Acts 2:32

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

This {G5126} Jesus {G2424} hath {G450} God {G2316} raised up {G450}, whereof {G3739} we {G2249} all {G3956} are {G2070} witnesses {G3144}.

Complete Jewish Bible

God raised up this Yeshua! And we are all witnesses of it!

Berean Standard Bible

God has raised this Jesus to life, to which we are all witnesses.

American Standard Version

This Jesus did God raise up, whereof we all are witnesses.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 2:32 stands as a foundational declaration within Peter's inaugural sermon on the Day of Pentecost, powerfully asserting the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. Following the miraculous outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Peter meticulously builds his case, culminating in this verse which unequivocally states that God Himself raised Jesus from the dead, a truth attested to by the apostles as direct, undeniable eyewitnesses. This verse not only confirms the central historical event of Christianity but also underscores God's sovereign power and the absolute reliability of the apostolic testimony, forming the bedrock of the early church's proclamation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 2:32 is situated at the theological climax of Peter's sermon, delivered to a diverse Jewish audience in Jerusalem following the dramatic events of Pentecost. Peter begins by explaining the outpouring of the Holy Spirit as the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy ([Acts 2:16-21](/acts/2-16-21 "Acts 2:16-21 - Peter Explains the Outpouring of the Spirit")). He then transitions to the person and work of Jesus of Nazareth, whom God attested through miracles, wonders, and signs ([Acts 2:22](/acts/2-22 "Acts 2:22 - Jesus, Approved by God")). Crucially, Peter confronts the audience with their complicity in Jesus' crucifixion, yet frames it within God's "determinate counsel and foreknowledge" ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Plan and Human Responsibility")). The resurrection is then presented as God's decisive act, overturning human injustice and fulfilling prophetic promises, particularly those found in the Psalms, which Peter quotes directly in [Acts 2:25-31](/acts/2-25-31 "Acts 2:25-31 - Peter Cites David on the Resurrection"). Verse 32 serves as the direct, irrefutable conclusion to this theological argument, presenting the resurrection as a historical fact witnessed by the apostles.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The sermon is delivered in Jerusalem during the Jewish festival of Pentecost (Shavuot), a time when devout Jews from across the Roman Empire gathered in the city, making it an ideal setting for the gospel's initial widespread proclamation. The audience, primarily Jewish, would have been deeply familiar with the Old Testament prophecies Peter references, particularly those concerning the Messiah and the resurrection. Their understanding of "Messiah" often included a conquering king, making the crucifixion of Jesus a profound scandal and stumbling block. Peter's emphasis on God raising Jesus up directly challenges the perception of Jesus as merely a failed prophet or criminal, presenting Him instead as God's vindicated Messiah. The concept of resurrection was debated among Jewish groups (e.g., Pharisees believed in it, Sadducees did not), making Peter's explicit declaration of Jesus' bodily resurrection a bold and provocative claim, necessitating the strong emphasis on eyewitness testimony.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Acts and the broader New Testament. Firstly, **The Centrality of the Resurrection** is paramount; it is not merely an event but the cornerstone of Christian faith and the gospel message, demonstrating Jesus' victory over death and sin. Secondly, **Divine Sovereignty and Agency** are highlighted, as the phrase "hath God raised up" unequivocally attributes the resurrection to God's direct, powerful intervention, fulfilling His redemptive plan despite human opposition. This underscores God's absolute control over history and salvation, echoing themes seen in [Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Predetermined Plan"). Thirdly, **The Authority of Eyewitness Testimony** is crucial. The apostles' emphatic claim, "whereof we all are witnesses," grounds the truth of the resurrection in verifiable, personal experience, providing undeniable credibility to their message and to the historical reality of Jesus' resurrection, a theme consistently emphasized throughout the book of Acts, as seen in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Commission to Witness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **raised up (Greek, _anístēmi'_):** (G450) This verb, meaning "to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive); to arise, lift up, raise up (again), rise (again), stand up(-right)," is used here in the transitive sense, with God as the subject and Jesus as the object. It denotes a literal, physical raising from a state of death to life, emphasizing a definitive and powerful act of resurrection rather than a mere spiritual revival. It underscores God's active intervention in reversing the natural order of death.
* **God (Greek, _theós'_):** (G2316) Referring to "the supreme Divinity," this word unequivocally identifies the agent of Jesus' resurrection as the one true God. This attribution is crucial, as it elevates the resurrection from a human event to a divine act, demonstrating God's ultimate power, faithfulness to His promises, and vindication of Jesus as His Son and Messiah. It contrasts sharply with the human hands that crucified Jesus, highlighting divine triumph over human sin and weakness.
* **witnesses (Greek, _mártys'_):** (G3144) This term, from which we derive "martyr," signifies "a witness (literally (judicially) or figuratively (genitive case))." In this context, it refers to individuals who possess direct, firsthand knowledge of an event and are therefore qualified to testify about it. The apostles' claim to be "witnesses" is not based on hearsay or theological speculation but on their personal encounters with the risen Christ, lending immense authority and historical weight to their proclamation of the resurrection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This Jesus hath God raised up,"**: This clause is the central declaration of the verse. "This Jesus" refers specifically to Jesus of Nazareth, whom Peter has just described as having been crucified by the very people he is addressing. The phrase "hath God raised up" directly attributes the resurrection to the sovereign power and will of God the Father. This is not a self-resurrection, nor a spiritual metaphor, but a literal, bodily raising from the dead by divine intervention. It signifies God's vindication of Jesus, proving His identity as the Messiah and His victory over death.
* **"whereof we all are witnesses."**: This second clause provides the irrefutable evidence for the first. The pronoun "we all" refers to the apostles and perhaps other disciples who had personally seen and interacted with the resurrected Christ. Their collective testimony is presented as direct, empirical proof of the resurrection. This eyewitness account is foundational to the apostolic message, transforming the resurrection from a theological claim into a verifiable historical event, providing the bedrock for faith and the church's mission.

