Who Told These Things

Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened. (Luke 24:10-12)

That morning the tomb was empty, the stone had been rolled away, angels had appeared, and Jesus was alive – just as He said.

That was the message the women returned with to tell the apostles. But rather than spark instant joy or celebration, their message was met with skepticism. “These words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them.”

In a time and culture where the testimony of women was often dismissed, the reaction was, sadly, predictable. But what’s remarkable is that despite the culture, the women shared anyway. They didn’t let their cultural position, gender, or the fear of being disbelieved stop them from speaking the truth. They had seen and heard something life-changing, and it compelled them to share.

That’s the essence of a testimony: it isn’t about convincing others—it’s about faithfully declaring what God has done. The responsibility of belief lies with the hearer.

And in this passage, we see two distinct responses. Most of the apostles dismissed the women’s words. But Peter – impulsive, passionate, imperfect Peter – ran. He didn’t argue, he didn’t wait – he ran to see for himself. And though he didn’t yet fully understand, Scripture says he “went home marveling.”

Who We Tell

The same is true today. When we share what God has done in our lives – how He has rescued, healed, redeemed, or transformed us – some will dismiss it. They’ll label it wishful thinking, coincidence, or even delusion. But others will hear, and something in them will stir. They may not believe fully in that moment, but they’ll be drawn to investigate and search for truth; and the Spirit of God will work through that curiosity.

So, keep sharing.

Don’t be silenced by the fear of rejection. Don’t let someone else’s potential unbelief prevent you from proclaiming your testimony of truth and hope. You’re not responsible for converting people, but you have been called to faithfully share the gospel. Some will hear and believe, and others will hear and reject – but the response of others shouldn’t shape our faithfulness to the call of God.

My friend has a tattoo of a quote that is a great reminder; it says, “Your story could be the key that unlocks someone else’s prison.” Your story, like the women at the tomb, can be used by God in the lives of others – but that requires actually sharing those testimonies of how God has worked in your life.

As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 1:27-29, “God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise… so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.” God delights in using unexpected messengers to proclaim His power. And yes, sometimes it is a humbling experience every time you share certain testimonies, especially if God corrected you in something – but it not only has the opportunity for God to use that in someone else’s life, but it further cements the lesson God taught you in the first place.

Your testimony matters.

Even if it’s dismissed as “an idle tale,” speak it anyway. Someone like Peter may be listening and end up running toward Jesus because of what you share.