Acts 5:32

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} we {G2249} are {G2070} his {G846} witnesses {G3144} of these {G5130} things {G4487}; and {G2532} so is also {G1161} the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151}, whom {G3739} God {G2316} hath given {G1325} to them that obey {G3980} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

We are witnesses to these things; so is the Ruach HaKodesh, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

Berean Standard Bible

We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 5:32 presents Peter's bold declaration to the Sanhedrin, asserting the dual nature of Christian witness: the human testimony of the apostles and the divine corroboration of the Holy Spirit. This verse profoundly links the reception and empowering presence of the Holy Spirit to a life of active obedience to God, underscoring the undeniable truth and supernatural backing of the Gospel message.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal statement within Peter's second defense before the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish judicial council. The apostles had been arrested for persistently preaching the resurrection of Jesus, directly defying the Sanhedrin's previous command to cease their activities ([Acts 5:28](/acts/5-28 "Acts 5:28 - The Sanhedrin's Prohibition")). Peter's defiant yet Spirit-filled response, "We ought to obey God rather than men" ([Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Acts 5:29 - Obedience to God Rather Than Men")), sets the stage for this declaration. Immediately preceding this verse, Peter has proclaimed Jesus as the exalted "Prince and a Saviour" whom God raised from the dead ([Acts 5:30-31](/acts/5-30-31 "Acts 5:30-31 - Jesus Exalted as Prince and Savior")), emphasizing God's active role in Jesus' resurrection and exaltation. Acts 5:32 then solidifies the authority behind their proclamation by introducing the Holy Spirit as a co-witness, making the apostles' testimony not merely human but divinely validated.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jerusalem, mere weeks or months after Jesus' ascension and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The Sanhedrin, composed of Sadducees and Pharisees, represented the highest religious and political authority for Jews under Roman rule. They were deeply invested in maintaining order and their religious traditions, viewing the apostles' preaching of a crucified and resurrected Messiah as a dangerous heresy that threatened their authority and potentially Roman peace. The Sadducees, in particular, denied the resurrection, making the apostles' message profoundly offensive to them. The concept of "witness" (μάρτυς) was crucial in Jewish legal proceedings, requiring at least two witnesses for a testimony to be considered valid. This cultural understanding lends weight to Peter's declaration of both human and divine witnesses. The "Holy Ghost" (Holy Spirit) was understood by Jews as the active presence of God, but its outpouring on all believers, as seen at Pentecost ([Acts 2](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - The Day of Pentecost")), was a new and revolutionary phenomenon, challenging established religious structures.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 5:32 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Acts. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Apostolic Witness**, highlighting the apostles' direct, personal testimony to the resurrection and exaltation of Jesus, which forms the historical bedrock of the early Christian message. This aligns with Jesus' commission for them to be His witnesses "unto the uttermost part of the earth" ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission")). Secondly, the verse underscores the **Sovereignty of God** and His active involvement in human history, specifically in raising Jesus and giving the Holy Spirit. Thirdly, it emphasizes the **Empowering Role of the Holy Spirit**, not just in enabling the apostles to speak boldly, but also in validating their message as divine truth. The Spirit's presence and power serve as irrefutable evidence of God's work. Finally, the verse introduces the crucial theme of **Obedience as a Prerequisite for Divine Blessing**, specifically the reception or continued empowering of the Holy Spirit, echoing principles found in Jesus' own teachings regarding love and obedience in [John 14](/john/14 "John 14 - Jesus' Farewell Discourse").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Witnesses (Greek, _mártys'_):** (G3144) This term signifies one who gives evidence, especially in a legal sense, based on personal knowledge or experience. From this Greek word, we derive "martyr," indicating that bearing testimony for Christ might involve suffering or even death. Here, it emphasizes the apostles' firsthand experience of Jesus' life, death, resurrection, and ascension, making their testimony authoritative and verifiable.
* **Ghost (Greek, _pneûma'_):** (G4151) Referring to the Holy Spirit, this word denotes a "current of air," "breath," or "spirit." In biblical theology, it represents the third person of the Trinity, the divine active presence of God. In Acts, the Holy Spirit is consistently portrayed as the source of power, guidance, and validation for the apostles' ministry, confirming the truth of their message through supernatural signs and transformed lives.
* **Obey (Greek, _peitharchéō'_):** (G3980) This compound verb means "to be persuaded by a ruler" or "to submit to authority." It implies a willing and active submission to God's commands and will. The verse links the giving of the Holy Spirit to those who demonstrate this active obedience, suggesting that a life surrendered to God's authority is a prerequisite for experiencing the Spirit's empowering presence and gifts for witness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And we are his witnesses of these things;":** Peter declares that he and the apostles are direct, personal eyewitnesses to the "things" (Greek: _rhēma_ - utterances, matters) concerning Jesus Christ – specifically, His resurrection, exaltation, and the offer of repentance and forgiveness of sins mentioned in the preceding verses. This is not hearsay but a testimony grounded in their lived experience with the resurrected Lord, providing the human foundation for their proclamation.
* **"and so is also the Holy Ghost,":** This clause introduces the divine co-witness. The Holy Spirit is presented as an equally valid, if not superior, witness alongside the apostles. The Spirit's witness is demonstrated through His powerful manifestations (e.g., speaking in tongues, miracles, bold preaching, conviction of sin) and His indwelling presence, which authenticates the apostles' message and confirms its divine origin.
* **"whom God hath given to them that obey him.":** This crucial phrase establishes a condition for the reception or continued empowering of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is not given indiscriminately but specifically to those who "obey" God. This obedience is not merely intellectual assent but a practical, active submission to God's will and commands, particularly in the context of accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior and living according to His teachings. This highlights the ethical and moral dimension of receiving divine empowerment for witness.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Assertion** is prominent, as Peter makes a direct and unequivocal claim about the apostles' role as witnesses and the Spirit's corroboration. **Parallelism** is evident in the structure "we are his witnesses... and so is also the Holy Ghost," creating a balanced emphasis on both human and divine testimony. The Holy Spirit functions as a powerful **Symbol** of divine presence, power, and validation, embodying God's active involvement in the unfolding narrative of the early church. Furthermore, the phrase "to them that obey him" acts as a **Conditional Clause**, establishing a clear relationship between human action (obedience) and divine gift (the Holy Spirit), thereby emphasizing the reciprocal nature of the covenant relationship between God and His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 5:32 provides a profound theological insight into the nature of divine witness and the Christian life. It asserts that the truth of the Gospel is not solely dependent on human testimony, however sincere, but is powerfully corroborated by the Holy Spirit. This dual witness ensures the veracity and divine authority of the apostolic message. The Spirit's presence is not merely a comforting indwelling but an empowering force for mission, inextricably linked to a life of active obedience to God. This connection emphasizes that genuine faith is demonstrated through submission to God's will, and it is in this posture of obedience that believers are equipped to effectively bear witness to Christ.