#### Literary Devices
Peter's declaration in Acts 2:32 masterfully employs several literary devices to enhance its persuasive power. The primary device is **Assertion**, where Peter makes a direct, authoritative, and unequivocal statement about Jesus' resurrection. This is not a suggestion or a question, but a declarative truth presented as fact. Complementing this is **Eyewitness Testimony**, which serves as the evidentiary backbone of the assertion. By stating "we all are witnesses," Peter grounds the supernatural event in the verifiable experience of multiple, credible individuals, lending immense weight and credibility to his proclamation. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Contrast** between the human act of crucifixion (mentioned earlier in the sermon) and the divine act of resurrection. This contrast highlights God's ultimate power and sovereignty over human sin and death, turning an apparent defeat into the ultimate victory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 2:32 is a theological bedrock, asserting the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ as a historical fact and a divine act. This event is not merely a past occurrence but the ongoing source of Christian hope and the validation of Jesus' messianic claims. The resurrection demonstrates God's power over sin and death, serving as the ultimate proof that Jesus is indeed the Son of God and the promised Messiah. It underpins the entire gospel message, transforming Jesus from a martyred prophet into the living Lord. The apostles' witness to this event empowers their proclamation and forms the foundation for the church's mission to declare salvation through Christ.

* [1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "The Gospel's Core: Christ's Death and Resurrection")
* [Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "The Spirit of God and Resurrection")
* [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "The Commission to Witness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 2:32 calls believers today to ground their faith in the historical reality of Jesus' resurrection and to embrace their role as witnesses to this life-transforming truth. Just as the early apostles staked their lives on what they had seen, we are invited to live as those who believe in a living Savior, not a dead prophet. The resurrection assures us that death is not the end, that God's power is supreme, and that our faith is not in vain. It empowers us to face life's challenges with courage and to proclaim the gospel with conviction, knowing that the same God who raised Jesus from the dead is at work in and through us. Our witness may not be to the historical event itself, but it is a spiritual witness to the transforming power of the risen Christ in our lives and in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the historical reality of Jesus' resurrection strengthen your personal faith?**
* **In what ways can you, as a modern believer, embody the "witness" (mártys) described in Acts 2:32?**
* **What practical implications does God's power in raising Jesus have for your daily struggles and hopes?**

### FAQ
**Why is the resurrection of Jesus so important to the Christian faith?**

Answer: The resurrection of Jesus is the absolute cornerstone of Christian faith because it validates all of Jesus' claims about Himself and His mission. If Christ was not raised, then, as Paul states in [1 Corinthians 15:14](/1_corinthians/15-14 "1 Corinthians 15:14 - The Futility of Faith Without Resurrection"), "our preaching is useless and so is your faith." The resurrection proves Jesus' victory over sin and death, confirms His divine identity as the Son of God, and serves as the guarantee of our own future resurrection and eternal life with Him. It transforms the crucifixion from a tragic end into a triumphant beginning, demonstrating God's ultimate power and faithfulness to His redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 2:32, proclaiming that "This Jesus hath God raised up," finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament's consistent testimony to Jesus as the resurrected Lord, the firstfruits of a new creation, and the living head of His church. His resurrection is not merely a historical event but the pivotal act in God's redemptive plan, demonstrating His triumph over sin, death, and the grave. As the "firstfruits of those who are asleep" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ as the Firstfruits")), Jesus' resurrection guarantees the future resurrection of all who believe in Him. He is now seated at the right hand of God, interceding for His people ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession")), ruling as King, and preparing for His glorious return. The "witnesses" of Acts 2:32 saw not just a revived man, but the glorified Christ, whose resurrection power now indwells believers through the Holy Spirit ([Ephesians 1:19-20](/ephesians/1-19-20 "Ephesians 1:19-20 - God's Incomparably Great Power for Believers")), enabling them to live new lives and participate in His ongoing mission to reconcile the world to God. The resurrection of Jesus is thus the ultimate demonstration of God's love and power, securing eternal life and hope for all who trust in Him.

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 3:15

And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.

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 1:22

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.

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.

Acts 2:24

Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

John 15:27

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

Luke 24:46

And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: