Acts 13:31

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Acts 13:31 stands as a foundational declaration within Paul's sermon in Pisidian Antioch, providing irrefutable evidence for the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. It highlights the sustained nature of Jesus' post-resurrection appearances to a specific, credible group of eyewitnesses—His Galilean disciples—who were subsequently commissioned to bear public testimony to this transformative truth among all people. This verse underscores the historical veracity of the resurrection, which is central to the apostolic message and the Christian faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Paul's powerful evangelistic sermon delivered in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch, a pivotal moment in his first missionary journey. Paul's discourse systematically traces God's redemptive plan through Israel's history, from Abraham to David, culminating in the promised Messiah, Jesus. Having just declared that God raised Jesus from the dead after His crucifixion (a truth proclaimed in [Acts 13:30](/acts/13-30 "Acts 13:30 - God Raised Jesus")), verse 31 serves as the crucial substantiation for this extraordinary claim. It provides the empirical evidence—the eyewitness accounts—that validate the resurrection, making it a verifiable historical event rather than mere theological assertion. The subsequent verses (e.g., [Acts 13:32-37](/acts/13-32-37 "Acts 13:32-37 - The Fulfillment of Prophecy")) then elaborate on the theological implications of the resurrection, connecting it to Old Testament prophecies and the promise of forgiveness of sins through Jesus.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient world, especially within Jewish legal tradition, the testimony of multiple credible witnesses was paramount for establishing truth and validating claims (see [Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - Two or Three Witnesses")). Paul, addressing a Jewish audience in the synagogue, understood the critical importance of presenting verifiable evidence for the resurrection. The reference to witnesses "from Galilee to Jerusalem" speaks to the common practice of pilgrimage and travel between these regions, making the disciples' consistent companionship with Jesus throughout His ministry, culminating in Jerusalem, a powerful indicator of their intimate knowledge of Him. The post-resurrection appearances, spanning "many days," would have allowed ample time for verification, interaction, and the dispelling of any notions of fleeting visions or mistaken identity, thereby strengthening the credibility of the witnesses in a culture that valued direct observation and communal affirmation.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 13:31 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Acts and broader New Testament theology. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces **The Verifiable Reality of the Resurrection**, presenting Jesus' post-resurrection appearances not as isolated or ambiguous events, but as sustained, tangible encounters, crucial for establishing the historical foundation of Christianity. Secondly, it underscores the **Credibility and Authority of Eyewitness Testimony**, emphasizing that the core message of the Gospel is rooted in the reliable accounts of those who personally knew and saw the risen Lord. This theme is central to the apostolic proclamation throughout Acts, as seen in Peter's sermon in [Acts 2](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - The Day of Pentecost") and the apostles' consistent witness. Finally, the verse highlights **The Apostolic Commission to Witness**, clarifying that these individuals were not merely passive observers but divinely appointed heralds of the resurrection, fulfilling the mandate given by Jesus Himself to be His "witnesses" (as detailed in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Be Witnesses")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **seen (Greek, _optánomai'_):** This verb (G3700) signifies a deliberate, conscious act of seeing, often implying a remarkable or significant observation. It's not a casual glance but a gaze, a wide-open-eyed perception, suggesting that Jesus' appearances were not fleeting or ambiguous, but clear, observable events. This choice of word underscores the objective reality of the appearances, emphasizing that the witnesses truly perceived Him.
* **many days (Greek, _pleíōn hēméra'_):** The phrase combines G4119 (_pleíōn_), meaning "more in quantity or number," with G2250 (_hēméra_), meaning "day" or a "time period." Together, "many days" denotes a prolonged period of time, not just a single instance or a brief encounter. This duration is crucial for discrediting any claims of hallucination, mistaken identity, or fleeting visions, as it implies repeated, sustained interactions between the risen Christ and His disciples, allowing for full verification and certainty.
* **witnesses (Greek, _mártys'_):** This noun (G3144) refers to someone who has observed an event and is prepared to testify to its truth, even to the point of suffering or death. From this word, we derive "martyr." In this context, it emphasizes not just the act of seeing, but the subsequent calling and commitment to proclaim what was seen. The disciples were not just observers; they were divinely appointed proclaimers of the resurrection, ready to validate their testimony with their lives.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he was seen many days":** This clause establishes the central fact of Jesus' post-resurrection appearances, emphasizing both their reality and their duration. The passive voice ("was seen") highlights that Jesus initiated these encounters, making Himself visible. The phrase "many days" underscores that these were not isolated, fleeting visions but sustained, repeated interactions over an extended period (traditionally 40 days, as noted in [Acts 1:3](/acts/1-3 "Acts 1:3 - Jesus' Post-Resurrection Appearances")), allowing the disciples ample time to confirm His identity and the reality of His physical resurrection.
* **"of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem":** This identifies the specific group of individuals who served as the primary witnesses: Jesus' closest disciples and followers. Their shared journey "from Galilee to Jerusalem" signifies their intimate and consistent companionship with Jesus throughout His earthly ministry, from its inception in Galilee to its culmination in Jerusalem. This continuous association made them uniquely qualified and credible observers of His life, death, and resurrection, distinguishing their testimony from that of casual acquaintances.
* **"who are his witnesses unto the people":** This final clause clarifies the divine mandate and purpose of these eyewitnesses. They were not merely passive observers of a past event but divinely commissioned agents, called to actively proclaim the truth of Jesus' resurrection to a broader audience, "unto the people." This highlights the evangelistic imperative inherent in the resurrection: it is a truth to be shared, forming the bedrock of the Christian message and the church's mission to all nations.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Eyewitness Testimony** is the foundational device, as the entire verse centers on the credibility of those who personally observed the risen Christ. This is reinforced by the **Emphasis** on the duration ("many days") and the specific identity ("them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem") of the witnesses, lending weight and verifiability to their accounts. The phrase "who are his witnesses unto the people" functions as a clear statement of **Commissioning**, transforming the observers into active proclaimers, highlighting their divinely appointed role. Furthermore, the verse uses **Conciseness** to pack a powerful theological and historical claim into a single, impactful statement, making it memorable and authoritative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 13:31 is a cornerstone for understanding the historical and theological foundation of the Christian faith. It asserts that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is not a myth or a spiritualized concept, but a verifiable historical event, attested by those who knew Him intimately and saw Him after His death. This historical grounding is crucial because it means Christianity is not based on mere philosophy or abstract ideas, but on the concrete actions of God in history, culminating in the triumph over death. The verse also underscores the divine authority and necessity of the apostolic witness, establishing the credibility of the early church's proclamation. The resurrection is the ultimate vindication of Jesus' claims and the guarantee of the believer's future hope, making the witness to this event the central task of the early church and, by extension, all believers.

