Acts 2:32
This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Acts 2:32
This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse emphasizes not just that Jesus was raised, but that "we all" are witnesses, highlighting the collective testimony of believers. This "all" likely refers specifically to the apostles present with the Holy Spirit, not necessarily every single person there, underlining their appointed role as eyewitnesses to this pivotal event.
Peter is building on the prophecy of David, arguing that the Messiah must rise from the dead. He then pivots to the undeniable reality of Jesus' resurrection, proclaiming that he and the others are eyewitnesses to this event, directly countering any notion that Jesus' crucifixion was the end of the story. This declaration sets the stage for explaining why this resurrection matters: it signifies Jesus' exaltation by God and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit they are all experiencing.
Peter is making a bold claim here, and he’s grounding it in God’s power. This isn't just a historical event; it's divine intervention.
In Acts 2:32, Peter declares, 'This Jesus God raised up.' Notice the active voice pointing to God. This wasn't a resuscitation, where someone returns to their previous earthly life. It was a resurrection, a transition to a new, glorified existence, and crucially, it was God's doing.
God's Power on Display
The resurrection of Jesus is presented as the ultimate proof of God's power and validation of Jesus’ identity. It’s the divine stamp of approval on His life, death, and claims. It demonstrates that Jesus wasn't just a prophet or a good teacher, but the Son of God, empowered by the Father.
More Than Just Coming Back to Life
This wasn't a simple revival. It signifies a transformation. Jesus, having conquered death, now sits at the right hand of God, in the place of highest authority and honor. His resurrection is the cornerstone of the Christian faith, proving that God’s plan is victorious over sin and death.
Peter doesn't just announce Jesus' resurrection; he immediately points to the witnesses. What does their testimony mean for us today?
The phrase 'whereof we all are witnesses' is incredibly significant. Peter isn't speaking hypothetically; he's declaring a firsthand account.
The Testimony of the Twelve (and More)
While Peter is speaking, the 'all' likely refers primarily to the apostles present, including himself and the eleven. However, the broader context in Acts suggests that the 120 disciples gathered were all witnesses. They had seen Jesus after His resurrection, interacted with Him, and were transformed by the experience. This wasn't hearsay; it was empirical evidence.
Willing to Suffer for the Truth
These witnesses weren't just passive observers. They were ready to stake their lives on this truth. As commentaries note, they were prepared to face persecution and even death to attest to the fact that they had seen Jesus alive. Their willingness to endure suffering validates the sincerity and conviction behind their testimony.
Understand the original words
martyres · Greek Noun
One who sees an event and testifies to its truth. Apostles are uniquely witnesses to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
This verse is spoken in the immediate aftermath of the Holy Spirit's outpouring at Pentecost. Peter is directly addressing the crowds in Jerusalem, many of whom were present at Jesus' crucifixion, and boldly proclaims Jesus' resurrection as a historical fact that they themselves can attest to, either by having seen Him or by witnessing the miraculous events of Pentecost.
c. 30 AD
Crucifixion and Burial of Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth is crucified by Roman authorities and buried in a tomb.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Resurrection of Jesus
According to Christian belief, Jesus is raised from the dead three days after his crucifixion.
c. 30 AD
Jesus Appears to Disciples
After his resurrection, Jesus appears to his followers over a period of forty days, strengthening their faith and commissioning them.
c. 30 AD
The Ascension of Jesus
Jesus ascends into heaven, promising the coming of the Holy Spirit.
c. 30 AD
This passage lists the resurrection of Jesus as the core of the gospel message and details the numerous witnesses to it, directly supporting Peter's claim in Acts 2:32 that 'we all are witnesses.'
Psalm 16:10Peter directly quotes this Psalm in Acts 2:27 to argue that the Messiah would not remain in the grave, setting up his declaration in Acts 2:32 that Jesus' resurrection fulfilled this prophecy.
John 2:19-22Jesus himself prophesied his resurrection, stating 'Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.' This provides a divine confirmation behind Peter's witness in Acts 2:32.
Romans 1:4This verse describes Jesus as being 'declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead.' It echoes the theological weight Peter places on the resurrection as God's act in Acts 2:32.
Acts 3:15Following Peter's sermon in Acts 2, he again emphasizes that Jesus was raised from the dead and that the disciples were witnesses, reinforcing the central testimony presented in Acts 2:32.
calvinActs 2:32-36: "This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses."
- This Jesus hath God raised up; whereof we all are witnesses. 33. He being therefore exalted by the right hand of God, and having received the promise of the Holy Ghost of the Father, he hath now shed forth that which ye now see and hear. 34. For David is not ascended into heaven: But he saith, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit at my right hand, 35. Until I make thine enemies thy footstool. 36. Therefore, let all the…
clarkeActs 2:32: "This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses."
Whereof we all are witnesses - That is, the whole 120 saw him after he rose from the dead, and were all ready, in the face of persecution and death, to attest this great truth.
The verse emphasizes not just that Jesus was raised, but that "we all" are witnesses, highlighting the collective testimony of believers. This "all" likely refers specifically to the apostles present with the Holy Spirit, not necessarily every single person there, underlining their appointed role as eyewitnesses to this pivotal event.
Peter is building on the prophecy of David, arguing that the Messiah must rise from the dead. He then pivots to the undeniable reality of Jesus' resurrection, proclaiming that he and the others are eyewitnesses to this event, directly countering any notion that Jesus' crucifixion was the end of the story. This declaration sets the stage for explaining why this resurrection matters: it signifies Jesus' exaltation by God and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit they are all experiencing.
Peter is building on the prophecy of David, arguing that the Messiah rise from the dead. He then pivots to the undeniable reality of Jesus' resurrection, proclaiming that he and the others are eyewitnesses to this event, directly countering any notion that Jesus' crucifixion was the end of the story. This declaration sets the stage for explaining this resurrection matters: it signifies Jesus' exaltation by God and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit they are all experiencing.
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Your Witness Today
Their eyewitness accounts form the bedrock of the Gospel message. Because they were willing to share this incredible news, the Christian faith spread. Today, we are called to be witnesses, not necessarily of seeing Jesus physically after His resurrection, but of His living power in our lives and in the world.
Pentecost and the Coming of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit descends upon Jesus' followers in Jerusalem, empowering them to preach the gospel. This event is the setting for Peter's sermon in Acts 2.
c. 30 AD
Peter's Sermon and the Birth of the Church
Peter preaches to the crowds in Jerusalem, proclaiming Jesus' resurrection and lordship. This sermon is recorded in Acts 2 and leads to the conversion of thousands.
"This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses." — The verse emphasizes not just that Jesus was raised, but that "we all" are witnesses, highlighting the collective testimony of believers. This "all" likely refers specifically to the apostles present…