Daybreak: Acts 21:18 through 22:30

When Paul said he had been a student of Gamaliel, he was trying to establish credibility with his audience.

His comment carried a great deal of weight in the Jewish community.

The Pharisees paid particular attention to the Jewish oral law, which they depended upon to fill the gaps in the written commandments, and Gamaliel was well known as a wise man and teacher who was moderate in his viewpoint.

Paul probably had been in Jerusalem to study when he was between the ages of 14 and 20.

Consequently, he had a noteworthy education.

In the culinary world, he would be one who did have a direct connection to Escoffier.

Paul wanted credibility with his audience because he wanted to present Jesus and he earnestly desired that those listening would believe what he said.

He used his education from Gamaliel as a device to establish his credentials.

But the majority of his declaration on this particular day was his own testimony of conversion.

There's great power in a testimony.

While our educations and testimonies may not seem as outstanding as Paul's, God can still use them.

When we are born again, we have a direct connection with Jesus.

His love can shine through when others hear about how we came to know him.

This is the reason for sharing what God has done for us.

May He help us to give our testimonies whenever we have an opportunity.