* [1 Corinthians 15:3-8](/1_corinthians/15-3-8 "1 Corinthians 15:3-8 - The Resurrection as Central to the Gospel")
* [Luke 24:44-48](/luke/24-44-48 "Luke 24:44-48 - The Fulfillment of Prophecy and the Call to Witness")
* [Acts 1:21-22](/acts/1-21-22 "Acts 1:21-22 - Qualifications for an Apostle")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 13:31 offers profound encouragement and a clear call to action for believers today. The historical certainty of Jesus' resurrection, attested by credible eyewitnesses over an extended period, provides an unshakeable foundation for our faith. In a world often skeptical of religious claims, this verse reminds us that Christianity is rooted in verifiable events, not just subjective experiences. This should bolster our confidence in the Gospel message and empower us to stand firm in our convictions. Furthermore, just as the early disciples were commissioned as "witnesses," we too are called to bear testimony to the risen Christ. While we are not eyewitnesses to His physical resurrection, we are witnesses to the transformative power of His life, death, and resurrection in our own lives and in the world around us. Our application involves both understanding the historical truth and actively participating in the ongoing mission of proclaiming it.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the emphasis on "many days" and specific eyewitnesses strengthen your personal conviction about the resurrection of Jesus?**
* **In what ways are you, as a modern believer, called to be a "witness" to the risen Christ in your daily life?**
* **What challenges do you face in sharing the historical truth of the resurrection, and how can understanding this verse equip you to overcome them?**

### FAQ
**Why is the duration "many days" significant in the context of Jesus' post-resurrection appearances?**

Answer: The phrase "many days" (traditionally understood as 40 days, per [Acts 1:3](/acts/1-3 "Acts 1:3 - Jesus' Post-Resurrection Appearances")) is profoundly significant because it refutes any claims that Jesus' appearances were mere fleeting visions, hallucinations, or isolated, unverified sightings. This extended period allowed the disciples ample time for repeated interactions, conversations, and even physical contact with the risen Christ, enabling them to fully confirm His identity and the reality of His bodily resurrection. It provided undeniable proof that He was truly alive, not a ghost or an illusion, thereby solidifying the basis for their future testimony.

**Who exactly are "them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem," and why is their identity important?**

Answer: This phrase refers primarily to Jesus' inner circle of disciples and other consistent followers who had accompanied Him throughout His public ministry, from its origins in Galilee to its climax in Jerusalem. Their identity is crucial because it establishes their credibility as eyewitnesses. These were not casual observers but individuals who had spent years with Jesus, knew Him intimately, and could therefore unequivocally identify Him after His resurrection. Their continuous association with Him throughout His earthly journey made their collective testimony particularly weighty and reliable, serving as the foundation for the apostolic message (as seen in [Acts 1:21-22](/acts/1-21-22 "Acts 1:21-22 - Qualifications for an Apostle")).

**What does it mean for these individuals to be "his witnesses unto the people"?**

Answer: To be "his witnesses unto the people" signifies a divinely appointed commission and a profound responsibility. It means they were not merely observers of a past event but were called to actively proclaim the truth of Jesus' resurrection to the broader public, both Jewish and Gentile. This aligns with Jesus' Great Commission, where He empowered His followers to be His witnesses "to the ends of the earth" (see [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Be Witnesses")). The term "witness" (Greek: _martys_) carries the connotation of someone prepared to testify to the truth, even at great personal cost, emphasizing the profound conviction and commitment required for their mission.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 13:31, with its emphasis on the verifiable post-resurrection appearances of Jesus, is profoundly Christ-centered, serving as the historical bedrock for the entire Christian message. The "many days" of appearances to His chosen witnesses confirm that Jesus truly conquered death, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's triumph (e.g., [Psalm 16:10](/psalms/16-10 "Psalm 16:10 - You Will Not Abandon My Soul to Sheol")). This physical resurrection is the ultimate vindication of Jesus' divine claims and His atoning work on the cross, demonstrating His power over sin and death (as articulated in [Romans 4:25](/romans/4-25 "Romans 4:25 - Jesus Was Raised for Our Justification")). The commissioning of these eyewitnesses as "his witnesses unto the people" directly flows from Christ's authority and purpose, establishing the foundation for the church's global mission to proclaim the good news of salvation found only in Him (see [Luke 24:46-47](/luke/24-46-47 "Luke 24:46-47 - Repentance and Forgiveness Proclaimed")). Thus, Acts 13:31 points unequivocally to Jesus as the living Lord, whose resurrection empowers His followers, validates His teachings, and guarantees the hope of eternal life for all who believe in Him (as promised in [John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus Is the Resurrection and the Life")).

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

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.