministry also involves training and equipping others to proclaim the gospel. He encourages Timothy to remember the “gift of God” and the promises of Scripture that Timothy received from his mother and grandmother—promises that make one “wise” for salvation (2 Timothy 1:1–6; 3:14–16; see lesson 12).

Though the circumstances surrounding the commitments of these witnesses vary, their stories inspire us to trust and follow the way of Christ.

Unit 1: Faithful Witnesses Model God’s Fidelity

Date	Title	Bible Text
June 7	Deborah, the Dutiful Judge	Judges 4:4–10, 14, 21–22
June 14	Hannah, the Faithful Supplicant	1 Samuel 1:9–20, 25b
June 21	Jonathan and David, Resolute Friends	1 Samuel 18:1–4; 20:16–17, 32–34, 42; 2 Samuel 1:26–27; 21:7
June 28	Amos, the Courageous Prophet	Amos 1:1; 2:11–12; 3:7–8; 7:10–15

Unit 2: Faithful Witnesses Say “Yes” to Jesus

Date	Title	Bible Text
July 5	The Believing Centurion	Matthew 8:5–13
July 12	Simon Peter, the Restored Disciple	Mark 8:27–29; Luke 22:31–34; John 18:25–27; 21:15–17
July 19	Zacchaeus, the Repentant Tax Collector	Luke 19:1–10
July 26	Mary, the Loyal Mother	Luke 2:15–19; John 2:1–5; 19:25–27

Unit 3: Faithful Witnesses Spread the Good News

Date	Title	Bible Text
August 2	Thomas, the Hesitant Believer	John 11:14–16; 14:5–8; 20:24–29; 21:1–2
August 9	Stephen, the Unwavering Martyr	Acts 6:7–10; 7:54–60
August 16	Saul of Tarsus, the Unlikely Apostle	Acts 22:3–15
August 23	Timothy, a Leader with a Legacy	2 Timothy 1:1–6; 3:14–16
August 30	Lydia, the Generous Hostess	Acts 16:11–15, 40