Acts 13:31

And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.

And he {G3739} was seen {G3700} many {G1909}{G4119} days {G2250} of them which came up with {G4872} him {G846} from {G575} Galilee {G1056} to {G1519} Jerusalem {G2419}, who {G3748} are {G1526} his {G846} witnesses {G3144} unto {G4314} the people {G2992}.

He appeared for many days to those who had come up with him from the Galil to Yerushalayim; and they are now his witnesses to the people.

and for many days He was seen by those who had accompanied Him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now His witnesses to our people.

and he was seen for many days of them that came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his witnesses unto the people.

Commentary

Acts 13:31 is a pivotal verse within Paul's sermon in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch, serving as direct evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It underscores the credibility and purpose of the early apostles.

Context

This verse is part of Paul’s comprehensive historical overview, tracing God’s faithfulness from Abraham through the kings of Israel, culminating in the coming of Jesus Christ. Paul has just declared that God raised Jesus from the dead (Acts 13:30). Verse 31 provides the crucial substantiation for this astounding claim: that Jesus appeared to many credible witnesses over an extended period. This testimony formed the bedrock of the early Christian message, particularly for a Jewish audience who would value reliable witness accounts of such significant events.

Key Themes

  • The Verifiable Reality of the Resurrection: The phrase "seen many days" emphasizes that Jesus' post-resurrection appearances were not fleeting visions or isolated incidents, but sustained and numerous encounters. This provides compelling proof of His physical return from the dead, addressing potential skepticism.
  • Credibility of Eyewitness Testimony: The witnesses are identified as "them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem," referring to Jesus' closest disciples and followers. These were individuals who had spent years with Him, knew Him intimately, and were therefore highly qualified to attest to His identity and resurrection. Their shared journey from Galilee to Jerusalem highlights their consistent fellowship with Him.
  • The Apostolic Commission: The declaration "who are his witnesses unto the people" clarifies the divine mandate given to these individuals. They were not merely observers, but divinely appointed proclaimers of the truth of Christ's resurrection. This aligns with Jesus' Great Commission, where He empowered His followers to be witnesses of Him to the ends of the earth.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "witnesses" is martyres (μάρτυρες), from which we derive the English word "martyr." This term implies not just someone who observed an event, but one who is prepared to testify to that truth, even to the point of suffering or death. This emphasizes the profound conviction and commitment of the apostles to the truth of Jesus' resurrection. The phrase "many days" (ἐπὶ ἡμέρας πλείους - epi hēmeras pleious) further underscores the prolonged and undeniable nature of the post-resurrection appearances, leaving no room for doubt or misinterpretation of the facts.

Practical Application

Acts 13:31 reminds believers that the Christian faith is founded on historical fact, particularly the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This verse encourages us to trust in the reliable testimony of those who personally encountered the risen Lord. Furthermore, just as the early disciples were commissioned as "witnesses," all believers today are called to share the good news of Christ's resurrection and its transformative power. Our testimony, though not based on eyewitness accounts of His physical resurrection, is rooted in the biblical narrative and our personal experience of His living presence.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 1:3

    To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

  • Luke 24:48

    And ye are witnesses of these things.

  • Matthew 28:16

    ¶ Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:5

    And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:

  • 1 Corinthians 15:7

    After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.

  • 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 1:11

    Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
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