Acts 10:39

KJV

And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} we {G2249} are {G2070} witnesses {G3144} of all things {G3956} which {G3739} he did {G4160} both {G5037} in {G1722} the land {G5561} of the Jews {G2453}, and {G2532} in {G1722} Jerusalem {G2419}; whom {G3739} they slew {G337} and hanged {G2910} on {G1909} a tree {G3586}:

Complete Jewish Bible

“As for us, we are witnesses of everything he did, both in the Judean countryside and in Yerushalayim. They did away with him by hanging him on a stake;

Berean Standard Bible

We are witnesses of all that He did, both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem. And although they put Him to death by hanging Him on a tree,

American Standard Version

And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the country of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom also they slew, hanging him on a tree.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 10:39 encapsulates Peter's eyewitness testimony to Cornelius and his household, summarizing the public ministry of Jesus Christ across Judea and Jerusalem, culminating in His violent crucifixion. This verse serves as a foundational declaration of the historical facts of the Gospel, emphasizing the apostles' role as authoritative witnesses to the events that transpired, particularly the brutal manner of Jesus's death at the hands of those who rejected Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 10:39 is a pivotal statement within Peter's sermon to Cornelius's household, a moment that marks the decisive opening of the Gospel to Gentiles. Following Peter's transformative vision of the sheet with unclean animals and his subsequent obedience to the Spirit's leading to visit Cornelius, he begins to articulate the core message of the Christian faith. This verse, along with the preceding and succeeding verses, forms the *kerygma*—the essential proclamation of Jesus's life, death, resurrection, and lordship. It immediately follows Peter's declaration that God shows no partiality [Acts 10:34-35](/acts/10-34-35 "Acts 10:34-35 - God Shows No Partiality"), setting the stage for the universal application of the Gospel. The summary of Jesus's ministry and death in this verse leads directly into the resurrection and the call to faith in [Acts 10:40-43](/acts/10-40-43 "Acts 10:40-43 - The Resurrection and Call to Faith"), culminating in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Gentiles, mirroring Pentecost.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Acts 10 unfold in Caesarea, a Roman city and the administrative capital of Judea, highlighting the intersection of Jewish and Roman cultures. Cornelius, a Roman centurion, represents the Gentile world, while Peter, a Jew, embodies the initial focus of the Gospel. The "land of the Jews" (Judea) and "Jerusalem" denote the primary geographical and spiritual centers of Jesus's earthly ministry. The crucifixion, described as being "hanged on a tree," was a common, brutal form of execution employed by the Roman Empire, designed to inflict maximum suffering and public humiliation. For a Jewish audience, the phrase "hanged on a tree" would immediately evoke the curse of [Deuteronomy 21:22-23](/deuteronomy/21-22-23 "Deuteronomy 21:22-23 - The Curse of Being Hanged on a Tree"), which declared that anyone hung on a tree was "accursed of God." This cultural and theological nuance would have been deeply significant, implying that Jesus, in His death, bore the curse on behalf of humanity.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes in the book of Acts. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Eyewitness Testimony**, establishing the apostolic message as grounded in verifiable historical events, not myths. Peter's declaration "we are witnesses" echoes the mandate given by Jesus to His disciples to be His witnesses [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission"). Secondly, it highlights the **Universality of the Gospel**, as Peter, a Jew, is now proclaiming the Jewish Messiah to Gentiles, breaking down the long-standing barrier between them [Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Breaks Down Barriers"). Thirdly, the explicit mention of Jesus's death by hanging on a tree points to the central theme of **Christ's Atoning Sacrifice**. This specific phrasing, drawing on Old Testament imagery, emphasizes the substitutionary nature of Jesus's death, where He bore the curse of sin for humanity, a concept further developed in Pauline theology [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeems Us from the Curse").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **witnesses (Greek, _mártys'_):** This term refers to one who gives testimony, either judicially or figuratively, based on personal knowledge or experience. In the New Testament, it often carries the connotation of one who suffers or dies for their testimony, hence the English word "martyr." Here, Peter emphasizes the apostles' direct, personal observation of Jesus's life and death, lending irrefutable credibility to their message.
* **slew (Greek, _anairéō'_):** This verb means "to take up," but by implication, "to take away violently," "to abolish," or "to murder." It describes the act of putting someone to death, often with a sense of violence or execution. Its use here starkly conveys the deliberate and brutal act of killing Jesus.
* **hanged (Greek, _kremánnymi'_):** This word means "to hang" or "to suspend." In this context, it specifically refers to the act of crucifixion, but by choosing this particular verb and the following noun "tree," Peter evokes the Old Testament concept of being hung on a tree as a sign of divine curse.
* **tree (Greek, _xýlon'_):** Literally meaning "timber," "wood," or "stick," this term is used here to refer to the cross. Its deliberate choice over a more explicit term for "cross" (like *stauros*) is significant. As noted above, it directly alludes to the Septuagint translation of [Deuteronomy 21:22-23](/deuteronomy/21-22-23 "Deuteronomy 21:22-23 - Cursed is Everyone Hanged on a Tree"), emphasizing the theological implication that Jesus bore the curse of God for humanity's sin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And we are witnesses of all things which he did":** This opening clause establishes the authority and authenticity of Peter's message. The apostles were not purveyors of hearsay but direct, firsthand observers of Jesus's entire ministry. This eyewitness testimony forms the bedrock of the apostolic preaching, ensuring the historical veracity of the Gospel.
* **"both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem;":** This phrase delineates the geographical scope of Jesus's public ministry. His works, teachings, and miracles were not confined to a hidden corner but were performed openly across Judea and culminated in Jerusalem, the religious and political heart of the Jewish world. This highlights the public and verifiable nature of His actions.
* **"whom they slew and hanged on a tree:":** This stark declaration directly addresses the crucifixion of Jesus, emphasizing its violent and public nature. "They" refers to the Jewish leaders and Roman authorities who conspired in His death. The phrase "hanged on a tree" is a deliberate theological statement, echoing the Old Testament curse for those executed in this manner, thereby implicitly presenting Jesus as bearing the curse of sin for humanity, a profound act of substitutionary atonement.

