Luke 24:48
You are witnesses of these things.
You are witnesses of these things
You
The term "you" is direct and personal, addressing the disciples of Jesus Christ. In the Greek, the word is "ὑμεῖς" (hymeis), which is the second person plural pronoun. This indicates that Jesus is speaking to a specific group, His followers, who have been with Him throughout His ministry. The use of "you" emphasizes the personal responsibility and privilege given to the disciples. They are not just passive observers but active participants in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

are
The verb "are" is translated from the Greek word "ἐστε" (este), which is the present indicative form of "to be." This indicates a current and ongoing state of being. The disciples are not going to become witnesses in the future; they are witnesses now. This present tense underscores the immediacy and continuity of their role. It is a reminder that their witness is not just a future task but a present reality.

witnesses
The word "witnesses" comes from the Greek "μάρτυρες" (martyres), which is the root of the English word "martyr." In the biblical context, a witness is someone who testifies to what they have seen and heard. The disciples are called to testify to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Historically, the role of a witness was crucial in establishing truth, especially in legal and religious contexts. The disciples' testimony is foundational to the Christian faith, as they bear witness to the truth of the Gospel.

of these things
The phrase "of these things" refers to the events that the disciples have witnessed, particularly the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the Greek, "τούτων" (toutōn) is a demonstrative pronoun that points to specific events. The disciples have seen the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, the crucifixion, and the resurrection. These events are not just historical occurrences but are central to God's plan of salvation. The phrase emphasizes the importance of the disciples' testimony in spreading the Gospel message. Their witness is not based on abstract ideas but on concrete, historical events that have eternal significance.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The resurrected Lord who is speaking to His disciples, commissioning them as witnesses of His life, death, and resurrection.

2. The Disciples
The primary audience of Jesus' statement, who are being prepared to spread the Gospel message.

3. Jerusalem
The city where these events are taking place, significant as the starting point for the disciples' mission.

4. The Resurrection
The pivotal event that the disciples are witnesses to, confirming Jesus as the Messiah.

5. The Ascension
The forthcoming event where Jesus will ascend to heaven, marking the transition of His earthly ministry to the disciples.
Teaching Points
The Role of a Witness
As believers, we are called to be witnesses of Christ's work in our lives, sharing the Gospel with others.

Empowered by the Holy Spirit
The disciples were not left to their own devices; they were empowered by the Holy Spirit, as are we, to fulfill our calling.

The Importance of Testimony
Personal testimony is a powerful tool in evangelism. Sharing how Jesus has transformed our lives can impact others deeply.

Starting at Home
Just as the disciples began their mission in Jerusalem, we should start sharing the Gospel in our immediate surroundings.

Faithfulness in Witnessing
Despite challenges, we are called to be faithful in our witness, trusting God to work through us.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does it mean to be a "witness" of Jesus in today's world, and how can we effectively fulfill this role?

2. How does the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, as seen in Acts 1:8, influence our ability to witness for Christ?

3. In what ways can personal testimony be used to share the Gospel with others, and what are some practical steps to prepare our testimony?

4. How can we begin our mission of witnessing in our "Jerusalem," or immediate community, and what challenges might we face?

5. Reflect on a time when you witnessed to someone about Christ. What did you learn from that experience, and how can it encourage you to continue sharing your faith?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Acts 1:8
This verse expands on the role of the disciples as witnesses, emphasizing the power of the Holy Spirit in their mission.

Matthew 28:18-20
Known as the Great Commission, it parallels the call to be witnesses, highlighting the authority of Jesus and the global scope of their mission.

John 15:26-27
Jesus speaks of the Holy Spirit as the Helper who will testify about Him, and the disciples are also called to testify.

1 John 1:1-3
The apostle John reflects on being a witness to the life and teachings of Jesus, emphasizing the importance of firsthand testimony.

