{12} And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

(12) It is not sufficient for us that there is a proper goal, but we must also according to our calling go forward until we come to it.

People's New Testament

5:32 Given to them that obey Him. The Holy Spirit is given only to those who have submitted to the Lord (Ac 2:28 Joh 7:38,39). It dwells only in the obedient heart.

Wesley's Notes

5:32 And also the Holy Ghost - A much greater witness.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

32, 33. we are his witnesses . and the Holy Ghost-They as competent human witnesses to facts, and the Holy Ghost as attesting them by undeniable miracles.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

5:26-33 Many will do an evil thing with daring, yet cannot bear to hear of it afterward, or to have it charged upon them. We cannot expect to be redeemed and healed by Christ, unless we give up ourselves to be ruled by him. Faith takes the Saviour in all his offices, who came, not to save us in our sins, but to save us from our sins. Had Christ been exalted to give dominion to Israel, the chief priests would have welcomed him. But repentance and remission of sins are blessings they neither valued nor saw their need of; therefore they, by no means, admitted his doctrine. Wherever repentance is wrought, remission is granted without fail. None are freed from the guilt and punishment of sin, but those who are freed from the power and dominion of sin; who are turned from it, and turned against it. Christ gives repentance, by his Spirit working with the word, to awaken the conscience, to work sorrow for sin, and an effectual change in the heart and life. The giving of the Holy Ghost, is plain evidence that it is the will of God that Christ should be obeyed. And He will surely destroy those who will not have Him to reign over them.