* [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Holy Spirit and Witnessing"): Jesus commissions His disciples to be witnesses, empowered by the Holy Spirit, linking the Spirit's coming directly to their witnessing mission.
* [Acts 2:38](/acts/2-38 "Acts 2:38 - Repentance, Baptism, and the Gift of the Holy Spirit"): Peter's sermon at Pentecost promises the gift of the Holy Spirit to those who repent and are baptized, further establishing a link between obedience (repentance and baptism) and receiving the Spirit.
* [John 14:15-17](/john/14-15-17 "John 14:15-17 - Jesus' Promise of the Holy Spirit and Obedience"): Jesus teaches that those who love Him will obey His commands, and in response, the Father will send the Helper, the Spirit of truth, reinforcing the connection between obedience and the Spirit's presence.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 5:32 holds immense practical relevance for believers today, serving as a foundational text for understanding our role in God's mission. Firstly, it reminds us that bearing witness to Christ is not an optional activity but a core aspect of our identity as followers of Jesus, just as it was for the apostles. Our personal testimonies, rooted in our experience of God's grace, are vital. Secondly, the verse underscores our absolute dependence on the Holy Spirit. Our words, however eloquent, lack divine power unless accompanied by the Spirit's conviction. It is the Spirit who illumines hearts, grants understanding, and brings about transformation. Therefore, we must pray for and rely on the Spirit's empowering presence in our witnessing efforts. Finally, the profound link between the Spirit's gift and obedience challenges us to examine our lives. Is there active, ongoing submission to God's will? Are we diligently seeking to live in accordance with His commands? This verse suggests that a deeper experience of the Holy Spirit's power for witness and service is intimately connected to our willingness to follow God wholeheartedly, enabling us to be more effective and authentic ambassadors for Christ in a world desperately in need of His truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways am I actively bearing witness to Jesus Christ in my daily life?**
* **How much do I rely on the Holy Spirit's power and guidance in my efforts to share the Gospel, and how can I deepen that reliance?**
* **What areas of my life might reflect a lack of obedience to God, and how might this hinder the Holy Spirit's work through me?**
* **How does the dual witness of human testimony and the Holy Spirit's confirmation strengthen my own faith and conviction?**

