Definition: Attestation of a fact or event; testimony.

Alright class, settle down and let’s take a look! Today we’re tackling the word “witnesses,” it’s quite a key, you see. The dictionary tells us, with precision clear, It's "attestation of a fact or event," hold it near! "Testimony” is part of that, don't you know? Let's break it down, let the knowledge flow: A witness sees something, truly true, And then they tell about it, for me and you. Think of a courtroom, grand and bright, Where someone watches closely, with all their might. They observe the actions, every single plea, And later share what they saw, for all to see! It’s not just watching, passively slow, But giving evidence , helping truth grow. So "witnesses" means a person who observes and shares, Their account of happenings, beyond compare! Do you have any questions about this rhyme? Let's discuss it further!

Definition: Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Corinthians 15:15. It's a really important and somewhat complex passage, but I’ll try to explain it in plain language. Here’s what it means, broken down into simpler parts: The Basic Idea: This verse is about trust and responsibility . It’s saying that when we testify (speak up and share our beliefs) about God, we are also responsible for not being wrong. Specifically, we're admitting we might be falsely accusing someone of something they didn’t do. Let’s unpack each part: “Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God…” This is the core of the warning. "False witness" means lying or intentionally misleading someone. It’s saying that our testimony (what we say about God) isn't accurate. “…because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ…” This is where it gets a little more complicated. Jesus Christ was raised from the dead – this is a HUGE event in Christian faith. The verse says that we , as believers, have spoken about Jesus’ resurrection and that we've shared that information. “Whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.” This is the crucial part that challenges our understanding of this whole situation. It means that if someone dies (or is believed to die), and they don’t actually rise from the dead, then it’s impossible for everyone who has died to rise as well. It's a statement about eternal life and resurrection. So, what does this all mean in practical terms? It’s essentially saying that if we’re telling people about something important – like Jesus’ resurrection – we need to be absolutely sure of our truth. If we’re lying or misrepresenting something, it could have serious consequences for everyone involved, including those who believe in God and the promise of eternal life. Why is this verse significant? It's a reminder that our words carry weight and responsibility. It encourages us to be truthful and accurate in what we share about God and His message. It’s also a call for humility – recognizing that we don’t always have all the answers, and it’s important to stay grounded in faith. In short, this verse is a warning against dishonesty when speaking about something sacred like Jesus Christ and the promise of eternal life. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts further? Give you a more relatable analogy (like a story)?

Definition: Ye [are] witnesses, and God [also], how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important verse from 1 Thessalonians 2:10. It's a really powerful message about the impact of our lives. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that you – specifically, those who are believers – have been living a life that demonstrates goodness and righteousness. It’s not just about good intentions; it's about consistently acting with honesty, fairness, and integrity. Let's unpack it word-by-word: “Ye [are] witnesses” : This means “you are witnesses.” It’s a formal way of saying "you are responsible for demonstrating what you believe." “God also” : This emphasizes that God isn't just watching us ; He is actively involved in evaluating our actions. “How holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you” : This is the core of the message. It means: “We have lived with honesty, fairness, and without any wrongdoing or blame towards others.” Putting it all together – A Simple Explanation: The verse is essentially saying that you have been living a life that’s shown God's love and approval through your actions. You haven't just followed rules; you've consistently acted in a way that reflects His goodness. It’s about striving to be trustworthy, honest, and fair in everything you do. Why is this important? This verse highlights the importance of living a life that pleases God . It’s not enough to simply believe – we need to embody those beliefs in our daily lives. It's about showing God's character through our actions and choices. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail? (e.g., what does "holily" mean?) Give you some examples of how it applies to your life?

Definition: Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Timothy 5:19: “Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.” Here’s what it means in simpler terms: This passage is about respect and humility . It's telling us that when dealing with someone older than you – a mentor, a leader, or even a trusted authority – you shouldn’t accuse them of wrongdoing. Let’s unpack it further: “Against an elder…” This refers to someone who is in a position of leadership and has experience. “…receive not an accusation…” This means you shouldn't confront or accuse them with accusations – statements that claim something is wrong. “…but before two or three witnesses.” This is the key part. It suggests that when someone does wrong, you should present your concerns to a small group of trusted individuals who can help assess the situation and offer guidance. “Witnesses” are people who are trustworthy and agree with what they see. What's the point? The Bible encourages us to be gentle and discerning in our judgments. It’s teaching us to: Protect those in authority: We should show respect for older leaders, recognizing their wisdom and experience. Seek guidance: Having a small group of trusted people can help ensure fair and accurate assessment of the situation. Avoid hasty decisions: Making judgments without proper consideration can lead to mistakes or injustice. In essence, it’s a reminder that we should treat elders with respect and humility, and seek counsel from those who are trustworthy. --- Would you like me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the why behind this principle in more detail?

