Features Pricing Bible Library Churches About Sign in Begin

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.

Acts 1:8 · King James Version

Meaning

This verse, found in the Book of Acts chapter 1 verse 8, is a powerful statement made by Jesus to His disciples before His ascension into heaven. He promises them that they will receive power from the Holy Spirit, enabling them to be witnesses of Him not only in Jerusalem, but also in Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. This verse serves as a commissioning for the disciples to spread the message of Jesus to all corners of the world. It emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers to carry out the mission of sharing the Gospel with others. The disciples, and by extension, all believers, are called to be bold and unashamed witnesses of Jesus, testifying to His love, grace, and power in their own communities and beyond. This verse serves as a reminder that the work of spreading the Gospel is not accomplished in our strength, but through the power of the Holy Spirit working in and through us.

Theological Overview

One theological interpretation of this verse from the book of Acts is that it highlights the empowering role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. The phrase "ye shall receive power" emphasizes the divine strength and authority that comes from the presence of the Holy Spirit. This power enables believers to fulfill their mission of spreading the message of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth. The verse also underscores the universal scope of the Christian mission, starting from Jerusalem and extending to the farthest corners of the earth. This demonstrates the inclusivity of the gospel message and the importance of reaching out to all people, regardless of their background or location. Through the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit, believers are called to be witnesses of Christ's love, mercy, and salvation to the entire world.

Acts 1:8 in other translations

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 Judaea and Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

World English Bible

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth.”

Douay-Rheims

But you shall receive the power of the Holy Ghost coming upon you, and you shall be witnesses unto me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the uttermost part of the earth.

Geneva Bible (1599)

But yee shall receiue power of the holy Ghost, when he shall come on you: and ye shalbe witnesses vnto me both in Hierusalem and in all Iudea, and in Samaria, and vnto the vttermost part of the earth.