What does Acts 1:8 mean?
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.””
Jesus promises power through the Holy Spirit so that his followers will be witnesses ‘to the ends of the earth.’
Just before ascending, Jesus links the Spirit’s power to a purpose: witness. The gift is for mission, not just personal benefit.
The geography—Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, the ends of the earth—maps the spread of the gospel in Acts and beyond.
What is the power in Acts 1:8 for?
For witness—to testify to Jesus with boldness, starting at home and reaching the whole world, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Greek word studies — original-language background to the verse.
Original BibleDawn explanation · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.