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.”
Before the Lord left earth to go back to Heaven, He had one final message to give. It is recorded in the above verse.
Although the Holy Spirit does have several aspects of ministry, in the above command, Jesus was emphasizing one of the most important aspects of His work. Jesus had earlier given the church the outline of its work until He returns. Matthew 28:19,20 tells us that they were to go to “all nations” with the Gospel, baptize those that are saved, and disciple them. This verse reveals how they will have power to fulfill this mission.
Right before Jesus spoke the above words, the disciples asked Him when the Kingdom would be established. His words in Acts 1:8 reveal that we are not to be focused on the time of His coming – even though most believers think it is soon – but on helping to bring the Gospel to a lost world.
Jesus had given His life not just for a few – but for a whole world. God is glorified when we work with Him to bring people to Christ – not in America alone – but in “all nations.”
A believer can have the Holy Spirit (they are not believers if they do not have the Holy Spirit) but not have His power to be a witness for Him. All too often they do not speak about Jesus’ saving power to those around them. They are ashamed.
The good news is that if you really want His power to be a witness – ask Him for it and He will give it. Then, start praying for opportunities – they will come.
If all you want is to enjoy His peace and joy, or speak in tongues – He will not give the Spirit’s power for those purposes alone. The manifestation of the Spirit is to be witnesses for Him.
Do you have His power and boldness today and are you looking for people to talk to? Do you carry tracts with you? If not, why not ask God to help you become a fisher of men – starting today?