Definition: Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Timothy 6:12. It’s a really important message about living a purposeful and righteous life! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it’s telling us to actively pursue a life of faith and goodness. Let’s unpack each part: “Fight the good fight of faith…” : This isn't just about praying or feeling good. It means engaging in a struggle – a challenging and worthwhile effort – with your belief in God and what He has promised you. It suggests being active in living according to His will. “…lay hold on eternal life…” : “Eternal life” refers to a state of lasting happiness, peace, and connection with God after death. It's about more than just surviving; it’s about lasting and experiencing something wonderful. “Whereunto thou art also called…” : This is key! It means that God has chosen you for a specific purpose – to live a life that honors Him and serves His plan. He’s given you a particular role or path to follow. “…and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” : "Professed" means you've declared your faith and commitment to living righteously. “Many witnesses” means people who have seen your sincerity and believe what you say. So, this is saying that you’ve already made a clear statement of your belief and dedication to living a moral life. In short, the verse encourages us to: Be determined: Don't give up on your faith! Focus on purpose: Live in a way that honors God and fulfills His plan for you. Make a commitment: Declare your beliefs and dedication openly. What does this mean for you ? It means to be honest with yourself about your beliefs, to live a life that reflects those beliefs, and to actively strive to be a good person – to do what is right and kind. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Give you some examples of how this verse applies to everyday life?

Definition: This [is] the third [time] I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from 2 Corinthians 13:1. It’s a really powerful message about the reliability and importance of God's Word. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse is saying: “God is constantly speaking to us.” Let’s unpack that a little further: "This [is] the third [time] I am coming..." – This isn't just one visit. It refers to multiple times throughout history – many times over. It suggests God has been speaking to humanity since the beginning of time. Think of it like a recurring message, a consistent truth. "...to you." – This is key. The message isn’t just once to us; it's repeatedly to each individual person. It’s like a pattern of communication that God has established with us. "In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established." - This is where the magic happens! The "witnesses" represent people who are trusted and reliable – those who have been given God's truth by Him. “Two or three witnesses” means that many people will receive God’s message, and it will be confirmed through multiple sources. It’s not just one person; it signifies a group of people who are trustworthy. So, what does this mean practically? It means: God's Word is reliable: The Bible isn’t just written once. God consistently communicates truth through His word. Trust in the message: We should trust that God is speaking to us and that His message will be confirmed by others. Don’t dismiss it easily: Even if you don't fully understand something, keep listening for God’s voice – because He continues to speak to us throughout our lives. In short, the verse encourages a constant awareness of God’s ongoing communication with us through His Word. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this further? For example, would you like me to: Explain what "witnesses" might be in more detail? Discuss why this verse is important for believers?

Definition: For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 2 Peter 1:16. It’s a really beautiful and profound statement about God's plan for us! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that God revealed something incredibly important to us – Jesus Christ – and we are witnesses (people who saw and experienced something) of his amazing power and the fact that he’s coming. Let's unpack it word by word: “For we have not followed cunningly devised fables…” - “Fables” means stories or myths, often exaggerated or untrue. This part is saying that we haven’t been tricked into believing something that isn’t true. We aren’t following any false promises or illusions. “…when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ…” - This means God told us about Jesus – his incredible strength, his divine nature, and his future arrival . He revealed who he was and what he would do. “but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.” – This is the really important part. “Witnesses” means someone who saw something with their own eyes. "Majesty" refers to God’s awesome qualities - his holiness, his perfect nature, his divine glory. So, we , as believers, are like eyewitnesses because we have seen and experienced God's presence in Jesus Christ – he is truly powerful, holy, and glorious. In short, the verse says that God revealed Jesus to us and we are witnesses to his amazing power and his eventual arrival. What does this mean for us ? It means that God has a plan for our lives and for the future. We're part of something bigger – a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, and that relationship is filled with hope, promise, and the realization that God is powerful and good. Think of it like this: Imagine you’re looking at a beautiful sunset. You don’t need to understand how the sun creates the colors; you just appreciate its beauty. This verse is similar – we don't need to fully grasp the details of God’s plan, but we are blessed to witness his power and presence in our lives through Jesus Christ. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further? Give you a few examples of how this verse applies to your life?

