Acts 5:32
What does Acts 5:32 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 5:32 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 5:32 means
Peter concludes this brief testimony by stating that the apostles are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God gives to those who obey Him. The apostolic witness is historical and personal—they saw and heard. The Spirit’s witness is divine and ongoing, confirming the message with power. Obedience here refers to responding to God’s call—those who believe and follow Christ receive the Spirit. The verse grounds the apostles’ boldness not in rhetoric but in truth verified by God Himself. The combination of human and divine witness forms an unassailable testimony to Jesus’ resurrection and lordship.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And we are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who keep his laws.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and we are His witnesses of these sayings, and the Holy Spirit also, whom God gave to those obeying him.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And we are witnesses of these things: and the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to all that obey him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And we are [his] witnesses of these things, and the Holy Spirit also, whichGod has given to those that obey him.
Context
After setting forth Jesus’ resurrection and exaltation and the offer of repentance and forgiveness, Peter anchors the message in credible testimony. The Spirit’s role connects back to earlier references in this chapter (lying to the Holy Spirit) and throughout Acts. The next verse will describe the council’s furious reaction; they are cut to the heart and want to kill the apostles. This strong pushback highlights the power of the testimony and sets the stage for Gamaliel’s intervention, which temporarily restrains the council’s wrath.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 15:28
For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things:
- John 15:26
But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall bear witness of me:
- Acts 10:44
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all them that heard the word.
- Acts 13:31
and he was seen for many days of them that came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his witnesses unto the people.
- 2 Corinthians 13:1
This is the third time I am coming to you. At the mouth of two witnesses or three shall every word be established.
- John 7:39
But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believed on him were to receive: for the Spirit was not yet given; because Jesus was not yet glorified.
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