Acts 1:3

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An Exegetical Analysis of τεκμήριον in Acts 1:3

This exegetical study of An Exegetical Analysis of τεκμήριον in Acts 1:3 is based on a b-greek discussion from August 22, 1998. The discussion commenced with an inquiry into the strength of the term τεκμηρίοις in Acts 1:3, specifically questioning if a paraphrase such as “demonstrating many irrefutable proofs” was too forceful and whether the word denoted prima facie evidence.

The main exegetical issue revolves around establishing the precise semantic range and interpretive weight of the noun τεκμήριον (plural τεκμηρίοις) in Acts 1:3. Scholars debated whether the term implies merely “convincing items of evidence” or a stronger, “irrefutable” or “infallible proof.” This involves considering its classical usage, its distinction from related terms like σημεῖον, and its rhetorical and forensic connotations within the Lukan context of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances.

οἷς καὶ παρέστησεν ἑαυτὸν ζῶντα μετὰ τὸ παθεῖν αὐτὸν ἐν πολλοῖς τεκμηρίοις, δι’ ἡμερῶν τεσσεράκοντα ὀπτανόμενος αὐτοῖς καὶ λέγων τὰ περὶ τῆς βασιλείας τοῦ θεοῦ.
(Nestle 1904)

Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):

• There are no significant textual differences in Acts 1:3 between the Nestle 1904 text and the SBLGNT 2010 edition that affect the word τεκμηρίοις or its immediate context. Both texts present identical readings for this verse.

Textual Criticism (NA28) and Lexical Notes (KITTEL, BDAG)

The critical apparatus of the Novum Testamentum Graece (NA28) indicates no textual variants for τεκμηρίοις in Acts 1:3, confirming its secure presence in the text. This absence of variants underscores the consensus regarding the word’s form, directing exegetical focus squarely on its semantic meaning.

Lexical resources provide crucial insight into τεκμήριον:

• BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, Gingrich): Defines τεκμήριον as “that which serves to demonstrate a matter of fact, proof, evidence.” It specifies that in some contexts, it can denote “infallible proof,” and Acts 1:3 is cited as a primary example. This suggests a strong, compelling type of evidence.
• KITTEL (Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, Vol. VIII, pp. 88-89): Offers a comprehensive analysis, tracing τεκμήριον from its etymological roots. It is understood as a “sign from which something may be concluded, proof.” Kittel emphasizes its forensic use in classical Greek, where it refers to a decisive, compelling proof that leaves no room for doubt, contrasting it with σημεῖον (a mere sign or indication). The term carries connotations of rational, conclusive evidence that forces conviction.
• Louw-Nida (Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament Based on Semantic Domains): Notes that “convincing proof” is often rendered in other languages as “that which causes one to know for sure” or “with certainty” (28.45), implying a high degree of certainty beyond simple conviction.
• Moulton-Milligan (The Vocabulary of the Greek Testament Illustrated from the Papyri and Other Non-Literary Sources): Translates τεκμήριον as “infallible proof,” citing its usage in Ephesian inscriptions where it is mentioned as a “megiston tekmerion” (greatest proof) of religious awe. They also note its distinction in medical and rhetorical texts (e.g., Galen) from σημεῖον, where τεκμήριον signifies “demonstrative evidence.”

These lexical data collectively suggest that τεκμήριον denotes a form of evidence that is not merely persuasive but is conclusive, undeniable, and leads to certainty. Its classical and forensic background supports a strong interpretation in Acts 1:3, referring to proofs that are definitive and compelling.

Translation Variants with Grammatical & Rhetorical Analysis

The phrase `ἐν πολλοῖς τεκμηρίοις` functions as an instrumental dative, indicating the means by which Jesus presented himself alive. The discussion highlights several potential English renderings, each carrying distinct nuances regarding the strength and nature of the evidence:

• “Convincing items of evidence” / “convincing proofs”: This rendering implies evidence that is persuasive and leads to belief, but perhaps leaves room for subjective interpretation or even refutation by a skeptical observer. It emphasizes the persuasive quality without necessarily stressing absolute certainty.
• “Irrefutable proofs” / “indubitable proof”: This interpretation leans heavily on the forensic background of τεκμήριον, where it refers to evidence that is so strong it cannot be logically disputed or overthrown. While prima facie evidence (evidence sufficient to establish a fact unless disproved) was initially considered, the discussion shifted towards a stronger sense for τεκμήριον itself, indicating evidence that, for the apostles, was indeed beyond legitimate dispute. The Greek term implies a higher degree of certainty than mere prima facie evidence, pointing to something demonstrative and conclusive.
• “Infallible proof”: Supported by Moulton-Milligan and Lumby, this translation emphasizes the absolute certainty and undeniable nature of the evidence. It suggests that the proofs were incapable of being wrong or misleading, fully establishing the truth of Jesus’ resurrection. This aligns well with the Lukan narrative’s portrayal of Jesus’ appearances (e.g., Luke 24:37-43) where he offers tangible evidence (hands, feet, eating fish) to overcome the disciples’ incredulity, demonstrating he is not a spirit but truly alive in the flesh. This kind of evidence is designed to remove all doubt and provide certainty.
• “Numerous indications”: This is generally considered too weak, as τεκμήριον is semantically stronger than a mere “indication” (which might be better rendered by σημεῖον in many contexts). It fails to capture the conclusive and demonstrative nature inherent in τεκμήριον.

Rhetorically, Luke’s choice of τεκμήριον serves to underscore the objective, empirical reality of Jesus’ resurrection. The accumulated evidence was not simply a series of signs or wonders (σημεῖα), but definitive proofs (τεκμήρια) that logically and conclusively established Jesus’ living reality after his suffering. This forensic emphasis provides a solid foundation for the apostolic witness that follows in the book of Acts, demonstrating that their proclamation of the risen Christ was grounded in undeniable facts experienced personally by them.

Conclusions and Translation Suggestions

The exegetical analysis of τεκμήριον in Acts 1:3 reveals a term imbued with significant semantic weight, indicating evidence that is not merely convincing but conclusive, undeniable, and foundational for establishing certainty. Luke’s use of this term emphasizes the objective and verifiable nature of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances to the apostles, providing a robust basis for their future mission.

1. “To these he also presented himself alive after his suffering by means of many infallible proofs, appearing to them for forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.”
   This translation prioritizes the absolute certainty and undeniable nature of the evidence, aligning with the strong lexical definitions from Moulton-Milligan and Kittel. It emphasizes that the proofs were incapable of error and fully established the resurrection.
2. “To these he also presented himself alive after his suffering with many indubitable demonstrations, appearing to them for forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.”
   This option highlights the demonstrative quality of the proofs, suggesting that Jesus actively showed himself to be alive in ways that were beyond legitimate dispute, reflecting the forensic context and the apostles’ firm conviction.
3. “To these he also presented himself alive after his suffering by providing numerous conclusive proofs, appearing to them for forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.”
   This rendering maintains a strong sense of certainty while using a slightly more common English idiom. “Conclusive” directly implies that the evidence served to settle the matter definitively, removing all reasonable doubt.

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