King James Version

What Does Luke 24:48 Mean?

Luke 24:48 in the King James Version says “And ye are witnesses of these things.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And ye are witnesses of these things.”

Luke 24:48 · KJV

Context

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:

47

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

48

And ye are witnesses of these things.

49

And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

50

And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The apostolic commission: 'And ye are witnesses of these things.' Jesus declares: 'ye are witnesses' (ὑμεῖς μάρτυρες, hymeis martyres) 'of these things' (τούτων, toutōn)—His life, death, and resurrection. A witness testifies to what they've seen and heard. The disciples had firsthand experience of Jesus' ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection appearances. Their testimony would launch Christianity. The term 'martyres' became the source of 'martyr,' as many witnesses died for their testimony. This commission establishes apostolic authority—they are authorized witnesses whose testimony forms the New Testament foundation. The church is built on apostolic witness (Ephesians 2:20), which continues through Scripture they produced.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The concept of witness is crucial in Luke-Acts. Luke writes 'that thou mightest know the certainty of those things' (Luke 1:4) based on eyewitness testimony (Luke 1:2). Acts emphasizes apostles as resurrection witnesses (Acts 1:8, 22, 2:32, 3:15, 5:32, 10:39-41, 13:31). Their testimony was historical, not mythological—they saw, touched, ate with the risen Jesus. Skeptics note that we're dependent on these witnesses' truthfulness. But their credibility is strong: (1) multiple independent witnesses, (2) willingness to die for testimony, (3) inclusion of embarrassing details, (4) immediate proclamation when contradictors could refute. The witnesses' testimony, preserved in Scripture, remains the foundation of Christian faith.

Reflection Questions

  1. What qualifies the disciples as witnesses, and why is eyewitness testimony important?
  2. How does apostolic witness establish New Testament authority?
  3. What evidence supports the credibility and reliability of the apostolic witnesses?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 5 words
ὑμεῖς1 of 5

“ye”

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

δὲ2 of 5

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐστε3 of 5

“are”

G2075

ye are

μάρτυρες4 of 5

“witnesses”

G3144

a witness (literally (judicially) or figuratively (genitive case)); by analogy, a "martyr"

τούτων5 of 5

“of these things”

G5130

of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Luke 24:48 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 Luke 24:48 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 2:32Acts 1:8Acts 5:32Acts 13:31Acts 10:41Acts 10:39

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