The apostles being Jesus’ witnesses means they are his ambassadors, authoritative teachers appointed to testify to what he did and explain the significance.1 They must reach out to all people irrespective of where they live (Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth). The essential task of bearing witness was unique to the apostles, their office being foundational for the church (Ephesians 2:20) and not one that has continued through to today. As Christians, we bear witness not by saying what we have seen Jesus do and accomplish with our eyes, but by pointing people to what we have heard and read of Christ in the Bible (the New Testament witness of the apostles).2
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”