Acts 1:8

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

But {G235} ye shall receive {G2983} power {G1411}, after that the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151} is come {G1904} upon {G1909} you {G5209}: and {G2532} ye shall be {G2071} witnesses {G3144} unto me {G3427} both {G5037} in {G1722} Jerusalem {G2419}, and {G2532} in {G1722} all {G3956} Judaea {G2449}, and {G2532} in Samaria {G4540}, and {G2532} unto {G2193} the uttermost part {G2078} of the earth {G1093}.

But you will receive power when the Ruach HaKodesh comes upon you; you will be my witnesses both in Yerushalayim and in all Y’hudah and Shomron, indeed to the ends of the earth!”

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

But ye shall receive power, when the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and ye shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa and Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Acts 1:8 is a pivotal verse in the book of Acts, serving as a programmatic statement for the entire narrative. It contains Jesus' final instructions and promise to His disciples before His ascension, outlining their mission and the power enabling it.

Context

This verse follows the disciples' question about the restoration of the kingdom to Israel (Acts 1:6). Jesus redirects their focus from political timing to spiritual empowerment and global mission. He tells them it is not for them to know the times and seasons, but rather to prepare for the work He is giving them.

Key Themes

  • Empowerment by the Holy Spirit: The promise of receiving power is directly linked to the Holy Ghost is come upon you. This power is not for personal gain but for effective witness.
  • The Call to Witness: Disciples are commissioned to be witnesses unto me, sharing the truth about Jesus Christ, His life, death, and resurrection.
  • Progressive Mission: The verse outlines a geographical progression for the spread of the gospel: starting locally in Jerusalem, expanding to the surrounding region of Judaea, reaching the culturally distinct area of Samaria, and finally extending unto the uttermost part of the earth. This structure mirrors the unfolding narrative of Acts.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "power" here is dynamis (δύναμις), from which we get the English word "dynamite." It signifies inherent power, ability, or strength, particularly miraculous power. The word for "witnesses" is martyres (μάρτυρες), the origin of the English word "martyr." While initially meaning simply one who testifies, it later came to include those who testified to the point of death, highlighting the potential cost of faithful witness.

Reflection

Acts 1:8 remains a foundational verse for Christian mission and evangelism. It teaches us that effective ministry is dependent not on human strength or strategy alone, but on the power provided by the Holy Spirit. It also reminds believers that the call to witness is both local and global, beginning where we are and extending to the whole world, empowered by the Spirit's presence.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 28:19

    Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

  • Mark 16:15

    And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

  • Romans 15:19

    Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.

  • Acts 5:32

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

  • Acts 4:33

    And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

  • Acts 6:8

    ¶ And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

  • Luke 24:46

    And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
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