He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen. (Acts 10:41)
Expanded Passage: Acts 10:39-44
Brett asked God to use him to share the gospel with just one person. That person was my friend Tom, who not only began to follow Jesus, but has been used by God to lead many to Christ. While Brett’s prayer started with a small, personal goal, he proved a faithful witness. God was then able to use Tom to spread the gospel to hundreds of people. It’s tempting to seek ways of ministering that reach huge crowds, but sometimes reaching out to one person can be equally effective.
While Jesus spoke to crowds of all sizes, we find his most important messages entrusted to a few followers. He taught us to never underestimate the value of investing in small groups and individuals. After Jesus rose from the dead, he could have appeared to all of Jerusalem, but he didn’t. He proved his resurrection to a few followers, ate with them, and commissioned them to tell others. The story of Jesus was passed on personally to individuals and small groups. While we rightly celebrate the dramatic conversion on Pentecost, Peter’s personal sermon to the friends and family of Cornelius continued the spread of the gospel on a small but effective scale.
God can multiply and expand our relationships, small though they may be. Faithfulness in these small interactions added up to significant growth in the early church and puts us in good company.
Ask God to help you witness through interactions great and small.
Ed C. previously served as a Light from the Word devotional writer.
© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
