Topical Encyclopedia An eye-witness in biblical terms refers to an individual who has personally seen or experienced an event, providing firsthand testimony to its occurrence. The concept of an eye-witness is significant in the Bible, as it underscores the authenticity and reliability of the events recorded in Scripture. The role of eye-witnesses is crucial in establishing the truth of historical and spiritual events, particularly in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the importance of eye-witness testimony is evident in the legal system of ancient Israel. The Law required the testimony of two or three witnesses to establish a matter, ensuring that justice was based on reliable evidence. Deuteronomy 19:15 states, "A lone witness is not sufficient to establish any wrongdoing or sin against a man, regardless of what offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses." New Testament Context The New Testament places significant emphasis on the role of eye-witnesses, particularly concerning the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. The apostles and early disciples served as primary eye-witnesses to Jesus' teachings, miracles, crucifixion, and resurrection. Their testimonies form the foundation of the Gospel accounts and the early Christian proclamation. In the Gospel of Luke, the author emphasizes the importance of eye-witnesses in compiling an accurate account of Jesus' life. Luke 1:2-3 states, "just as they were handed down to us by the initial eyewitnesses and servants of the word, therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus." The apostle Peter also highlights the significance of being an eye-witness in his epistles. In 2 Peter 1:16 , he writes, "For we did not follow cleverly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty." This statement underscores the authenticity of the apostolic message, rooted in direct observation and experience. The Resurrection of Jesus The resurrection of Jesus is a central event in Christianity, and the testimony of eye-witnesses is crucial in affirming its truth. The apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 , provides a list of those who witnessed the risen Christ: "For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas and then to the Twelve. After that, He appeared to more than five hundred brothers at once, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles. And last of all He appeared to me also, as to one of untimely birth." The Role of Eye-witnesses in the Early Church Eye-witnesses played a vital role in the early church, as their testimonies were instrumental in spreading the Gospel message. The apostles, as primary eye-witnesses, were tasked with bearing witness to the life and resurrection of Jesus. Acts 1:8 records Jesus' commission to His disciples: "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 reliability of the apostolic witness is further emphasized in 1 John 1:1-3 , where the apostle John writes, "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us." In summary, the concept of an eye-witness is integral to the biblical narrative, providing a foundation for the truth claims of Christianity. The testimonies of those who personally encountered the events of Scripture serve as a testament to the reliability and historicity of the biblical account. Greek 845. autoptes -- an eyewitness ... witness. Word Origin from autos and optanomai Definition an eyewitness NASB Word Usage eyewitnesses (1). eye-witness. From autos ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/845.htm - 6k 2030. epoptes -- a looker-on, ie a spectator 2029. epopteuo -- to look upon Library An Eye-Witness's Account of the Crucifixion Tatian Speaks as an Eye-Witness. Unimpeachable Justice Life of Socrates. The Resurrection. The Epistles of St. John Christ's Authority to Forgive The Looks of Jesus Christ Returns to the West Side of Genesareth. --Healing of the ... Whether a Judge May Condemn a Man who is not Accused? Thesaurus Eye-witness (2 Occurrences)Eye-witness. Eye-sight, Eye-witness. Eyewitnesses . Multi-Version Concordance Eye-witness (2 Occurrences). John 19:35 ... /e/eye-witness.htm - 7k Luke (4 Occurrences) Josephus Lazarus (19 Occurrences) Water (4571 Occurrences) Flavius Fable Eyewitnesses (2 Occurrences) Ephphatha (1 Occurrence) Eye-sight (1 Occurrence) Resources What are the seven things God hates? | GotQuestions.orgQuestions about Cults & Religions (All) | GotQuestions.org Summary of the Book of 1 John - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Eye-witness (2 Occurrences)John 19:35 1 Peter 5:1 Subtopics Related Terms |
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