Acts 1:3 kjv

To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

Acts 1:3 nkjv

to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.

Acts 1:3 niv

After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.

Acts 1:3 esv

He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.

Acts 1:3 nlt

During the forty days after he suffered and died, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God.

Acts 1 verses

Acts 1 3 Meaning

Acts 1:3 explains that after His suffering, Jesus presented Himself alive to His disciples over a period of forty days. He did this with "many infallible proofs," demonstrating the reality of His physical resurrection. During these appearances, He instructed them about "the things pertaining to the kingdom of God," thereby preparing them for their mission and the coming of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 1 3 Context

Acts chapter 1 serves as the crucial link between Luke's Gospel, which ended with Jesus' ascension, and the establishment and expansion of the early Christian church. Verse 3 specifically sets the foundation for everything that follows by powerfully confirming the central tenet of Christian faith: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. For the original Jewish audience, who knew of other claims to messiahship often ending in the death of the claimant, the "infallible proofs" were essential for understanding that Jesus' death was not a defeat but a victory culminating in life. The "forty days" period bridges the gap between the resurrection and the promised outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8), serving as a concentrated time of instruction and preparation for the apostles' future mission as witnesses. During this time, Jesus provided crucial clarification on the nature of the "kingdom of God," refining the disciples' often-misconceived expectations of an earthly, political kingdom.

Acts 1 3 Word Analysis

• to whom He also presented Himself alive:
  • "presented" (Gk: parestēsen - παρέστησεν): Signifies an intentional, deliberate act of showing or making something stand forth. Jesus purposefully made Himself visible and verifiable.
  • "Himself alive": Emphasizes the physical, corporeal reality of His resurrection, not a ghostly apparition. This crucial detail asserts the triumph over death, distinct from spiritual visions.
• after His suffering:
  • "suffering" (Gk: pathos - πάθος): Refers to the Passion of Christ, His sacrificial death on the cross. It connects the resurrected Christ directly to His crucifixion, highlighting that the living Lord is the very One who was crucified. This gives His resurrection ultimate meaning, validating His atoning work.
• by many infallible proofs:
  • "infallible proofs" (Gk: tekmērion - τεκμήριον): A very strong Greek word denoting a certain, conclusive, or undeniable demonstration, leaving no room for doubt. It is more than just a sign; it is compelling evidence.
  • "many": The variety and numerousness of these proofs include: His appearance to many individuals and groups, His eating with them, allowing them to touch Him, showing His crucifixion wounds, and speaking with them over an extended period. This directly refutes any contemporary skepticism about resurrection or later claims that Jesus' appearances were merely spiritual or imaginary.
• appearing to them:
  • "appearing" (Gk: optanomenos - ὀπτανόμενος, present participle): Denotes continuous or repeated appearances rather than a single event, reinforcing the thoroughness of His evidence.
  • "them": Primarily refers to the apostles, the designated witnesses who would carry forth His message.
• during forty days:
  • This specific period often signifies a time of preparation, testing, or divine revelation in Scripture (e.g., Noah's flood, Moses on Sinai, Elijah's journey, Jesus' temptation). For the disciples, it was a critical period of intense learning and transition, where their faith was solidified, and they were specifically discipled for their future roles.
• and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
  • "speaking" (Gk: legōn - λέγων): Again, a continuous action, emphasizing ongoing instruction.
  • "the kingdom of God": The central theme of Jesus' ministry, representing God's sovereign rule—both present (in hearts, through the church) and future (its consummation). In this post-resurrection phase, Jesus would have clarified the spiritual nature of His kingdom, preparing His disciples for their mission to expand it through the power of the Holy Spirit rather than through political or earthly means. This reframed their understanding of Messiah's role.

Acts 1 3 Bonus Section

• The meticulous detailing of the proofs and appearances (eating, touching, extended teaching) directly combats potential claims that Jesus' resurrection was merely spiritual, visionary, or even a hoax. Luke, as a physician and historian, meticulously records these evidences to authenticate the apostles' message.
• The "forty days" served as an intense period of consolidation, allowing for any lingering fear or disbelief among the disciples to be fully overcome through repeated interaction with the resurrected Lord. It was a time of commissioning and strategic preparation for Pentecost and the global mission of the Church.
• By focusing His post-resurrection teaching on "the kingdom of God," Jesus reoriented the apostles' messianic expectations, steering them away from immediate political aspirations toward understanding God's sovereign rule being realized through His people by the power of the Holy Spirit, which would be essential for the expansion of Christianity.

Acts 1 3 Commentary

Acts 1:3 is foundational, unequivocally affirming the historicity and bodily nature of Jesus' resurrection through "many infallible proofs." This certainty was crucial for equipping the apostles, dispelling their lingering doubts, and solidifying their resolve. The forty-day period was not just about establishing Jesus' living reality but also served as a profound final classroom, where Jesus deepened their understanding of "the kingdom of God." This sustained, personal instruction provided theological clarity and empowered their future commission, transitioning their focus from a worldly kingdom to the spiritual reign of God enacted through the Holy Spirit in and through His people. It prepared them to be faithful witnesses to a risen King, ready to proclaim His finished work and continue His mission.