Luke 24:48

KJV

And ye are witnesses of these things.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} ye {G5210} are {G2075} witnesses {G3144} of these things {G5130}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You are witnesses of these things.

Berean Standard Bible

You are witnesses of these things.

American Standard Version

Ye are witnesses of these things.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 24:48 serves as a pivotal declaration by the resurrected Jesus to His disciples, establishing their unique and indispensable role as eyewitnesses to the entirety of His redemptive work. This verse, delivered in the immediate aftermath of His resurrection appearances and scriptural exposition, formally commissions them to bear authoritative testimony to His suffering, death, and triumphant resurrection, along with the universal call to repentance and forgiveness of sins in His name, thereby laying the groundwork for the global spread of the gospel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the climax of Luke's Gospel, following Jesus' post-resurrection appearances to His disciples, including the Emmaus road encounter and His sudden appearance to the Eleven and those with them in Jerusalem. Immediately preceding [Luke 24:48](/luke/24-48 "Luke 24:48 - And Ye Are Witnesses"), Jesus opens their minds to understand the Scriptures, explaining how the Old Testament prophecies foretold His suffering, death, and resurrection, and that "repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem" ([Luke 24:46-47](/luke/24-46-47 "Luke 24:46-47 - Prophecy Fulfilled and the Gospel Mandate")). Thus, [Luke 24:48](/luke/24-48 "Luke 24:48 - And Ye Are Witnesses") functions as the direct commission and validation of their role in proclaiming these truths, leading directly into the promise of the Holy Spirit's empowerment in [Luke 24:49](/luke/24-49 "Luke 24:49 - The Promise of the Father"). It bridges the narrative from Jesus' earthly ministry to the inception of the apostolic mission detailed in the Book of Acts.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish legal and social contexts, the testimony of eyewitnesses was paramount for establishing truth and validity, often requiring two or three witnesses for a matter to be confirmed ([Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - Requirement of Witnesses")). The disciples, having walked with Jesus throughout His ministry, witnessed His miracles, teachings, crucifixion, and now His resurrection, possessed the highest form of credible testimony. Their cultural background would have underscored the gravity and authority of being a "witness." Furthermore, the Roman occupation meant that proclaiming a crucified "king" was a politically charged act, potentially leading to persecution. The early Christian movement's credibility was fundamentally rooted in the direct, personal experiences of these initial witnesses, whose lives and eventual deaths often attested to the veracity of their claims.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching themes in [Luke 24](/luke/24 "Luke 24 - The Resurrection and Commission") that [Luke 24:48](/luke/24-48 "Luke 24:48 - And Ye Are Witnesses") contributes to include the **Resurrection of Jesus** as the central historical and theological event, validating His claims and fulfilling prophecy. It highlights the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as Jesus explicitly connects His suffering and resurrection to what was written in the Law, Prophets, and Psalms ([Luke 24:44](/luke/24-44 "Luke 24:44 - Fulfillment of Scripture")). The verse also underscores the **Global Scope of the Gospel**, as the disciples are commissioned to preach "among all nations" ([Luke 24:47](/luke/24-47 "Luke 24:47 - Preaching to All Nations")), with their witness being foundational to this mission. Finally, it emphasizes the **Nature of Apostolic Witness**, defining their unique role as authoritative proclaimers of the historical facts of Christ's life, death, and resurrection, which forms the bedrock of Christian faith and evangelism.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **ye (Greek, _hymeîs'_):** This pronoun is the nominative plural form of "you," directly addressing the assembled disciples. Its use here emphasizes the personal and specific nature of Jesus' commission. It highlights that *they*, the ones who had been with Him, seen Him, and heard Him, were uniquely designated for this role, distinguishing them from others who would later believe through their testimony.
* **are (Greek, _esté'_):** This is the second person plural present indicative form of the verb "to be." It signifies a state of being, an established identity, and an ongoing reality. Jesus is not merely telling them what they *will be* in the future, but what they *presently are* in light of their experiences with Him and His resurrection: they *are* witnesses. This implies a present responsibility and an inherent qualification.
* **witnesses (Greek, _mártys'_):** This noun refers to someone who has seen or heard something and can therefore provide testimony. In a judicial sense, it is one who gives evidence. The term carries significant weight, as it is the root from which the English word "martyr" is derived. This etymological connection underscores that bearing witness to Christ, especially in the early church, often involved suffering and even death, highlighting the profound cost and seriousness of their commission. Their testimony was not merely an account of facts but a personal declaration of truth, often made at great personal risk.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And ye are witnesses":** This clause serves as a direct, authoritative declaration by Jesus. The conjunction "And" (G1161, _dé_) links this statement to the preceding explanation of Scripture and the command to preach repentance and forgiveness, indicating that their role as witnesses is a direct consequence and integral part of the unfolding divine plan. The emphasis is on the disciples' established identity and unique qualification as those who have personally experienced the resurrection and understood its implications.
* **"of these things":** This phrase specifies the content of their witness. "These things" refers comprehensively to everything Jesus has just explained: His suffering, death, and resurrection as foretold in the Scriptures, and the subsequent command for repentance and forgiveness of sins to be proclaimed in His name to all nations. It encompasses the entire redemptive narrative that culminated in Christ's work, providing the foundational message they were to carry to the world.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 24:48 employs several powerful literary devices. **Direct Address** is prominent, as Jesus speaks directly to His disciples, making the commission personal and undeniable. The verse functions as a **Commissioning Statement**, a formal charge that bestows authority and responsibility upon the disciples, akin to a legal mandate. There is a strong element of **Emphasis** through the declarative "ye are witnesses," which highlights their unique, unrepeatable role as the first-hand purveyors of the gospel's historical facts. Furthermore, given the later history of the early church, the term "witnesses" carries a subtle **Foreshadowing** of the persecution and martyrdom many of these disciples would face, implicitly linking their testimony to costly commitment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 24:48 fundamentally establishes the authoritative basis of the New Testament message: the direct, personal testimony of eyewitnesses to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This emphasis on verifiable, historical facts is crucial to Christian theology, distinguishing it from mythical narratives. The disciples' witness is not merely a recounting of events but a proclamation of God's redemptive work in Christ, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy and inaugurating the new covenant. Their testimony forms the bedrock upon which the early church was built and upon which all subsequent generations of believers come to faith, underscoring the vital link between historical truth and saving faith.

