A Study On The Book of Acts: Power & Witness | Acts 1:8

In this episode we will be looking at Acts 1:8.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. ~ Acts 1:8  

Pastor Shine Thomas will help us look at 3 aspects of this verse: Ends of the Earth, Witness, & Power

Important points to keep in mind:

Acts 1:8 is a key verse to unlock the book of Acts. The whole book is connected to this verse.

Acts 1-7 - Witness in Jerusalem 

Acts 8-12 - Witness in Judea and Samaria 

Acts 13-28 - Witness to the ends of the earth 

* Ends of the earth

Acts has a geographical outline: Jerusalem, all Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth.

The work of Jesus Christ moves through His disciples who are empowered by the Holy Spirit. Ultimately the book of Acts closes with Paul making his way to Rome. Rome was considered the ends of the earth.

In terms of Biblical theology and in the lens of the Old Testament, Rome is in the end of the earth.

The people of God are warned by Moses to not rebel against God. If they do so curses would come upon them. 

49The LORD will bring a nation against you from far away, from the ends of the earth, like an eagle swooping down, a nation whose language you will not understand, 50a fierce-looking nation without respect for the old or pity for the young. ~ Deuteronomy 28:49-50 

In terms of the New Testament experience, Rome is looked at as the ends of the earth. That is where the curse is coming from. In AD 70 the Romans destroyed the temple in Jerusalem.

The ends of the earth is not just Rome but it refers to all places that have not heard the Good News.

God blesses us so that we will be a blessing. God blesses Israel so that Israel will be a blessing to all the nations. 

1 May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us — 2 so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations. ~ Psalm 67:1-2 

* Power

Power to witness

Power to speak the word

4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, 5 so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power. ~ 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 

Power that backs up our speech with our lives

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9 

Power for healing and casting out of demons

* Witness

God told Israel to be his witness in the Old Testament. 

“You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. ~ Isaiah 43:10 

You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? ~  Isaiah 44:8 

God has given us his power by the Holy Spirit to be an effective witness of the Kingdom now.

Key verse of Acts: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." ~ Acts 1:8

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