The real value of a witness depends upon the faithfulness and truth of his testimony. A witness is one who sees an event and can report it to others, often in a formal or legally necessary context, where one's observation is likely to be the basis of subsequent testimony. In the Old Testament, the word witness, derived from the Hebrew root word "ed," meaning to repeat or re-assert, is used primarily in contexts similar to today's understanding. God grants to His Two Witnesses the privilege and strength to proclaim the truth they are commissioned to communicate as His witnesses to mankind. They will publicly preach or maintain the truth before the world, as God has revealed it. God's protection is promised to those who obey Him, according to His will, and as part of His witness protection program, if anyone wants to harm the Two Witnesses, fire proceeds from their mouth and devours their enemies. In the Kingdom of God, the saints will continue to be witnesses of God's way of life, overcoming satan by the blood of Christ and by the word of their testimony. Individually and collectively, we are to witness by our works that our God is God. Our good or bad witness is made through producing good or bad works, and good works will glorify God if we are a reliable and accurate witness of His way of life. We have a tremendous individual responsibility to witness for God by our example, as witnessing is not a spare-time occupation but a quality of life.

Witnesses play a crucial role in trials, providing testimony, evidence, and personal experiences to establish truth. They come from diverse backgrounds, offering varied perspectives through eyewitness accounts, expert opinions, or character validations. Without witnesses, a case often fails, as their testimony is essential to proving facts. In the same way, God has called each of us to be a witness of Him and for Him before the world. Though we may not all witness in the same manner or to the same extent, we are all tasked with this responsibility. Witnessing is a fundamental principle of Christian living, requiring conscious effort to glorify God. The biblical terms for witness, such as 'ed and 'ud in the Old Testament, carry a legal connotation of attesting to observed facts, often through repetition to ensure the truth is known. These words also extend to meanings like admonishing, warning, assuring, or relieving, depending on the nature of the testimony. In the New Testament, the Greek term 'martus' similarly denotes giving testimony or providing proof, primarily in a judicial sense, before extending to the concept of martyrdom. Scriptural examples illustrate this duty of witnessing. Boaz, in redeeming Ruth and Elimelech's property, secured ten elders as witnesses to validate the transaction, ensuring legal integrity. Similarly, Jesus chose twelve men to observe His life, death, and resurrection, commissioning them to testify of these events to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the entire world. Their intimate knowledge and irreproachable testimony enabled them to proclaim what they had seen and heard, turning the world upside down with their witness. The apostles, such as Peter in his sermon to the Gentiles, emphasized their role as witnesses to Christ's actions and teachings, extending their testimony beyond His ascension to include His ongoing works through the Holy Spirit. John, in his writings, passionately affirmed his firsthand experience of seeing, hearing, and touching Christ, underscoring the reality of his witness. Witnessing often involves speech, sharing personal experiences of God's work in one's life, whether to fellow believers or to the world. However, non-verbal witnessing through behavior can be even more powerful. Keeping the Sabbath, for instance, serves as a universal sign distinguishing true Christians, pointing others to the Creator. Everyday actions, such as helping others or adhering to godly principles in public life, also testify of God's influence, often without a word spoken. The testimony we hold is precious, something to be grasped with strength and maintained as a divine duty. It is not merely recounting trivial events but bearing witness to a way of life, often through living it rather than preaching it. God's commandments, such as not taking His name in vain and not bearing false witness, directly impact this responsibility, charging us to represent Him worthily before the world. God called Israel as His witnesses, granting them His law and revealing Himself through miracles, expecting them to testify of His uniqueness and power. Though many failed, some, like Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Moses, bore faithful witness through their actions, leaving a legacy for us to follow. This burden has now been transferred to the church, as God declares us His witnesses, binding us to testify of Him through both speech and conduct. Our Savior commands us to shine as lights before men through good works and godly behavior, bringing glory to God. By imitating Christ, conquering sin, and growing in righteousness, we fulfill this call to witness, reflecting His way of life in all we do.

The concept of witness weaves through the narrative of Christ's life and mission with profound significance. John the Baptist bore witness to Christ, affirming His divine purpose. Those who benefit from Christ's work become witnesses by default, blessed by the fruits of the Spirit through His followers. The disciples who saw the resurrection hold a unique status as witnesses, akin to direct signatories of a testament, their testimony often leading to martyrdom. In Revelation, the Greek word for witness, "martyrs," already carried deep meaning during Christ's time, indicating that those who testified to His saving death might seal their witness with their own lives, a sacrifice imbued with purpose. The events surrounding Christ's arrest, trial, and crucifixion, far from random, were predetermined and prophetically foretold by God, each detail bearing lessons about His work and the atonement. The story of Barabbas, present in all four gospels, underscores the theme of witness, illustrating the choice between worldly rebellion and divine innocence, and reflecting the human condition before salvation. Barabbas, representing every sinner, witnessed Christ taking his place on the cross, a vivid picture of substitution and redemption. Pilate's challenge to "Behold the Man!" during Christ's trial invites a witness to His innocence, bravery, and majesty, even in suffering. The varied reactions of Pilate, the crowd, and others to Christ's presence reveal the nature of human witness—some in awe, others in hatred or indifference. The testimonies of God, Christ Himself, angels, demons, and human witnesses like the gospel writers, John the Baptist, and the disciples, all affirm His deity, forming a great cloud of witnesses. The parables of the Ten Virgins, the Talents, and the Sheep and Goats further call for a personal witness, urging readiness and faithful service to Christ. The question persists: what kind of witness are we? As God declares in Isaiah, "Therefore you are My witnesses, that I am God," the call to witness is both a privilege and a responsibility, shaping not Christ's destiny, but our own.