Witness More than one witness was required in criminal cases (Deuteronomy 17:6; Deuteronomy 1:19). They were the first to execute the sentence on the condemned (Deuteronomy 13:9; Deuteronomy 1:17; 1 Kings 21:13; Matthew 27:1; Acts 7:57, Acts 1:7). False witnesses were liable to punishment (Deuteronomy 19:16-21). It was also an offence to refuse to bear witness (Leviticus 5:1).