* [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "The Power to Witness")
* [1 John 1:1-3](/1_john/1-1-3 "Eyewitness Testimony of Christ")
* [John 15:27](/john/15-27 "Disciples as Witnesses")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the original disciples held a unique and unrepeatable position as physical eyewitnesses to Jesus' earthly ministry and resurrection, Luke 24:48 sets a timeless pattern for all believers to participate in the ongoing mission of God. We are called to be witnesses not of His physical presence, but of the transformative power of the gospel in our own lives, the truth revealed in Scripture, and the reality of His work in the world today. This involves both verbally proclaiming the good news of Christ and living lives that authentically demonstrate His love and power. Just as the disciples were empowered by the promise of the Holy Spirit in the very next verse ([Luke 24:49](/luke/24-49 "Luke 24:49 - The Promise of the Father")), believers today are likewise empowered by the Spirit to share their testimony and participate in Christ's commission. Our witness, though different in form from the apostles', is equally vital for the continued spread of the gospel to "the uttermost part of the earth."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways can we, as contemporary believers, embody the spirit of "witnesses of these things" in our daily lives?**
* **What specific "things" from the gospel message and our personal experience are we called to testify about?**
* **How does the promised empowerment of the Holy Spirit enable and embolden our witness today?**
* **What challenges or costs might we face in being a faithful witness for Christ in our current cultural context?**

### FAQ

**What "things" are the disciples specifically witnesses of, according to this verse?**

Answer: The "things" the disciples are witnesses of encompass the entire scope of Jesus' redemptive work, as explained by Him in the preceding verses ([Luke 24:44-47](/luke/24-44-47 "Luke 24:44-47 - Prophecy Fulfilled and the Gospel Mandate")). This includes the fulfillment of all that was written about Him in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms, specifically His suffering, death, and resurrection on the third day. Furthermore, it includes the subsequent command that "repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." Their witness is therefore a comprehensive testimony to the historical facts of Christ's passion and triumph, and the universal message of salvation that flows from it.

**How does this verse relate to the Great Commission found in other Gospels and Acts?**

Answer: Luke 24:48 serves as a foundational component of the Great Commission, providing the essential *basis* and *mandate* for the global mission. While [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission") emphasizes making disciples and teaching, and [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power for Witnessing") highlights the geographical expansion of their witness empowered by the Holy Spirit, Luke 24:48 underscores the *credibility* and *content* of that mission. The disciples are uniquely qualified as eyewitnesses, and their testimony about "these things" (Christ's death, resurrection, and the call to repentance) is the core message to be proclaimed. It's not just a command to go, but a declaration of *who they are* and *what they are to speak about*, making it an indispensable part of the overall commissioning of the church.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 24:48 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Himself, who is the central subject and object of the disciples' witness. The "things" they are witnesses of are fundamentally about Christ: His suffering, His death, His resurrection, and the gospel of repentance and forgiveness preached in *His* name. Jesus is not only the one commissioning the witnesses but also the very truth they are called to proclaim. He is the ultimate "faithful and true witness" ([Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Revelation 3:14 - The Faithful and True Witness")), who came into the world to "bear witness to the truth" ([John 18:37](/john/18-37 "John 18:37 - Jesus' Witness to the Truth")). The disciples' witness, therefore, is a continuation of Christ's own witness, empowered by the Spirit He promised ([John 15:26-27](/john/15-26-27 "John 15:26-27 - The Spirit and Disciples as Witnesses")), pointing all humanity back to Him as the sole source of salvation and the fulfillment of all God's redemptive purposes. Their testimony becomes the foundational stone upon which the Church's enduring proclamation of the [gospel of Christ](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel") is built, ensuring that all generations might come to know the resurrected Lord.

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 1:8

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 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.

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.

Acts 2:32

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

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 10:39

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:

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.