Isaiah 43:10
God calls Israel His witnesses, a role that is now extended to the disciples in the New Testament context.
Bearing WitnessVarious Authors Luke 24:48
Christ's WitnessesAlexander MaclarenLuke 24:48
A Divine VisitationLuke 24:36-49
Beginning At JerusalemC. H. Spurgeon.Luke 24:36-49
Beginning At JerusalemW. Landels.Luke 24:36-49
Christ Illuminates the UnderstandingJ. Flavel.Luke 24:36-49
Christ's Death and Resurrection Foretold in ScriptureJ. Mede.Luke 24:36-49
Christ's Epitome of the GospelW. H. C. Harris.Luke 24:36-49
Christ's First and Last SubjectC. H. Spurgeon.Luke 24:36-49
Christ's Sufferings, ResurrectionT. B. Baker.Luke 24:36-49
Jesus on the Evening of Easter DayCanon Liddon.Luke 24:36-49
Necessity for Christ's SufferingsC. H. Parkhurst.Luke 24:36-49
Need of the Spirit of God -- the Fire from HeavenW. Arthur.Luke 24:36-49
New PowerD. L. Moody.Luke 24:36-49
On the Understanding of ScriptureE. Blencowe, M. A.Luke 24:36-49
Peace Bestowed Upon ManJ. Parsons.Luke 24:36-49
PowerSmiles.Luke 24:36-49
Power from on HighR. Watson.Luke 24:36-49
Power from on HighJohn Griffith.Luke 24:36-49
Primitive Doubtings and Their CureH. Bonar, D. D.Luke 24:36-49
Reasons for Beginning At JerusalemJ. Dobie, D. D.Luke 24:36-49
Remission of SinsT. T. Lynch.Luke 24:36-49
RepentanceT. T. Lynch.Luke 24:36-49
Repentance and PardonLuke 24:36-49
Spiritual PowerJ. G. Rogers, B. A.Luke 24:36-49
Tarrying for FitnessA. F. Muir, M. A.Luke 24:36-49
The Apostolic CommissionJ. Macgregor, D. D.Luke 24:36-49
The Charge to the ApostlesW. Jay.Luke 24:36-49
The Church's Duty to Those OutsideH. P. Hughes, M. A.Luke 24:36-49
The Crucial TestH. O. Mackey.Luke 24:36-49
The Divine Order of PreachingR. Newton, D. D.Luke 24:36-49
The Duty and Importance of Special Efforts for the Conversion of CitiesW. Patton, M. A.Luke 24:36-49
The Final Recorded Meeting in JerusalemG. Venables, S. C. L.Luke 24:36-49
The First Appearance of the Risen Lord to the ElevenC. H. Spurgeon.Luke 24:36-49
The Gospel CommissionA. Somerville.Luke 24:36-49
The Gospel for the WorldG. Venables, S. C. L.Luke 24:36-49
The Mission and Equipment of the DisciplesW. Landels.Luke 24:36-49
The Opened UnderstandingM. F. Sadler.Luke 24:36-49
The Principles and Proclamation of the GospelW. M. Taylor, D. D.Luke 24:36-49
The Reality of the ResurrectionCanon Liddon.Luke 24:36-49
The Saviour's Last WordsD. C. Hughes, M. A.Luke 24:36-49
The Timely Presence and Salutation of JesusE. Payson, D. D.Luke 24:36-49
The Understanding OpenedT. Kidd.Luke 24:36-49
The Work of the Christian MinistryW. J. Grundy.Luke 24:36-49
The Wounds of JesusC. H. Spurgeon.Luke 24:36-49
Times of WaitingJ. Vaughan, M. A.Luke 24:36-49
Too Good to be TrueC. H. Spurgeon.Luke 24:36-49
Two Supreme NecessitiesThe Weekly PulpitLuke 24:36-49
Understanding the ScripturesS. Pearse.Luke 24:36-49
Why it Behoved Christ to Suffer and to RiseR. Newton, D. D.Luke 24:36-49
Infallible Proofs and Inevitable PartingsR.M. Edgar Luke 24:36-53
People
Cleopas, James, Jesus, Joanna, Mary, Peter, Simon
Places
Bethany, Emmaus, Galilee, Jerusalem, Nazareth, Road to Emmaus
Topics
Witnesses
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Luke 24:48

