Acts 1:8

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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!”

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 1:8 stands as the foundational, programmatic statement for the entire book of Acts, encapsulating Jesus' final instructions and empowering promise to His disciples before His ascension. It redirects their earthly expectations toward a divinely empowered global mission, outlining the source of their strength—the Holy Spirit—and the progressive geographical scope of their witness, from their immediate surroundings to the farthest reaches of the world. This verse establishes the divine blueprint for the early church's expansion and ongoing Christian evangelism.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse immediately follows the disciples' final question to Jesus concerning the restoration of the kingdom to Israel, as recorded in [Acts 1:6](/acts/1-6 "Acts 1:6 - Disciples' Question about the Kingdom"). Their question reveals a lingering misunderstanding of the Messiah's mission, still rooted in nationalistic, political expectations. Jesus' response in [Acts 1:7](/acts/1-7 "Acts 1:7 - Jesus' Response on Times and Seasons") dismisses their preoccupation with "times or seasons" that "the Father has fixed by his own authority," thereby shifting their focus from eschatological timing to immediate missional responsibility. Acts 1:8, therefore, serves as the direct counterpoint and corrective to their earthly concerns, providing the true agenda for the nascent church. It sets the stage for the narrative arc of Acts, which meticulously chronicles the fulfillment of this very commission, beginning with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in [Acts 2](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - The Day of Pentecost") and tracing the gospel's spread.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jerusalem, a city deeply significant to Jewish identity and the epicenter of Jesus' earthly ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection. Judaea was the surrounding region, predominantly Jewish, while Samaria, to the north, represented a historically and culturally distinct area, populated by people with mixed Jewish and Gentile heritage, often viewed with animosity by orthodox Jews. The phrase "uttermost part of the earth" (Greek: _eschatos tēs gēs_) would have evoked the known world, extending beyond the immediate Jewish-Gentile divide to all nations. Historically, the early disciples were primarily Jewish, steeped in a tradition that often viewed Gentiles as outside the covenant. Jesus' command to witness in Samaria and to the "uttermost part of the earth" would have been a radical challenge to their ethnocentric perspectives, foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles that becomes a major theme in Acts, particularly through the ministry of Peter and Paul.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 1:8 encapsulates several overarching themes central to the book of Acts and Christian theology. The most prominent is **Empowerment by the Holy Spirit**, which is presented not as an optional extra but as the indispensable prerequisite for effective witness. The promise of "power" (Greek: _dynamis_) directly links to the coming of the Holy Spirit, highlighting that the church's mission is supernaturally enabled, not merely human effort. Another key theme is the **Call to Witness**, defining the core identity and activity of the disciples. They are to be "witnesses unto me," testifying to the person, work, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, echoing the Great Commission found in passages like [Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission"). Finally, the verse clearly articulates the **Progressive and Global Nature of Mission**. The geographical progression—Jerusalem, Judaea, Samaria, and the uttermost part of the earth—serves as a programmatic outline for the entire book, illustrating the concentric circles of gospel expansion and the universal scope of God's redemptive plan to reach all peoples, as also seen in [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - Light to the Gentiles").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **power (Greek, _dýnamis'_):** This term refers to inherent force, ability, or strength, often specifically denoting miraculous power. In Acts 1:8, it signifies the divine enablement and spiritual capacity bestowed by the Holy Spirit, essential for the disciples to fulfill their mission. It is not merely human strength or rhetorical skill, but a supernatural endowment that facilitates signs, wonders, and effective proclamation of the gospel, allowing them to overcome obstacles and speak with authority.
* **witnesses (Greek, _mártys'_):** A "witness" is one who testifies to what they have seen, heard, or experienced. The disciples are called to be direct, firsthand witnesses to Jesus' life, death, resurrection, and ascension. The term later evolved to include those who testified to the point of death, giving us the English word "martyr." This highlights the costly and unwavering commitment required in proclaiming the truth of Christ, even in the face of persecution.
* **uttermost part (Greek, _éschatos'_):** This word signifies "farthest," "final," or "last." When combined with "of the earth" (Greek, _gē_, meaning "soil," "region," or the "terrene globe"), it conveys the idea of reaching the most distant, remote, and geographically extreme regions of the inhabited world. It emphasizes the comprehensive and unbounded scope of the gospel mission, extending beyond all cultural, ethnic, and geographical barriers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But ye shall receive power,"**: This opening clause, introduced by "But" (Greek: _allá_), marks a significant redirection from the disciples' previous question about the kingdom's restoration. It promises a future, divinely given enablement. This "power" (Greek: _dýnamis_) is not for political or military conquest, but for spiritual effectiveness in their upcoming mission. It underscores that the work they are called to do transcends human capability and requires supernatural strength.
* **"after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you:"**: This specifies the source and timing of the promised power. The power is not inherent in the disciples themselves but is a direct consequence of the Holy Spirit's descent and indwelling. The phrase "come upon you" (Greek: _epérchomai epí hymâs_) denotes a dynamic, empowering presence, indicating a profound spiritual transformation and equipping for service, directly anticipating the events of Pentecost in [Acts 2](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - The Day of Pentecost").
* **"and ye shall be witnesses unto me"**: This clause defines the primary purpose of the received power: to bear witness to Jesus Christ. The disciples are not merely to speak *about* Him, but to be His direct representatives and living testimonies. This witness encompasses His life, teachings, miracles, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. The mission is Christ-centered, ensuring that the message proclaimed is always about Him.
* **"both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."**: This final, crucial clause outlines the progressive geographical scope of their mission. It establishes a clear, concentric pattern for the spread of the gospel: starting in their immediate, familiar context (Jerusalem), expanding to the surrounding, ethnically similar region (Judaea), then crossing significant cultural and historical barriers (Samaria), and finally extending without limit to the entire globe. This serves as a programmatic outline for the entire book of Acts, which meticulously chronicles the gospel's expansion along these very lines.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 1:8 is rich in literary techniques. It functions primarily as a **Programmatic Statement**, laying out the entire agenda and narrative trajectory for the book of Acts. The verse's structure, particularly the geographical progression, forms a clear **Concentric Pattern** or **Chiasm** (A-B-C-D where D is the broadest reach), illustrating the outward expansion of the gospel from a specific center to the periphery. The phrase "uttermost part of the earth" employs **Hyperbole** to emphasize the global, unbounded nature of the mission. The promise of "power" and the command to be "witnesses" also exemplify **Prophecy** and **Commission**, respectively, establishing the divine origin and imperative nature of the disciples' task. Furthermore, the verse contains a subtle **Contrast** with the disciples' earlier, earthly concerns about the kingdom, redirecting their focus from political timing to spiritual empowerment and global evangelism.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 1:8 is a theological cornerstone, linking the promise of the Holy Spirit to the imperative of global mission. It underscores the Trinitarian nature of salvation and evangelism: the Father's sovereign plan ([Acts 1:7](/acts/1-7 "Acts 1:7 - The Father's Authority")), the Son's commission ("witnesses unto me"), and the Spirit's enabling power. This verse teaches that the church's very existence and purpose are intrinsically missional, empowered by God for the proclamation of His truth. It establishes a pattern for all subsequent Christian outreach, emphasizing that authentic witness flows from divine empowerment and must extend beyond comfortable boundaries to embrace all peoples. The geographical progression signifies not only a physical journey but also a theological trajectory, demonstrating God's inclusive heart for all humanity, breaking down barriers between Jew and Gentile.

