Acts 10:39 - We are witnesses of everything he did both in the country of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they also killed, hanging him on a tree.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Acts 10:39" mean?
This verse, Acts 10:39, is a key statement within Peter's sermon in the house of Cornelius, a Gentile centurion. Let's break down its meaning:
"We are witnesses": This "we" refers primarily to the apostles and other close followers of Jesus. Peter is emphasizing that their testimony is based on firsthand observation and experience. They aren't relaying hearsay; they were there. This is crucial for establishing the credibility of their message.
"of everything he did": This encompasses the entirety of Jesus's ministry: his miracles, his teachings, his interactions with people, his authority, and his compassion. They saw the impact he had and the power he wielded. The Greek word used for "did" here carries the connotation of mighty deeds and miracles. It underscores the extraordinary nature of Jesus' ministry.
"both in the country of the Jews, and in Jerusalem": This specifies the geographical scope of Jesus's ministry. It wasn't some obscure, localized event. He ministered throughout the land of Israel, and particularly in Jerusalem, the capital city and center of Jewish religious life. This makes the events more public and verifiable.
"whom they also killed": This introduces the crucial fact of Jesus's death. Peter is clearly stating that Jesus was not just a good teacher or a miracle worker; he was executed.
"hanging him on a tree": This is a reference to Jesus's crucifixion. While the word "cross" is not explicitly used here, the phrase "hanging him on a tree" is a common Old Testament euphemism for crucifixion, drawing on Deuteronomy 21:23 which states "his body shall not remain all night on the tree, but you shall bury him the same day, for a hanged man is cursed by God." This phrasing highlights the shame and the perceived curse associated with crucifixion, especially from a Jewish perspective. By using this language, Peter is showing the Gentiles that he understands the Jewish perspective on Jesus' death.
Overall Meaning and Significance:
In the context of Peter's sermon to Cornelius and his household, this verse serves multiple important purposes:
Establishes Authority: Peter and the other apostles are credible witnesses to the life and death of Jesus.
Summarizes Jesus's Ministry: It provides a concise overview of Jesus's significant activities.
Highlights the Injustice: It emphasizes that Jesus, despite his good works, was unjustly executed.
Prepares the Way for the Resurrection: While the death is mentioned, the next verses (Acts 10:40-43) focus on the resurrection, forgiveness, and the message that everyone who believes in Jesus will receive forgiveness of sins through his name. The verse acts as a bridge between Jesus's earthly life and his subsequent resurrection and continuing influence.
Connects to the Old Testament: Using the phrase "hanging him on a tree" subtly connects Jesus's death to Old Testament prophecies and understanding of being cursed.
Introduces the Gospel to Gentiles: The verse is a crucial part of presenting the gospel message to Gentiles, explaining who Jesus was and what happened to him. It's a foundational statement for them to understand the Christian faith.
In essence, Acts 10:39 is a powerful summary of Jesus's ministry and death, delivered by eyewitnesses, designed to introduce the Gospel to a new audience and establish the foundation for belief in Jesus Christ. It highlights the transition in the Gospel message being shared with the Gentile world, signaling a monumental change in the early Christian Church.
Acts 10:39 - We are witnesses of everything he did both in the country of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they also killed, hanging him on a tree.
What does "Acts 10:39" mean?
This verse, Acts 10:39, is a key statement within Peter's sermon in the house of Cornelius, a Gentile centurion. Let's break down its meaning:
"We are witnesses": This "we" refers primarily to the apostles and other close followers of Jesus. Peter is emphasizing that their testimony is based on firsthand observation and experience. They aren't relaying hearsay; they were there. This is crucial for establishing the credibility of their message.
"of everything he did": This encompasses the entirety of Jesus's ministry: his miracles, his teachings, his interactions with people, his authority, and his compassion. They saw the impact he had and the power he wielded. The Greek word used for "did" here carries the connotation of mighty deeds and miracles. It underscores the extraordinary nature of Jesus' ministry.
"both in the country of the Jews, and in Jerusalem": This specifies the geographical scope of Jesus's ministry. It wasn't some obscure, localized event. He ministered throughout the land of Israel, and particularly in Jerusalem, the capital city and center of Jewish religious life. This makes the events more public and verifiable.
"whom they also killed": This introduces the crucial fact of Jesus's death. Peter is clearly stating that Jesus was not just a good teacher or a miracle worker; he was executed.
"hanging him on a tree": This is a reference to Jesus's crucifixion. While the word "cross" is not explicitly used here, the phrase "hanging him on a tree" is a common Old Testament euphemism for crucifixion, drawing on Deuteronomy 21:23 which states "his body shall not remain all night on the tree, but you shall bury him the same day, for a hanged man is cursed by God." This phrasing highlights the shame and the perceived curse associated with crucifixion, especially from a Jewish perspective. By using this language, Peter is showing the Gentiles that he understands the Jewish perspective on Jesus' death.
Overall Meaning and Significance:
In the context of Peter's sermon to Cornelius and his household, this verse serves multiple important purposes:
Establishes Authority: Peter and the other apostles are credible witnesses to the life and death of Jesus.
Summarizes Jesus's Ministry: It provides a concise overview of Jesus's significant activities.
Highlights the Injustice: It emphasizes that Jesus, despite his good works, was unjustly executed.
Prepares the Way for the Resurrection: While the death is mentioned, the next verses (Acts 10:40-43) focus on the resurrection, forgiveness, and the message that everyone who believes in Jesus will receive forgiveness of sins through his name. The verse acts as a bridge between Jesus's earthly life and his subsequent resurrection and continuing influence.
Connects to the Old Testament: Using the phrase "hanging him on a tree" subtly connects Jesus's death to Old Testament prophecies and understanding of being cursed.
Introduces the Gospel to Gentiles: The verse is a crucial part of presenting the gospel message to Gentiles, explaining who Jesus was and what happened to him. It's a foundational statement for them to understand the Christian faith.
In essence, Acts 10:39 is a powerful summary of Jesus's ministry and death, delivered by eyewitnesses, designed to introduce the Gospel to a new audience and establish the foundation for belief in Jesus Christ. It highlights the transition in the Gospel message being shared with the Gentile world, signaling a monumental change in the early Christian Church.