     2422   gospel, confirmation
     5624   witnesses, to Christ

Luke 24:36-49

     2555   Christ, resurrection appearances

Luke 24:45-48

     2427   gospel, transmission

Luke 24:45-49

     3224   Holy Spirit, and preaching

Luke 24:46-48

     5263   communication
     8496   witnessing, importance

Luke 24:46-49

     7708   apostles, function

Luke 24:47-48

     7027   church, purpose

Luke 24:47-49

     7953   mission, of church
     8224   dependence

Luke 24:48-49

     8498   witnessing, and Holy Spirit

Library
Good Friday
Eversley, 1856. St. Luke xxiv. 5, 6. "Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen." This is a very solemn day; for on this day the Lord Jesus Christ was crucified. The question for us is, how ought we to keep it? that is, what sort of thoughts ought to be in our minds upon this day? Now, many most excellent and pious persons, and most pious books, seem to think that we ought to-day to think as much as possible of the sufferings of our Blessed Lord; and because we
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons

February 11 Morning
They that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord harkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.--MAL. 3:16. It came to pass that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.--Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst ot them.--My fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life. Let the word of Christ dwell in
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

March 23 Evening
They constrained him, saying, Abide with us.--LUKE 24:29. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.--Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions?--I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go. Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

September 18 Morning
Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.--PSA. 119:18. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures.--It is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.--I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.--We have received, not the spirit of
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

December 7. "Abide with Us; for it is Toward Evening" (Luke xxiv. 29).
"Abide with us; for it is toward evening" (Luke xxiv. 29). In His last messages to the disciples in the 14th and 15th chapters of John, the Lord Jesus clearly teaches us that the very essence of the highest holiness is, "Abide in Me, and I in you, for without Me ye can do nothing." The very purpose of the Holy Ghost whom He promised was to reveal Him, that at "that day, ye shall know that I am in the Father, and ye in Me, and I in you," and the closing echo of His intercessory prayer was embraced
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Peter Alone with Jesus
'The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.' --LUKE xxiv. 34. The other appearances of the risen Lord to individuals on the day of Resurrection are narrated with much particularity, and at considerable length. John gives us the lovely account of our Lord's conversation with Mary Magdalene, Luke gives us in full detail the story of the interview with the two travellers on the road to Emmaus. Here is another appearance, known to 'the eleven, and them that were with them' on the Resurrection
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The First Easter Sunrise
'Now, upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came onto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. 2. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. 3. And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. 4. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: 5. And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Risen Lord's Self-Revelation to Wavering Disciples
'And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. 14. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. 15. And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus Himself drew near, and went with them. 16. But their eyes were holden that they should not know Him. 17. And He said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad? 18. And
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Meal at Emmaus
'And it came to pass, as He sat at meat with them, He took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. 31. And their eyes were opened, and they knew Him; and He vanished out of their sight.'--LUKE xxiv. 30, 31. Perhaps the most striking characteristic of the Gospel accounts of our Lord's intercourse with His disciples, in the interval between the Resurrection and His Ascension, is the singular union of mystery and simplicity which they present. There is a certain air of remoteness and depth
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Triumphant End
'And as they thus spake, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 37. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. 38. And He said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? 39. Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself: handle Me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see Me have. 40. And when He had thus spoken, He shewed them His hands and His feet. 41. And while
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

Christ's Witnesses
'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.'--LUKE xxiv. 48, 49. Luke's account of the Resurrection and subsequent forty days is so constructed as to culminate in this appointment of the disciples to their high functions and equipment for it, by the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Evangelist has evidently in view his second 'treatise,' and is here preparing the link of
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Living Dead
'Why seek ye the living among the dead! 6. He is not here, but is risen.'--LUKE xxiv. 5,6. We can never understand the utter desolation of the days that lay betwixt Christ's Death and His Resurrection. Our faith rests on centuries. We know that that grave was not even an interruption to the progress of His work, but was the straight road to His triumph and His glory. We know that it was the completion of the work of which the raising of the widow's son and of Lazarus were but the beginnings. But
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Ascension
'And He led them out as far as to Bethany, and He lifted up His hands, and blessed them. 51. And it came to pass, while He blessed them, He was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.' --LUKE xxiv. 50, 51. 'And when He had spoken these things, while they beheld, He was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight.'--ACTS i. 9. Two of the four Evangelists, viz., Matthew and John, have no record of the Ascension. But the argument which infers ignorance from silence, which is always rash,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

"I Know!"
The man of God who has fixed his feet on the rock of salvation can say with certainty, "I know." If you have not got assurance and want it, just believe God's Word. If you go down South and ask those three million colored people how they think they are free, they won't talk about their feelings; they just believe that Abraham Lincoln made them free. They believe the proclamation, and so we must believe the proclamation God has made in the Bible. "One thing thou teachest," that is salvation. [Illustration:
Dwight L. Moody—Moody's Anecdotes And Illustrations

Spiritual Power.
"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."--ST. LUKE xxiv. 49. "Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you."--ACTS i. 8. To-day we are celebrating the last of the series of historical festivals which mark the springtime of our Christian year. And without this one the rest would leave us with a sense of incompleteness; for we should be without its gift of the abiding and indwelling
John Percival—Sermons at Rugby

On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xxiv. 36, "He Himself Stood in the Midst of Them, and Saith unto Them, Peace be unto You," Etc.
1. The Lord appeared to His disciples after His resurrection, as ye have heard, and saluted them, saying, "Peace be unto you." [3554] This is peace indeed, and the salutation of salvation: for the very word salutation has received its name from salvation. [3555] And what can be better than that Salvation Itself should salute man? For Christ is our Salvation. He is our Salvation, who was wounded for us, and fixed by nails to the tree, and being taken down from the tree, was laid in the sepulchre.
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

Beginning at Jerusalem
I. Ye that would faithfully serve Christ note carefully how he taught his disciples WHAT THEY WERE TO PREACH. We find different descriptions of the subject of our preaching, but on this occasion it is comprised in two things--repentance and remission of sins. I am glad to find in this verse that old- fashioned virtue called repentance. It used to be preached, but it has gone out of fashion now. Indeed, we are told that we always misunderstood the meaning of the word "repentance"; and that it simply
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 29: 1883

The Wounds of Jesus
First, what influence did the exhibition of the hands and feet have upon the disciples? Secondly, why is it that Jesus Christ, now in heaven, bears with him the scars in his flesh? And, then, thirdly, is there any lesson to us in the fact that Jesus Christ still wears his wounds? I think there is. I. First, then, OF WHAT USE WAS THE EXHIBITION OF THOSE WOUNDS TO THE DESCIPLES? I reply at once that they were infallible proofs that he was the same person. He said, "Behold my hands and feet, that it
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859

Twenty-Fourth Day for the Spirit on Your Own Congregation
WHAT TO PRAY.--For the Spirit on your own Congregation "Beginning at Jerusalem."--LUKE xxiv. 47. Each one of us is connected with some congregation or circle of believers, who are to us the part of Christ's body with which we come into most direct contact. They have a special claim on our intercession. Let it be a settled matter between God and you that you are to labour in prayer on its behalf. Pray for the minister and all leaders or workers in it. Pray for the believers according to their needs.
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

Savonarola -- the Ascension of Christ
Girolamo Savonarola was born at Ferrara in 1452, and was admitted in 1475 into the novitiate of the Dominican Order, where he soon made himself conspicuous for eloquence, and in Florence attracted many hearers by his diatribes against corruption. Florence, having lost its independence as a republic, was completely under the sway of the Medici, who became arrayed against Savonarola, who aimed at establishing an ideal Christian commonwealth. When he attacked the Pope Alexander VI. his doom was practically
Various—The World's Great Sermons, Volume I

Of the Fervent Desire of Certain Devout Persons to Receive the Body and Blood of Christ
The Voice of the Disciple O how great is the abundance of Thy sweetness, O Lord, which Thou hast laid up for them that fear Thee. When I call to mind some devout persons who draw nigh to Thy Sacrament, O Lord, with the deepest devotion and affection, then very often I am confounded in myself and blush for shame, that I approach Thine altar and table of Holy Communion so carelessly and coldly, that I remain so dry and without affection, that I am not wholly kindled with love before Thee, my God,
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

The Shadow of Disappointment.
But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel. LUKE xxiv. 21. In the accounts of the disciples, contained in the New Testament, there is no attempt to glorify them, or to conceal any weakness. From the first to the last, they think and act precisely as men would think and act in their circumstances;--they are affected just as others of like culture would be affected by such events as those set forth in the record. And the genuineness of their conduct argues the genuineness
E. H. Chapin—The Crown of Thorns

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