Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He left His disciples—and us—with a powerful final instruction. Acts 1:8 records it:
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be My witnesses, telling people about Me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (NLT)
These were not just parting words—they were a commissioning, a calling, and a promise. Let’s take a closer look at what they meant then and what they mean for believers today.
1. “You will receive power…”
Jesus didn’t send His followers out in their own strength. He knew the task ahead would be difficult. So He promised power—real, supernatural ability—that would come with the Holy Spirit.
Today, that same power is available to every believer. We aren’t left to share Jesus in our own strength or wisdom. The Holy Spirit equips us with boldness, love, discernment, and words that penetrate hearts. This power helps us to live out our faith with courage and conviction.
Without the Holy Spirit, the Christian life becomes difficult. With Him, it becomes dynamic.
2. “…when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.”
Jesus instructed His disciples to wait in Jerusalem until the Spirit came. This was a reminder that the timing and leading of God matter. Ministry without the Holy Spirit is ineffective.
Today, we must also learn to wait, listen, and follow the Holy Spirit’s leading. We’re not called to be busy for God—we’re called to be led by Him. Every conversation, every opportunity, every act of witness is more fruitful when it’s Holy Spirit-driven.
3. “You will be my witnesses…”
A witness tells what they’ve seen and experienced. Jesus didn’t ask the disciples to argue theology—He told them to share their story of what they had seen, heard, and known of Him.
Today, every believer is still called to be a witness. You don’t need to be a preacher. Just tell what Jesus has done in your life. Your story, empowered by the Spirit, has power.
The world doesn’t just need more arguments. It needs more authentic witnesses.
4. “…in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Jesus gave an ever-expanding circle:
- Jerusalem – home
- Judea – neighboring region
- Samaria – a place with racial and religious tension
- Ends of the earth – everywhere else
This wasn’t just geographical—it was strategic. The Gospel was to go everywhere, to everyone.
Today, your “Jerusalem” might be your family, friends, and co-workers. Your “Judea” could be your city or province. “Samaria” may be the people you tend to avoid or misunderstand. And “the ends of the earth” are now within reach—with air travel, internet, missions, and more.
We are called to start where we are and move outward, sharing Jesus in word and in action, across cultural, social, and national boundaries.
So What Does This Mean for Us Today?
It means that the last words of Jesus are still our marching orders. We are:
- Empowered by the Holy Spirit
- Commissioned to witness
- Strategically placed to impact the world around us
- Connected to a global mission that is still unfolding
This isn’t just a task for pastors or missionaries—it’s for every follower of Jesus. We are all called to live lives that point to Christ and speak of His transforming grace.
Final Thought
Jesus didn’t say, “You should be my witnesses.” He said, “You will be.” When the Spirit fills us, witnessing becomes natural. It flows out of who we are.
Let’s take His final words seriously. Let’s seek His Spirit daily. And let’s be His witnesses—right where we are, and to the ends of the earth.
