King James Version

What Does Acts 1:3 Mean?

Acts 1:3 in the King James Version says “To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and spe... — study this verse from Acts chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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:

Acts 1:3 · KJV


Context

1

The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,

2

Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:

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:

4

And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. being: or, eating together

5

For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus 'shewed himself alive' through 'many infallible proofs' (tekmeria, the strongest Greek word for evidence). The forty-day period of resurrection appearances established unshakeable apostolic testimony. Speaking of 'the kingdom of God' connected Jesus' teaching to Old Testament promises now fulfilled in His risen presence and coming reign.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Multiple resurrection appearances over forty days provided overwhelming evidence - to Mary, the disciples, over 500 at once (1 Corinthians 15:6), and others. This extended period transformed frightened disciples into bold witnesses who later died for their testimony.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'infallible proofs' of Christ's resurrection strengthen your faith?
  2. How does the kingdom of God shape your understanding of Christ's current reign and future return?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
οἷς1 of 25

To whom

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

καὶ2 of 25

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

παρέστησεν3 of 25

he shewed

G3936

to stand beside, i.e., (transitively) to exhibit, proffer, (specially), recommend, (figuratively) substantiate; or (intransitively) to be at hand (or

ἑαυτὸν4 of 25

himself

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

ζῶντα5 of 25

alive

G2198

to live (literally or figuratively)

μετὰ6 of 25

after

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

τὸ7 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

παθεῖν8 of 25

passion

G3958

to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful)

αὐτοῖς9 of 25

his

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐν10 of 25

by

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

πολλοῖς11 of 25

many

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

τεκμηρίοις12 of 25

infallible proofs

G5039

a token (as defining a fact), i.e., criterion of certainty

δι'13 of 25
G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

ἡμερῶν14 of 25

days

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

τεσσαράκοντα15 of 25

forty

G5062

forty

ὀπτανόμενος16 of 25

being seen

G3700

to gaze (i.e., with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable; and thus differing from g0991, which denotes simply voluntary observation; and from g1

αὐτοῖς17 of 25

his

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ18 of 25

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

λέγων19 of 25

speaking

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

τὰ20 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

περὶ21 of 25

of the things pertaining

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

τῆς22 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

βασιλείας23 of 25

to the kingdom

G932

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ24 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεοῦ·25 of 25

of God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 1:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 1:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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