And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.

ACTS 13:31KJV
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Acts 13:31 (KJV)

What does Acts 13:31 mean?

Acts 13:31 says that after Jesus rose from the dead, he was seen for many days by those who had traveled with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, and these people now serve as witnesses to others. The verse highlights that there were actual people who saw Jesus alive after his resurrection and are now telling others about what they saw.

In Acts 13:31, Paul is speaking in a synagogue, addressing a Jewish audience during his travels. He is explaining that Jesus’ resurrection was not a secret event but was confirmed by many eyewitnesses—specifically, those who had been with Jesus throughout his ministry. This detail supports the credibility of the resurrection by pointing to real, known people as witnesses, not just a private or mystical experience.

The Greek behind Acts 13:31

  • "seen" (ὤφθη, ōphthē): This Greek word means "to be seen" or "to appear." It emphasizes that Jesus’ appearances after his resurrection were visible and witnessed, not imagined or rumored.
  • "witnesses" (μάρτυρες, martyres): This word means "those who testify" or "give evidence." It underscores that the people who saw Jesus are not just followers, but are giving a testimony based on what they actually saw.
  • "with" (συνῆλθον, synēlthon): This word means "to go together with." It points out that the witnesses were people who had traveled with Jesus, showing they knew him well and could reliably identify him.

Why Acts 13:31 matters

  • Acts 13:31 clarifies that the resurrection of Jesus was confirmed by multiple eyewitnesses, not just a single person or a small, isolated group.
  • The verse connects the story of Jesus to real locations (Galilee and Jerusalem) and real people, grounding the account in history rather than legend.
  • By highlighting the role of witnesses, Acts 13:31 shows that the early Christian message was based on public testimony, not secret revelation, which was important for convincing others in the ancient world.

Where else these words appear

“with” Greek G4872 · used in 2 verses

  • Mark 15:41 (Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him;) and many other women which came up with him unto Jerusalem.

“witnesses” Greek G3144 · used in 34 verses

  • Matthew 18:16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
  • Acts 10:39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
  • 1 Timothy 5:19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.

“many” Greek G4119 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
  • John 4:1 When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,
  • Acts 25:6 And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought.

“seen” Greek G3700 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
  • Luke 22:43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
  • Acts 16:9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.