15:27a

And you also must testify: There are two ways to interpret the form of the word testify here:

(1) It is a command as in the Berean Standard Bible:

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, New Revised Standard Version, New Jerusalem Bible, New Living Translation (2004), New Century Version, possibly King James Version)

(2) It is a statement about what will happen. For example:

Then you will also tell others about me (Contemporary English Version)

(Revised Standard Version, New Jerusalem Bible, New American Standard Bible, English Standard Version, Revised English Bible, NET Bible, God’s Word, Good News Translation)

If you must choose between these two options, it is recommended that you follow the major-language translation in your area. There is strong support for both interpretations.

15:27b

because you have been with Me: The disciples would be able to tell others about Jesus’ life and ministry because they had been his companions. They were with him when he taught and healed the sick, and they knew his true character.

you: This pronoun is plural and refers to Jesus’ disciples.

Me: This pronoun refers to Jesus.

from the beginning: This phrase means “from the beginning of Jesus’ ministry.” It refers to all of Jesus’ ministry, from the beginning until that time. For example:

from the beginning of my ministry (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
starting from the time I began to preach to the people until now

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All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible.
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