John 15:27
And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.
John 15:27
Jesus tells the disciples they will bear witness because they have been with him from the beginning. Their firsthand experience of Jesus’ life, teachings, death, and resurrection equips them to testify about him. The word “beginning” ties to the initiation of Jesus’ public ministry and the inner circle of disciples who witnessed his ministry. The promise of witness is both personal and communal: the apostles’ testimony forms the core of New Testament witness, and the Holy Spirit will empower them to proclaim the gospel to the world.
Witness is a key theological theme: God’s redemptive plan unfolds through human agents who testify to what they have seen and learned from Jesus. The disciples’ firsthand experience validates the gospel message and demonstrates the continuity between Jesus’ presence and the Spirit’s ongoing work in the church. The verse also underscores the joint witness of Father, Son, and Spirit in the evangelization of the world.
Believers today participate in this legacy by bearing witness in word and deed. Practical steps: share personal testimonies of how Jesus has transformed life, explain the meaning of the gospel clearly, and model Christ-like love in everyday interactions. Engage in conversations with humility, making room for questions and doubts, and rely on the Spirit for wisdom in how to articulate truth. Even if immediate results aren’t visible, faithful testimony contributes to God’s broader work.
Cross-References: Acts 1:8; 2:32; 1 John 1:1-3; Luke 24:48; 2 Peter 1:16