To Make a Solemn Declaration (διαμαρτύρομαι)
The word διαμαρτύρομαι (diamarturomai) expresses the concept of a thorough testimony. It conveys a solemn declaration of truth or an authoritative exhortation concerning a matter of extraordinary importance.
The importance of listening to and heeding the truth while a person is alive is expressed by Jesus through His declaration of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19–31. The rich man did not listen to Moses or the Prophets; instead, he enjoyed the good things he possessed (Luke 16:25). In contrast, Lazarus did believe them. After their deaths, the rich man is found in the lowest Sheol, while Lazarus is in paradise. As the rich man begs Abraham to send Lazarus to his father’s house for the sake of his brothers, Abraham states that they have Moses and the Prophets. Therefore, even if someone were raised from the dead, they would not change their minds if they had not already listened to the evidence presented to them concerning life and punishment (Luke 16:29–31). No amount of miracles, or incredible events will change a person’s minds who is not willing to heed to the truth already revealed in Scripture.
On the day of Pentecost, after the Holy Spirit came upon all the disciples in the upper room, enabling them to speak in different dialects as a sign to the Jews in Jerusalem, Peter addressed the crowd that had been drawn by the sound of a rushing mighty wind that filled the house when the Holy Spirit came. After explaining to them what was happening—using the Prophet Joel to clarify what they were hearing—Peter solemnly declares to them to be saved from this perverse generation (Acts 2:40).
As the Lord began to spread out the message of the resurrection from Jerusalem, Philip the evangelist went down to Samaria and proclaimed the resurrected Christ to them (Acts 8:5). Through signs and wonders, God confirmed to the Samaritans that Philip’s message was from Him (Acts 8:6–7). When the Apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the Word of God, they sent Peter and John (Acts 8:14). When Peter and John laid hands on those who had been immersed because of their belief, they received the Holy Spirit—signifying to the Jews that God was accepting them into the Church. Although the Samaritans were not Gentiles, they were considered a lower class of Jew due to their mixed heritage with other nations. After Peter and John had thoroughly testified concerning the Word of the Lord in all the villages of the Samaritans, they returned to Jerusalem (Acts 8:25).
Paul’s desire to go to Jerusalem burned within him, as he longed to be there for the Day of Pentecost (Acts 20:16). As he traveled through the cities, the Holy Spirit solemnly declared to him that chains and tribulations awaited him if he continued toward Jerusalem (Acts 20:23). Rather than heeding the Holy Spirit’s warning, Paul chose to press on, which led to him being beaten by the Jews—almost to the point of death—and imprisoned by the Romans for two years. However, even in his carnality, God did not forsake Paul. Instead, He used the situation to bring Paul to Rome, where he solemnly testified of the Lord (Acts 23:11).
Paul solemnly testified to the Thessalonians that it is the desirous will of God for those of the Church to abstain from fornication. They are not to walk as the Gentiles, who do not know God and who walk in the passions of their strong desires (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5). No one among the saints is to take advantage of another saint in this matter, for God did not call us to uncleanliness, but to be set apart (1 Thessalonians 4:6-7).
Paul solemnly testifies to Timothy that he is to do all things without prejudice or partiality (1 Timothy 5:21). We would do well to heed Paul’s instructions. We are to be cautious about whom we fellowship with, not sharing in another’s sin (1 Timothy 5:22). Some men’s sins are evident, while others follow later (1 Timothy 5:24). Therefore, we must be cautious about whom we associate and fellowship with, apart from partiality or prejudice.
We are solemnly charged not to strive over words that have no profit for the hearer—debating matters that bring no clarity of meaning. Instead, we are to present ourselves as unashamed workmen, rightly dividing the Word of truth (2 Timothy 2:14–15). We are to shun profane and idle babbling, for it increases ungodliness, and its message spreads like cancer (2 Timothy 2:16–17). Idle babbling consists of things that contradict the truth while falsely claiming to be of the truth (1 Timothy 6:20). Through this kind of speech, some have claimed that the resurrection has already happened, thereby overthrowing the faith of some (2 Timothy 2:18).