#### Literary Devices
Peter's sermon in Acts 10:39 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Eyewitness Testimony**, which functions as a rhetorical appeal to authority and credibility. By stating "we are witnesses," Peter grounds his theological claims in verifiable historical facts, lending immense weight to his proclamation. There is also a strong element of **Allusion** through the phrase "hanged on a tree." This specific wording is a direct intertextual reference to [Deuteronomy 21:22-23](/deuteronomy/21-22-23 "Deuteronomy 21:22-23 - The Curse of Being Hanged on a Tree") in the Old Testament (specifically the Septuagint translation), which states that anyone hanged on a tree is "accursed of God." This allusion immediately communicates a profound theological truth to a Jewish audience (and by extension, to Cornelius who is being taught Jewish concepts), implying that Jesus bore the divine curse for humanity's sin. The verse also uses **Conciseness** to deliver a profound summary of Jesus's ministry and death, packing immense historical and theological weight into a single, impactful sentence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 10:39 is a cornerstone of the apostolic *kerygma*, demonstrating that the Gospel is not a myth but a historical reality attested by credible witnesses. The theological significance of Jesus being "hanged on a tree" is profound, linking His death directly to the Old Testament concept of bearing a curse. This imagery foreshadows the New Testament understanding of Christ's substitutionary atonement, where He became a curse for us to redeem us from the curse of the law. This pivotal moment in Acts, where Peter articulates these truths to Gentiles, underscores God's universal plan of salvation, extending grace beyond the boundaries of Israel to all who believe.

* [Acts 5:30](/acts/5-30 "Acts 5:30 - Jesus Hanged on a Tree")
* [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeems Us from the Curse of the Law")
* [1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - He Bore Our Sins in His Body on the Tree")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 10:39 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, reminding us of the historical bedrock upon which our faith is built. The apostles were not sharing fables but recounting what they had personally seen and heard, providing an unshakable foundation for the Gospel. For us today, this underscores the importance of knowing the core facts of Jesus's life, death, and resurrection, which are not mere stories but verifiable historical events. Furthermore, the stark reality of Jesus being "hanged on a tree" compels us to confront the depth of His sacrifice—He bore the curse and shame that we deserved, offering us redemption and reconciliation with God. This verse also serves as a powerful reminder of the universal scope of the Gospel, as Peter's sermon to Cornelius opened the door for all people, regardless of background, to receive salvation through faith in Christ. We are called to be witnesses, just as the apostles were, sharing the Good News of Jesus's life, death, and resurrection with clarity and conviction, understanding that our message is rooted in divine truth and historical fact.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does knowing that the apostles were "witnesses" of Jesus's life and death strengthen your faith in the Gospel's historical accuracy?**
* **In what ways does the phrase "hanged on a tree" deepen your understanding of Jesus's sacrificial death and its redemptive power?**
* **How can you, as a modern-day believer, effectively bear witness to "all things which he did" in your own context?**

### FAQ

**Why is the phrase "hanged on a tree" used instead of "crucified"?**

Answer: The phrase "hanged on a tree" (Greek: *epi xylou*) is a deliberate and theologically significant choice. While Jesus was indeed crucified, this specific phrasing directly alludes to the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament) version of [Deuteronomy 21:22-23](/deuteronomy/21-22-23 "Deuteronomy 21:22-23 - The Curse of Being Hanged on a Tree"), which states that "anyone who is hung on a tree is under God's curse." By using this language, Peter and other New Testament writers (e.g., [Acts 5:30](/acts/5-30 "Acts 5:30 - Jesus Hanged on a Tree"), [Acts 13:29](/acts/13-29 "Acts 13:29 - Jesus Hanged on a Tree"), [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeems Us from the Curse of the Law")) emphasize that Jesus, in His crucifixion, bore the curse of sin that humanity deserved. It highlights the substitutionary nature of His death, where He became a curse for us to redeem us from the curse of the law.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 10:39, while explicitly detailing the historical reality of Jesus's ministry and death, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the profound theological implications of His crucifixion. The declaration that "they slew and hanged on a tree" is not merely a historical report but a powerful statement of Christ's redemptive work. This imagery directly points to Jesus as the one who bore the curse of sin, fulfilling the prophetic shadows of the Old Testament. As [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeems Us from the Curse of the Law") proclaims, "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us; for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.'" Thus, the "tree" on which Jesus was hanged becomes the instrument of salvation, transforming an act of human wickedness into the means of divine grace. His death, witnessed by the apostles, is the ultimate demonstration of God's love and justice, providing a way for both Jew and Gentile to be reconciled to God through faith in the crucified and risen Christ, as Peter goes on to explain in [Acts 10:43](/acts/10-43 "Acts 10:43 - Forgiveness of Sins Through His Name").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 24:48

And ye are witnesses of these things.

Acts 10:41

Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, [even] to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

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.

1 Peter 2:24

Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

Acts 2:32

This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.

Acts 5:30

The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.

Acts 5:32

And we are his witnesses of these things; and [so is] also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.