Acts 1:8 – Meaning & Devotional
"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."
What This Verse Means
Jesus' final words before ascending to heaven were a commission and a promise. The disciples would receive supernatural power through the Holy Spirit, enabling them to be witnesses of Christ from their local community to the ends of the earth.
This verse gives both the power source (Holy Spirit) and the strategy (expanding circles of influence) for sharing the gospel. Mission isn't optional — it's the purpose behind the power.
Historical Context
After His resurrection, Jesus spent 40 days teaching His disciples about the Kingdom of God. Just before ascending, He gave this final commission, which served as the outline for the entire book of Acts.
How to Apply This Today
Think of your witness in expanding circles: your home, your neighborhood, your region, and beyond. Ask the Holy Spirit for boldness and power to share your faith wherever you go.
Related Verses
Matthew 28:19-20
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."
Romans 1:16
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation."
🙏 A Prayer from Acts 1:8
Holy Spirit, fill me with power to be a bold witness for Jesus — in my home, my community, and wherever You send me. Use my life to spread the gospel. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Bible Questions
Common questions people ask about this passage — answered with KJV scripture.
What Does the Bible Say About Evangelism?
The Bible commands every believer to share the gospel, modeled by Jesus and the apostles, using words, deeds, and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Read answerWho Was Stephen in the Bible?
Stephen was the first Christian martyr, a deacon full of faith and the Holy Spirit, whose bold witness and miraculous death by stoning ignited the spread of the gospel beyond Jerusalem.
Read answerWhat Is the Book of Acts About?
Acts records the birth and explosive growth of the early church from Jerusalem to Rome, empowered by the Holy Spirit through the apostles' preaching.
Read answerWhat Is Pentecost?
Pentecost is the feast of weeks when the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the early church, empowering believers to proclaim the gospel.
Read answerWhat Is the Church in the Bible?
The church is the community of all true believers in Jesus Christ, called out from the world by the gospel, united to Him and to one another by the Holy Spirit.
Read answerWhat Is the Church Age in the Bible?
The church age is the present period between Christ's ascension and His return, during which God is building His church from Jews and Gentiles alike through the gospel and the Holy Spirit's indwelling.
Read answerDeep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Zechariah 8:23 Commentary
In-depth study • Witness & Mission
Zechariah 8:20 Commentary
In-depth study • Witness & Mission
I Love to Tell the Story
Katherine Hankey • 1866
Acts 1:8 — Meaning & Devotional
Holy Spirit
Romans 1:16 — Meaning & Devotional
Gospel
1 Corinthians 1:18 — Meaning & Devotional
Gospel
Free printable companion
More Devotionals on Mission
Matthew 28:19-20
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.
Matthew 28:19-20
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
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.
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.
More Verse Devotionals on Mission
Explore more KJV verse meanings, contexts, and applications.
- Acts 1:8 — Mission
- Acts 1:8 — Mission
- Acts 1:8 — Mission
- Acts 1:8 — Mission
- Acts 1:8 — Mission
- Acts 1:8 — Holy Spirit
- Matthew 28:19-20 — Mission
- Matthew 28:19-20 — Mission
- Matthew 28:19 — Mission
- Isaiah 61:1 — Mission
- Matthew 28:18-20 — Mission
- Matthew 28:19-20 — Great Commission
- Matthew 28:19-20 — Mission & Evangelism
- Acts 2:38 — Salvation & Redemption
- Matthew 28:19-20 — Evangelism
- Matthew 28:20 — God's Presence
- Isaiah 6:8 — Calling & Mission
- Isaiah 61:1-2 — The Anointed One's Mission
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.