Acts 1:8 Commentary
In-depth Acts 1:8 commentary covering historical setting, original Greek/Hebrew, theology, and pastoral application.
"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)
Exposition
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).
Historical Setting
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 Notes
'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.
Pastoral Application
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to witness for Christ. Your mission field starts where you are and extends as far as God leads you.
Read the full Acts 1:8 commentary
ContinueDownload the Complete KJV Bible — Free PDF
All 66 books, 1,189 chapters — printable and ready to read offline.