Bearing Witness in Acts and Today

by Troy M Troftgruben

Overview

Many people have mixed reactions to conventional ideas of "evangelism." And yet, in Scripture Jesus invites his followers to engage in faithful witness in the world. In a society as complicated as ours, where people have had many positive and negative experiences with Christianity, what does constructive and faithful witness look like? This book reengages the call of Jesus in Acts to bear witness faithfully. The book explores how witness takes shape in Acts, why that matters, and what that might mean for today. Each chapter focuses on Scripture passages from Acts, examples of the early church engaged in witness, and reflections on faithful witness today. Nearly all Scripture passages appear in the Revised Common Lectionary for worship, making them more familiar. Each chapter concludes with discussion questions, resources, and suggestions. These resources allow readers to engage in Scripture and reflection, as individuals and as communities, about faithful witness today. Bearing Witness in Acts and Today invites readers into deeper engagement with the story of Acts, the faithful witness of early church communities, and the call of Jesus for today.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781666754124
Publisher:	Cascade Books
Publication date:	05/16/2025
Pages:	180
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.42(d)

About the Author

Troy M. Troftgruben is associate professor of New Testament and the William A. & John E. Wagner Professor in Biblical Theology at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. He is an ordained pastor (ELCA) who served several years at Calvary Lutheran Church in Grand Forks, North Dakota. He is the author of Rooted and Renewing and A Conclusion Unhindered: A Study of the Ending of Acts.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“Anyone who reads this book will find help answering the call to be a witness for Jesus Christ. It names the reservations many have in speaking about faith and encourages the reader to find new ways to share the best thing the world has ever known. Troy’s work is biblically solid, theologically Lutheran, and practically helpful.”

—Phil Hirsch, executive director, ELCA Christion Community and Leadership



“A well-informed Bible scholar is a valuable guide for anyone eager to explore the ways ancient churches bear witness to Jesus Christ in the book of Acts. But you’re going to want a sensitive and experienced pastor on hand to help you grasp how the most engaging stories in Acts might inspire churches’ outreach today. Good thing Troy Troftgruben is both. His book combines his interpretive insight with his hunger for compassionate communities.”

—Matthew L. Skinner, Asher O. and Carrie Nasby Professor of New Testament, Luther Seminary



“It’s no secret that the ‘E’ word raises anxiety in many church pews. Bearing Witness in Acts and Today acknowledges this reality about evangelism but offers a refreshing perspective for the church’s call to witness the good news of Jesus. It is an ideal read for outreach committees and church leaders that desire to reclaim this discipleship practice in their congregations.”

—Miguel F. Gomez-Acosta, senior director, New Ministry Development and Evangelism, CCL



“This terrific book offers a fresh look at Jesus’ charge to his disciples to ’be my witnesses,’ deftly weaving scholarly insights from the Acts of the Apostles with reflections on the challenge of bearing witness in today’s world. This much needed volume will be a great help to anyone seeking ways to faithfully and holistically respond to Jesus’ call.”

—Cheryl M. Peterson, professor of ecumenical theology, Wartburg Theological Seminary

Editorial Reviews

Anyone who reads this book will find help answering the call to be a witness for Jesus Christ. It names the reservations many have in speaking about faith and encourages the reader to find new ways to share the best thing the world has ever known. Troy’s work is biblically solid, theologically Lutheran, and practically helpful.”

—Phil Hirsch, executive director, ELCA Christion Community and Leadership



“A well-informed Bible scholar is a valuable guide for anyone eager to explore the ways ancient churches bear witness to Jesus Christ in the book of Acts. But you’re going to want a sensitive and experienced pastor on hand to help you grasp how the most engaging stories in Acts might inspire churches’ outreach today. Good thing Troy Troftgruben is both. His book combines his interpretive insight with his hunger for compassionate communities.”

—Matthew L. Skinner, Asher O. and Carrie Nasby Professor of New Testament, Luther Seminary



“It’s no secret that the ‘E’ word raises anxiety in many church pews. Bearing Witness in Acts and Today acknowledges this reality about evangelism but offers a refreshing perspective for the church’s call to witness the good news of Jesus. It is an ideal read for outreach committees and church leaders that desire to reclaim this discipleship practice in their congregations.”

—Miguel F. Gomez-Acosta, senior director, New Ministry Development and Evangelism, CCL



“This terrific book offers a fresh look at Jesus’ charge to his disciples to ’be my witnesses,’ deftly weaving scholarly insights from the Acts of the Apostles with reflections on the challenge of bearing witness in today’s world. This much needed volume will be a great help to anyone seeking ways to faithfully and holistically respond to Jesus’ call.”

—Cheryl M. Peterson, professor of ecumenical theology, Wartburg Theological Seminary

From the Publisher