Witnesses, to Jesus Christ

The NT identifies a variety of witnesses to Jesus Christ, who confirm his identity and importance. It also stresses the importance of believers bearing witness to Christ in the world.

The witness of the OT

Acts 26:22–23 See also Luke 24:27; John 5:39–40; Hebrews 12:1–2

But I have had God’s help to this day, and I stand here to testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen: that the Christ would suffer, and as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to our people and to the Gentiles.”

The witness of John the Baptist

John 1:6–8 See also Matthew 3:1–3; Isaiah 40:3; Matthew 3:11–12 parallels Mark 1:7–8, Luke 3:15–18; John 1:15, John 1:19–31, John 3:26–30, John 5:33–35

There came a man who was sent from God. His name was John. He came as a witness to testify about the Light, so that through him everyone might believe. He himself was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light.

The witness of the Holy Spirit

John 15:26 See also Acts 5:32; Romans 8:16; 1 John 5:6–9

When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father — the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father — He will testify about Me.

The witness of the Father

John 8:18 See also Matthew 3:17 parallels Mark 1:11, Luke 3:22; Matthew 17:5 parallels Mark 9:7, Luke 9:35; John 5:37–38

I am One who testifies about Myself, and the Father, who sent Me, also testifies about Me.”

The witness of Jesus Christ to himself

John 5:36, John 8:14 See also John 13:13, John 14:11

But I have testimony more substantial than that of John. For the works that the Father has given Me to accomplish — the very works I am doing — testify about Me that the Father has sent Me.

Jesus replied, “Even if I testify about Myself, My testimony is valid, because I know where I came from and where I am going. But you do not know where I came from or where I am going.

The witness of Jesus Christ's miracles

John 14:11 See also John 10:25, John 15:24

Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me — or at least believe on account of the works themselves.

The witness of the first Christians

Commissioned by Jesus Christ

Acts 1:8 Matthew 10:17–20; Luke 21:12–13; Acts 4:18–21; Luke 1:1–2, Luke 24:48; John 15:27; Acts 1:21–22, Acts 2:32, Acts 4:33, Acts 13:31; Acts 9:5–6, Acts 22:14–15, Acts 23:11, Acts 26:16; Hebrews 2:3; 1 Peter 5:1; 2 Peter 1:16; 1 John 1:1

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

The witness of converts

1 Peter 3:15–16 See also 2 Timothy 1:8

But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander you may be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ.