Acts 2:32
This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
Original Language Analysis
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
3 of 11
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ἀνέστησεν
hath
G450
ἀνέστησεν
hath
Strong's:
G450
Word #:
4 of 11
to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεός
God
G2316
θεός
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
6 of 11
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
Cross References
Acts 3:15And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.Acts 1:8But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.Acts 1:22Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.Acts 2:24Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.Acts 4:33And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
Historical Context
This statement, delivered 50 days post-resurrection, appealed to recent public events Jesus' crucifixion and reported resurrection appearances. The apostles' willingness to die for this testimony (all but John were martyred) validates their sincerity. Ancient courts valued eyewitness testimony above circumstantial evidence.
Questions for Reflection
- What difference does eyewitness testimony make for Christianity's credibility compared to philosophical systems?
- How does the resurrection transform believers from fearful to bold in witness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Peter's climactic declaration 'This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses' combines theological assertion with eyewitness testimony. The emphatic 'This Jesus' (Greek 'touton ton Iēsoun') identifies the historical Jesus of Nazareth with the resurrected Christ. The phrase 'we all are witnesses' (Greek 'martures') claims firsthand knowledge, establishing apostolic authority. Resurrection transforms disciples from frightened deserters to bold proclaimers.