### FAQ

**Does "obey him" refer to obeying God or obeying Jesus?**

Answer: In the immediate context of Acts 5:32, "him" refers to God. Peter has just declared that God raised Jesus and exalted Him as "a Prince and a Saviour" ([Acts 5:30-31](/acts/5-30-31 "Acts 5:30-31 - Jesus Exalted as Prince and Savior")). The apostles' primary act of obedience was to God's command to preach the Gospel, even when it meant disobeying human authorities ([Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Acts 5:29 - Obedience to God Rather Than Men")). However, in Christian theology, obedience to God inherently includes obedience to Jesus, as Jesus is God incarnate and the one through whom God's will is revealed. Therefore, obeying God means obeying the commands and teachings of Jesus, which are perfectly aligned with the Father's will.

**How does the Holy Spirit "witness" alongside believers?**

Answer: The Holy Spirit witnesses in several powerful ways. Firstly, He empowers believers to speak boldly and truthfully about Christ, giving them the right words and courage ([Acts 4:31](/acts/4-31 "Acts 4:31 - Spirit-Filled Boldness")). Secondly, the Spirit performs signs and wonders, confirming the message with divine power, as seen throughout Acts (e.g., [Acts 3:6-8](/acts/3-6-8 "Acts 3:6-8 - Peter Heals the Lame Man")). Thirdly, and most profoundly, the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment ([John 16:8](/john/16-8 "John 16:8 - The Spirit's Convicting Work")), opening hearts and minds to receive the truth of the Gospel. He also bears witness *within* believers, assuring them of their adoption as children of God ([Romans 8:16](/romans/8-16 "Romans 8:16 - The Spirit Testifies with Our Spirit")). Thus, the Spirit's witness is both external (through power and proclamation) and internal (through conviction and assurance).

**Is the Holy Spirit only given to those who perfectly obey God?**

Answer: No, the verse does not imply perfect obedience as a prerequisite, which would be impossible for any human. Rather, it speaks of a posture of obedience – a willingness to submit to God's authority and follow His commands. The initial reception of the Holy Spirit at conversion is a gift of grace, received through faith in Christ ([Galatians 3:2](/galatians/3-2 "Galatians 3:2 - Receiving the Spirit by Faith")). However, Acts 5:32 suggests that the ongoing, empowering presence of the Spirit for witness and service is intimately connected to a life characterized by active submission to God's will. This is a dynamic relationship where obedience fosters a deeper experience of the Spirit's power, enabling more effective witness and spiritual growth. It's about a lifestyle of seeking to please God, not a one-time perfect act.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 5:32, while explicitly about the Holy Spirit's witness and the apostles' obedience, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Himself. Jesus is the supreme "witness" (μάρτυς) of God's truth, perfectly embodying and revealing the Father's will ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God")). His entire life was one of perfect obedience to the Father, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience and Humiliation")) and His resurrection. It is precisely because of Christ's perfect obedience that God "hath given" Him all authority ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission")) and exalted Him as "Prince and a Saviour" ([Acts 5:31](/acts/5-31 "Acts 5:31 - Jesus Exalted as Prince and Savior")). The Holy Spirit, whom God gives "to them that obey him," is none other than the Spirit of Christ ([Romans 8:9](/romans/8-9 "Romans 8:9 - The Spirit of Christ")), poured out by the resurrected and ascended Jesus ([Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - Peter's Explanation of Pentecost")). Therefore, the Spirit's witness and empowering presence in believers is a direct result of Christ's finished work and His ongoing reign, enabling His followers to continue His mission of witness and obedience in the world, bearing fruit that testifies to His redemptive power ([John 15:26-27](/john/15-26-27 "John 15:26-27 - The Spirit and Disciples Testify of Jesus")).

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

John 15:26

¶ But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, [even] the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

John 15:27

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

Hebrews 2:3

How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard [him];

Hebrews 2:4

God also bearing [them] witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?

Luke 24:47

And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Luke 24:48

And ye are witnesses of these things.

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.