Acts 1:22

Beginning 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.

Beginning {G756} from {G575} the baptism {G908} of John {G2491}, unto {G2193} that same day {G2250} that {G3739} he was taken up {G353} from {G575} us {G2257}, must {G1163} one {G1520} be ordained {G1096} to be a witness {G3144} with {G4862} us {G2254} of his {G846} resurrection {G386}.

from the time Yochanan was immersing people until the day Yeshua was taken up from us — one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection.”

beginning from John’s baptism until the day Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”

beginning from the baptism of John, unto the day that he was received up from us, of these must one become a witness with us of his resurrection.

Context

Acts 1:22 is spoken by the Apostle Peter to the gathered disciples in Jerusalem, shortly after Jesus' ascension into heaven. The immediate purpose of this statement is to establish the criteria for selecting a replacement for Judas Iscariot, who had betrayed Jesus (Acts 1:18). Peter emphasizes the need for the new apostle to have been a continuous eyewitness throughout Jesus' public ministry.

Key Themes

  • Eyewitness Credibility: The verse highlights the paramount importance of firsthand, continuous observation for apostolic authority. The chosen individual needed to have been present from the very beginning of Jesus' public ministry, marked by John's baptism of Jesus, until the day of His ascension. This ensured the authenticity and reliability of their future testimony.
  • The Centrality of the Resurrection: The core qualification was to be a "witness...of his resurrection." This underscores that the resurrection of Jesus Christ was not merely one event among many, but the foundational truth and primary message of the early apostles. It validated Jesus' claims and confirmed His identity as the Son of God (Romans 1:4).
  • Apostolic Continuity: The disciples understood the necessity of maintaining the number and integrity of the apostolic office. This was crucial for leading the nascent church, establishing doctrine, and authoritatively proclaiming the Gospel message to the world.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "witness" is martys (μάρτυς). This term signifies someone who gives testimony based on what they have seen or heard, often at great personal risk or suffering. It is the root of our English word "martyr," indicating the potential for extreme sacrifice involved in bearing witness to Christ, even unto death. This emphasizes the profound commitment required of those who would testify to the resurrection.

Practical Application

While the specific call to be an apostle like the twelve was unique, the principles in Acts 1:22 hold enduring significance for all believers. We are all called to be witnesses of Christ in our own spheres of influence. Our testimony gains power and credibility when it is rooted in personal experience with Jesus and a clear understanding of the biblical truth concerning His life, death, and especially His resurrection. The resurrection remains the central hope and power of the Christian faith, which we are commissioned to share with the world.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 1:2

    Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:

  • Acts 1:8

    But 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 1:9

    And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

  • Acts 4:33

    And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

  • Mark 1:1

    ¶ The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;

  • Mark 1:8

    I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.

  • John 15:27

    And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.

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