* [Luke 24:46-49](/luke/24-46-49 "The Great Commission in Luke")
* [Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "The Great Commission in Matthew")
* [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Light to the Gentiles")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 1:8 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, serving as a timeless mandate for Christian life and mission. It challenges us to recognize that our effectiveness in sharing the gospel is not dependent on our own strength, intellect, or resources, but entirely on the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. This power is given not for personal gratification or worldly success, but specifically for the purpose of being Christ's witnesses. The verse calls us to embrace a holistic view of mission, starting with our "Jerusalem"—our immediate family, friends, and community—and progressively extending our influence to our "Judaea" (broader local region), our "Samaria" (those who are culturally or socially different, perhaps even those we find challenging), and ultimately to the "uttermost part of the earth" through prayer, giving, and direct involvement in global evangelism. It reminds us that every believer is called to be a witness, and that the Holy Spirit provides the necessary enablement for this vital task, transforming fear into boldness and inadequacy into divine sufficiency.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways am I currently relying on my own strength rather than the Holy Spirit's power to live out my faith and witness?**
* **Who are the "Jerusalem," "Judaea," and "Samaria" in my life and community, and how can I intentionally be a witness to Christ in each of these spheres?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a deeper dependence on the Holy Spirit for empowerment in my daily life and witness?**
* **How does the global scope of this verse challenge my understanding of mission, and what is my role in reaching the "uttermost part of the earth"?**

