Come Holy Spiritنموونە

YOU WILL RECEIVE POWER

Jesus' promise in Acts 1:8 forms the strategic blueprint for the entire book of Acts. The disciples wanted to know about the timing of the kingdom's restoration; Jesus redirected their focus to the power they would need for their mission. The kingdom would advance not through political might but through Spirit-empowered witness.

The Greek word for "power" here is δύναμις (dynamis), the root of our English word "dynamite." This isn't ordinary human ability but supernatural enablement. Throughout Acts, we see this power manifested in bold preaching (Acts 4:31 ESV), miraculous healings (Acts 3:1-10 ESV), supernatural guidance (Acts 16:6-10 ESV), and transformational impact (Acts 17:6 ESV).

Jesus connects this power directly to witnessing. The Greek word for "witnesses" is μάρτυρες (martyres), the root of our word "martyr." A witness isn't merely someone who talks about Jesus but someone whose life testifies to His reality, even at great personal cost. The power Jesus promises isn't for personal prestige but for proclamation purposes.

The geographical progression-"Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, ends of the earth"-outlines both the historical expansion of the early church and the ongoing mission of every local congregation: reaching our local community, our region, cross-cultural neighbours, and the nations.

Paul understood this power. In 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 ESV, he testifies: "My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God's power." The kingdom advances not through clever arguments alone but through demonstrated power.

In Ephesians 1:19-20 ESV, Paul prays that believers would know "his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead." Think of it; the same resurrection power that conquered death now lives in us!

As Pentecost approaches, let's remember that the Spirit's power isn't merely for personal spiritual experiences but for effective witness. Jesus didn't say "you might receive power" or "some of you will receive power," but "you will receive power." This is His promise to every believer who asks, seeks, and knocks (Luke 11:9-13 ESV).

Prayer:

Pray for supernatural demonstrations of God's power to confirm the gospel message.

Ask for the Spirit to guide you to people whose hearts are prepared to hear about Jesus.

Pray for power to overcome fear and timidity in sharing your faith.