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    Mission

    Acts 1:8

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    “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.”

    — Acts 1:8 (KJV)

    Original-language word studies

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    What Does Acts 1:8 Mean?

    Jesus promised His disciples power through the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses. The mission expands from local (Jerusalem) to global (uttermost part of the earth).

    How to Apply This Verse

    The Holy Spirit empowers believers to witness for Christ. Your mission field starts where you are and extends as far as God leads you.

    Historical Context

    Jesus spoke these words on the Mount of Olives just before His ascension, around AD 33. The disciples had asked if He would now restore Israel's political kingdom. Jesus redirected them from political power to spiritual power—the Holy Spirit—and from a nationalistic kingdom to a worldwide mission. The geographic progression (Jerusalem → Judea → Samaria → ends of the earth) became the outline for the book of Acts.

    Original Language

    δύναμις(dynamis — Greek)

    'Dynamis' means power, might, or ability—the root of 'dynamic' and 'dynamite.' This isn't human willpower or organizational strength but supernatural enabling by the Holy Spirit. The power is for witness ('martyres'—the root of 'martyr'), implying testimony that may cost everything.

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    What does Acts 1:8 mean?

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    Related Miracles

    Signs and wonders connected to this passage:

    Signs & Wonders
    New Testament

    The Ascension of Jesus

    After forty days of post-resurrection appearances, Jesus is taken up into heaven on a cloud.

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    Signs & Wonders
    New Testament

    Pentecost — Tongues of Fire

    The Holy Spirit fell on the disciples with a rushing wind and cloven tongues of fire on the day of Pentecost.

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    Deliverance & Judgment
    New Testament

    Peter Released from Prison by an Angel

    An angel of the Lord wakes Peter in prison, opens chains and gates, and leads him to freedom.

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    Resurrection
    New Testament

    Dorcas Raised from the Dead

    Peter prays in an upper room and Dorcas, a beloved disciple, is raised back to life.

    Read the miracle

    Related Scriptures

    Matthew 28:19-20
    Mark 16:15
    Acts 2:1-4

    More Verses About 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 always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

    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.

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