Definition: And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Timothy 2:2. It's a really important message about how we should share and teach what we’ve learned. Here’s a simple explanation: Basically, it means: “Don’t just keep these teachings to yourself. Share them with others who can help spread the truth.” Let’s unpack that a little further: “The things that you’ve heard of me…” – This refers to everything we’ve learned from Jesus Christ – his teachings, his words, his actions, and everything he taught us about love, forgiveness, and what it means to live a good life. It's the core of our faith. “…among many witnesses…” – This is where it gets a bit more profound. “Witnesses” in this context refers to people who have seen Jesus Christ’s love and truth firsthand. It doesn’t just mean someone who knows him, but those who have experienced his impact on their lives. “…the same commit thou to faithful men…” – This is the key instruction. “Commit” means to trust and to hold onto something. “Faithful men” are people who are trustworthy, dedicated, and willing to share what they’ve learned with others. "...who shall be able to teach others also." - This tells us that sharing these teachings isn't just about you keeping them secret. It's about empowering others – those who can continue the message after you're gone or when you’re not around. It means you have a responsibility to pass on your knowledge and understanding. In short, the verse is urging us to be generous with our faith. It’s about spreading the good news of Jesus Christ so that others can grow in their belief and understand his message better. Does this make sense? Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Give a real-world example of how this principle applies?

Definition: 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:

Explanation: Okay, let's break down that passage from Acts 10:39. It’s a pretty serious and impactful sentence. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: This verse describes the actions of the early Church after Jesus died and was resurrected. It recounts a pivotal event where a Jewish crowd, led by Peter, killed Jesus and then hanged him on a tree. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “We are witnesses…” – This means that the people who followed Jesus – the early Church – are recording what happened. They’re telling the story of his life and ministry. “…of all things which he did…” – This is a very broad statement. It means they're remembering everything that Jesus did throughout his life, not just the most famous events. “both in the land of the Jews…” – This refers to the Jewish people who followed Jesus. They were deeply upset about his death and believed he was crucified as a punishment for their sins. “…and in Jerusalem…” – They also remembered the events that happened in Jerusalem, where Jesus had been preached and taught. “whom they slew and hanged on a tree:” – This is the crucial part. The Jewish people, driven by anger and fear, killed Jesus and then hung him. What does this all mean practically? This verse reveals a significant conflict within the early Church. It shows that even after Jesus' death, there was still a struggle between those who believed in him and those who rejected him. It highlights a moment of intense conflict and violence. Important Context: The Gospels: This passage is found in the Gospel of Acts, which tells the story of the early Christian movement. Peter’s Role: Peter is a key figure in the story – he's speaking about the events as they happened. In short, this verse describes a tragic event where Jewish people killed Jesus and then hanged him, leaving the early Church to grapple with the consequences. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this passage is significant? Give you a more detailed explanation of one specific aspect (like the conflict between Jews and Christians)?

Definition: Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, [even] to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from Acts 10:41. It's a really fascinating and complex verse that deals with faith and divine intervention. Here’s a simplified explanation: What it says: “Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.” Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Not to all the people…” – This immediately clarifies that this isn’t a general statement about everyone in the Jewish community. It’s focusing on a very specific group. “…but unto witnesses chosen before of God…” - This is the core of it. The verse says that this event wasn't happening randomly or naturally. Something significant – someone who had a special relationship with Jesus after his resurrection – was specifically chosen by God to be part of this experience. “even to us…” - This is where it gets really interesting. It’s not just about one person; it's about us , the listeners in that gathering. What does this mean for us? This verse speaks to a very profound idea: God’s grace and his favor are extended to those who experience him through Jesus. It suggests that God isn’t just interested in the outcome of events, but in the relationship with him. It's about being touched by divine presence in a way that transcends normal human experience. The significance – it’s about faith and transformation: Rising from the Dead: Jesus had died, but he was resurrected! This is a HUGE event of hope and new life. Eating and Drinking with Him: The verse describes a shared meal or drink with Jesus after his resurrection. It's not just a casual encounter; it’s an intimate connection – a moment where God’s presence was palpable. In essence, the verse tells us that faith in Jesus is given to those who have been touched by his resurrected life and are open to experiencing his divine power. It emphasizes that true faith isn't just about belief; it’s about being changed by the reality of God’s presence. Important Note: This verse has been interpreted in a few different ways throughout history, but it generally points towards a belief in the importance of experiencing and being transformed by Jesus Christ. --- Do you want me to: Explain this passage further with more detail? Provide a historical context for the event described? Discuss the theological implications of this verse?