Witness
“Ed, from a root meaning 'to repeat' or 'testify'; Greek martys, from which comes 'martyr'”
Summary
A witness in Scripture refers both to a person who testifies to facts they have observed and to the testimony itself, with witnessing playing an essential role in law, prophecy, and the proclamation of the gospel.
☩Legal Requirements
The Mosaic Law insisted on the absolute necessity of witnesses in all legal cases, especially criminal matters. At least two witnesses were required to establish any charge, and no one could be condemned on the testimony of a single witness. Witnesses were required to hold up their hands when giving evidence, a custom reflected in God's swearing by raising His hand. False witnessing was prohibited in the Decalogue and punished with the penalty the false testimony sought to bring upon the accused. In capital cases, witnesses were required to cast the first stones, proving their own belief in their testimony.
☩Tangible Witnesses
Among peoples where writing was uncommon, evidence of transactions was given by tangible memorials or significant ceremonies. Abraham gave seven ewe-lambs to Abimelech as evidence of his property in the well of Beersheba. Jacob raised a heap of stones as a boundary mark with Laban, calling it 'the heap of witness.' Joshua set up a stone as evidence of Israel's allegiance to God. The Ark of the Covenant and its contents were called 'the testimony,' bearing witness to God's covenant with Israel.
☩Apostolic Witness to Christ
The primary work of the apostles was to testify as eyewitnesses to the facts of Christ's earthly life, especially His resurrection. This ability was the qualification demanded for Judas's successor. Paul was careful to show he had experienced the risen Christ, though differently than the other apostles. The Holy Spirit also bears witness to Christ through Scripture, through charismatic gifts, and through the inner conviction given to believers. This witness of the Spirit teaches every person that new life has come through Christ's mission and death.
Related Verses146 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Witness," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Witness," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Witness," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 4.James Hastings (ed.), "Witness," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).