Definition: And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from Luke: “And they said, ‘What need we any further witness? For we ourselves have heard of his own mouth.’” Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a dramatic and unsettling moment during Jesus’s final meal with his disciples. They were expecting to hear more evidence that he was truly risen from the dead, but instead, they heard a defiant statement. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And they said…” : This sets the scene – the disciples are discussing something that’s happening. “…What need we any further witness?” : This is the core of the problem. They were expecting to be told something about Jesus's resurrection. They expected evidence, proof, a sign. They were looking for confirmation. But they get this response: “What need we any further witness?” It’s like saying, "We already know he’s risen!" “For we ourselves have heard of his own mouth.” : This is the crux – the key to understanding the situation. The disciples are pointing out that they already knew about this event. They’ve been eyewitnesses! They've seen Jesus. This isn't some secret, mysterious thing; it’s a clear and undeniable fact. What does this mean in terms of significance? It highlights the power of faith: This verse speaks to the incredible belief that the disciples had – that they already knew Jesus rose. It suggests that their faith wasn't just intellectual belief but something deeply rooted and personal. It’s a test of Jesus’s followers: The disciples are resisting, trying to convince Jesus that they don’t need further proof. This shows they were struggling with doubt and fear – the fear of losing their faith. It foreshadows betrayal: The phrase "his own mouth" is often interpreted as referring to Jesus himself – suggesting he was speaking the truth about his resurrection. This sets up a dramatic event where someone will deliberately try to undermine his message. In short, this verse shows that the disciples were confident in their belief, and they were actively trying to stop Jesus from sharing his incredible story. --- Do you want me to: Explain the historical context of this passage? Discuss the theological significance of it?