### FAQ
**What kind of "power" does Jesus promise in Acts 1:8?**

Answer: The "power" (Greek: _dýnamis_) promised in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Promise of Power") is not primarily physical, political, or military might, but spiritual enablement for witness and ministry. It refers to the divine capacity and authority given by the Holy Spirit, which allows believers to speak with boldness, perform miraculous signs (as seen throughout [the book of Acts](/acts "The Book of Acts")), overcome opposition, and effectively proclaim the gospel. This power transforms ordinary individuals into courageous and effective ambassadors for Christ.

**Why does Jesus specify Jerusalem, Judaea, Samaria, and the uttermost part of the earth?**

Answer: This geographical progression in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Geographical Scope of Mission") serves as a programmatic outline for the entire book of Acts, demonstrating the Spirit-led expansion of the gospel. It begins in Jerusalem, the epicenter of Judaism and where Jesus' ministry culminated. It then moves to Judaea, the surrounding Jewish region. Next, it expands to Samaria, a region culturally and ethnically distinct from Jewish Judaea, representing a significant step in breaking down barriers. Finally, "the uttermost part of the earth" signifies the global, universal reach of the gospel to all nations, fulfilling prophecies like [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - Light to the Gentiles") and emphasizing God's desire for all humanity to hear and respond to His message.

**What does it mean to be a "witness" to Jesus?**

Answer: To be a "witness" (Greek: _mártys_) to Jesus, as commanded in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Call to Witness"), means to testify to the truth of who He is and what He has done. This involves sharing personal experience of His transformative power, proclaiming the facts of His life, death, resurrection, and ascension, and demonstrating His character through one's actions and lifestyle. It is a call to be a living, verbal, and experiential testimony to the reality of Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, as exemplified by Peter's sermon in [Acts 2:22-36](/acts/2-22-36 "Acts 2:22-36 - Peter's Sermon").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 1:8, while a commission to the disciples, finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in Jesus Christ Himself. The "power" promised is not a generic force but the very power of God that raised Christ from the dead ([Ephesians 1:19-20](/ephesians/1-19-20 "Ephesians 1:19-20 - God's Power in Christ")). The Holy Spirit, whose coming empowers the disciples, is the Spirit of Christ, sent by the Father at Jesus' request ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")). Furthermore, the disciples are commissioned to be "witnesses unto me," meaning their entire mission is centered on proclaiming Jesus as Lord and Savior. He is the content of their message, the object of their faith, and the one through whom salvation is offered to the "uttermost part of the earth" ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No Other Name")). The geographical progression of the gospel, from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth, is the unfolding of God's redemptive plan to gather people from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation into Christ's kingdom, a vision powerfully depicted in [Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - The Multitude from Every Nation"). Thus, Acts 1:8 is not merely a historical command but a continuous declaration of Christ's ongoing work through His Spirit to draw all people to Himself.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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: