Acts 1:8
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But ye shall receive power - Ληψεσθε δυναμιν. Translating different terms of the original by the same English word is a source of misapprehension and error. We must not understand δυναμις which we translate power in this verse, as we do εξουσια, translated by the same word in the preceding verse. In the one, God's infinite authority over all times and seasons, and his uncompellable liberty of acting or not acting in any given case, are particularly pointed out: in the other, the energy communicated by him to his disciples, through which they were enabled to work miracles, is particularly intended; and δυναμις, in general, signifies such power, and is sometimes put for that of which it is the cause, viz. a miracle. See Mat 7:22; Mat 11:20-23; Mat 13:54, Mat 13:58; Mar 6:5; Luk 10:13; and Act 2:22. The disciples were to be made instruments in the establishment of the kingdom of Christ; but this must be by the energy of the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; nevertheless, this energy would be given in such times and seasons, and in such measures, as should appear best to the infinite wisdom of God. Christ does not immediately answer the question of the disciples, as it was a point savouring too much of mere curiosity; but he gave them such information as was calculated to bring both their faith and hope into action. St. Chrysostom has well observed, "that it is the prerogative of an instructer to teach his disciple, not what he wishes to learn, but what his master sees best for him:" Διδασκαλου τουτο εστι μη ἁ βουλεται ὁ μαθητης, αλλ' ἁ συμφερει μαθειν, διδασκειν. Ye shall be witnesses - in all Judea, etc. - Though the word earth, ἡ γη, is often used to denote Judea alone, yet here, it is probable, it is to be taken in its largest extent. All the inhabitants of the globe might at that period be considered divisible into three classes. 1. The Jews, who adhered to the law of Moses, and the prophetic writings, worshipping the true God only, and keeping up the temple service, as prescribed in their law. 2. The Samaritans, a mongrel people, who worshipped the God of Israel in connection with other gods, Kg2 17:5, etc., and who had no kind of religious connection with the Jews. See on Mat 10:5 (note). And, 3. The Gentiles, the heathens through all other parts of the world, who were addicted to idolatry alone, and had no knowledge of the true God. By the terms in the text we may see the extent to which this commission of instruction and salvation was designed to reach: to the Jews; to the Samaritans, and the uttermost part of the earth, i.e. to the Gentile nations, thus, to the whole human race the Gospel of the kingdom was to be proclaimed. When the twelve disciples were sent out to preach, Mat 10:5, their commission was very limited - they were not to go in the way of the Gentiles, nor enter into any city of the Samaritans, but preach the Gospel to the lost sheep of the house of Israel: but here their commission is enlarged, for they are to go into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature. See Mat 28:18.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
receive power--See Luk 24:49. and ye shall be witnesses unto me . . . in Jerusalem . . . in all Judea . . . and unto the uttermost part of the earth--This order of apostolic preaching and success supplies the proper key to the plan of the Acts, which relates first the progress of the Gospel "in Jerusalem, and all Judea and Samaria" (the first through ninth chapters), and then "unto the uttermost part of the earth" (the tenth through twenty-eighth chapters).
John Gill Bible Commentary
But ye shall receive power,.... From on high, with which they were to be endured, Luk 24:49 meaning the power of the Holy Ghost, strength from him to preach the Gospel, and work miracles in confirmation of it, and courage and greatness of mind, amidst all reproaches and persecutions, to face and oppose their enemies, profess the name of Christ, abide by his truths and ordinances, make their way through all opposition and difficulties, and spread the Gospel all over the world; for intend of enjoying worldly ease, honour, wealth, and riches, they were looking for, our Lord gives them to understand that they must expect labour, service, afflictions, and trials, which would require power and strength, and which they should have: after that the Holy Ghost shall come upon you; from above, from heaven, as he did, and sat upon them in the form of cloven tongues, and of fire; upon which they were filled with knowledge and zeal, with strength and courage, and with all gifts and abilities necessary for their work: and ye shall be witnesses unto me; of the person of Christ, of his deity and sonship, of his incarnation, his ministry, and his miracles, of his suffering and death, of his resurrection from the dead, and his ascension to heaven. This was to be their work, and what belong to them, and not to enquire about a temporal kingdom, and the setting up of that, and the times and seasons of it; their business was to testify of the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that followed, and to preach a crucified Jesus, as the only Saviour of lost sinners: and this both in Jerusalem, the "metropolis" of the nation, and there, in the first place, where such dwelt who had been concerned in the crucifixion of Christ, many of whom were to be called by grace, and converted through their ministry: and in all Judea; that part of the land of Israel which was distinct from Samaria and Galilee, and from beyond Jordan; where churches were to be planted, as afterwards they were; see Act 9:31. And in Samaria; where Christ had before forbid his disciples to go; but now their commission is enlarged, and they are sent there; and here Philip went upon the persecution raised against the church at Jerusalem, and preached Christ with great success, to the conversion of many; and hither Peter and John went to lay their hands on them, and confirm them; see Act 8:5. and unto the uttermost part of the earth; throughout the whole world, whither the sound of the apostles, and their words went, Rom 10:18.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:8 This key verse outlines the geographical extension of the Good News from its Jewish starting point in Jerusalem and Judea (1:6–8:1), out to Samaria (8:4-25), Antioch in Syria (11:19-30), and eventually throughout the Mediterranean world to Rome (13:1–28:31). Christ later gave a similar call to be his witnesses . . . to the ends of the earth to Saul of Tarsus (9:15), who had persecuted the Jewish Christians and then became the primary instrument for taking the Good News to the Gentiles. • The Holy Spirit was the source of power for all this evangelistic and missionary effort.
Acts 1:8
The Ascension
7Jesus replied, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority.8But 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.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Grain of Wheat
By Major Ian Thomas41K52:26Death To SelfJHN 7:30JHN 8:20JHN 12:24JHN 13:1JHN 17:1ACT 1:8ROM 10:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of surrendering one's life to Jesus Christ. He tells a story about an artist who becomes so engrossed in his work that he is unaware of the danger he is in. His assistant, realizing the danger, throws a bucket of paint to get his attention and save his life. The preacher uses this story to illustrate the choice between holding onto our own desires and surrendering to God's lordship. He emphasizes that the purpose of inviting others to come to Jesus is not just for forgiveness or to get to heaven, but to live a life fully surrendered to Christ, even if it means suffering or persecution. The preacher also highlights the righteousness of Christ and how he is the only one who lived a sinless life, making him the ultimate example of righteousness.
Baptism of the Holy Spirit - Part 1
By Kathryn Kuhlman32K43:51Holy Spirit BaptismGEN 41:38LUK 24:45JHN 14:12ACT 1:8ACT 2:4ACT 10:44In this sermon, Miss Coleman shares a powerful testimony of a father who had a revelation that Jesus is the true Messiah. The father struggled with the idea of admitting his previous beliefs were wrong to his oldest son, who had been taught to respect his father's word. Miss Coleman emphasizes the bondage that many people are in, whether it be spiritual darkness or being bound by organizations or sin. She also mentions the joy and freedom that comes from experiencing the Holy Spirit's work, particularly through holy laughter. Overall, the sermon highlights the importance of being open to the Holy Spirit's leading and breaking free from any bondage that hinders our relationship with God.
A Three-Fold Vision
By Leonard Ravenhill26K55:26VisionISA 6:1ISA 6:8MAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 24:47ACT 1:8In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of vision and obedience to God's will. He emphasizes the need for a cleansing wave of revival in a nation plagued by immorality and sin. The preacher highlights the extreme holiness of God and the contrast with the sinful state of society. He uses the example of a man lying on his left side, symbolizing his dedication to God's will, even if it means being seen as foolish by others. The preacher calls for individuals to be shut up to God and to prioritize obedience to Him above worldly recognition or success.
Laws of Spiritual Progress - Part 1
By Derek Prince24K21:28Spiritual GrowthECC 5:2MAT 6:33MRK 16:15ACT 1:81CO 15:58HEB 11:6REV 22:12In this sermon, the speaker discusses two lessons they have learned about making spiritual progress. The first principle they emphasize is the importance of taking a step of faith and putting oneself in a position to experience God's power. They believe that progress cannot be made without this step. The second lesson is about the significance of being cautious about what one preaches, as they will eventually have to practice it themselves. The speaker shares a personal experience of seeking God's guidance and realizing the need for further spiritual growth. They emphasize the importance of not speaking rashly to God, as our words are recorded and will be brought before Him in the future. The speaker references the fifth chapter of Ecclesiastes to support this point.
Baptism of the Holy Spirit - Part 2
By Kathryn Kuhlman21K44:15Holy Spirit BaptismMAT 6:33MRK 16:17ACT 1:8ACT 2:391CO 14:2GAL 5:24HEB 7:25In this sermon, the preacher discusses the limitations of our physical bodies in experiencing the power of God. He explains that no man can look upon the face of God and live because our bodies are not equipped to handle such power. The preacher also shares a personal story about his mother's experience of receiving the joy of the Lord, which transformed her life. He emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit and the evidence of this being the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. The preacher concludes by cautioning against mistaking noise for power and encourages the audience to seek the genuine power of the Holy Spirit.
No Stopping the Holy Spirit
By Kathryn Kuhlman17K09:57Holy SpiritMAT 24:34ACT 1:81TH 4:162TH 2:72PE 1:201JN 4:4REV 13:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of relying on the word of God to understand the future and not being uncertain about it. He believes that the power of the Holy Spirit is the only restraining force for good in the world today. The preacher warns against being left behind after the Holy Spirit is taken out and encourages the audience to seek the experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit. He also highlights that Jesus Christ came to earth as both man and God to save humanity from temptation and defeat, and that believers have the provision to not be defeated in any situation.
Christ's Call Follow in My Footsteps
By K.P. Yohannan16K44:48Self-DenialMAT 16:24MAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 9:23JHN 20:21ACT 1:81PE 2:21In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of self-denial and sacrificing our own desires for the sake of the cross and Calvary. He shares a personal story of his wife's visit to the largest slum in the world in Bombay, India, highlighting the dire living conditions and the need for Christians to plug into the reality of the world. The preacher urges believers to prioritize their love for God and to give all they have to reach the lost world, particularly in the 1040 window where billions of people have never heard the gospel. He encourages living a simple life and using resources to support missions work, sharing a testimony of a generous donor who gave $235,000 to purchase Jesus films for illiterate and unreached people. The preacher emphasizes the importance of accountability and the impact of sacrificial giving in contrast to the abundance in Western countries. He concludes by recommending a book he wrote about coming home to Jesus in the real world.
(Costa Rica) Another Gospel
By David Wilkerson15K54:46Another GospelPRO 15:28MAT 6:24ACT 1:82TH 2:31TI 6:102TI 4:2JAS 1:22In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of discerning false teachings and being cautious of preachers who mix the gospel with harmful messages. He shares a story about an encounter with a woman who received an envelope as an offering, but it took a long time for the actual offering to be collected. The preacher warns that even though a preacher may sound deep and deliver a good message, if there is no mention of sin and a lot of focus on money, it may be a sign of a false teaching. He also shares a personal experience of preaching a strong message and feeling fear that he may have wounded God's people, but later realizing that his message was changing hearts. The preacher concludes by warning that another gospel is coming to the church and urges believers to stay true to the gospel and not compromise, even if it may offend people.
"To the Jew first..."
By Art Katz14K42:50Gospel To The JewsMAT 7:21MRK 16:15ACT 1:8ROM 1:161CO 1:27JAS 2:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of considering the Jewish people as central to the church's mission. He argues that neglecting the Jews not only harms them but also diminishes the power of the gospel worldwide. The speaker believes that the church has avoided prioritizing the Jews, leading to a diminished understanding of the gospel and a loss of its true character and impact. He challenges the notion of pluralism and asserts that there is a single truth in Jesus Christ, highlighting the need to recognize the supernatural events in the Bible and the significance of the birth of Isaac.
Strengthen Me Just Once
By Leonard Ravenhill13K1:21:24SamsonJDG 16:6PSA 126:5ISA 59:2EZK 47:3MRK 16:15ACT 1:8In this sermon, the preacher starts by talking about the distractions and temptations of the world, comparing them to different varieties of ice cream and donuts. He then refers to a story in the Bible about a young man named Gideon who was called by an angel and told that God was with him. The preacher emphasizes the importance of knowing and proclaiming the name of Jesus Christ. He also discusses the need for believers to be fully committed to God and willing to face challenges and opposition in order to receive and maintain the anointing of the Holy Spirit.
An Hour With Kathryn Kuhlman - Part 2
By Kathryn Kuhlman12K22:34InterviewMRK 16:17JHN 4:24ACT 1:8ROM 10:91CO 2:4GAL 5:24EPH 5:18In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of surrendering everything to God and receiving the fullness of the Holy Spirit. They admit to not knowing much about the Holy Spirit or the spiritual battle, but they emphasize the importance of accepting Christ for salvation. The speaker also highlights the sacredness of the relationship between God and believers, comparing it to the intimacy between a husband and wife. They express the need for reverence and worship towards God, acknowledging His holiness. The speaker concludes by emphasizing the power of the Holy Spirit and the importance of following Him in life.
(1986 Prairie Series) 4 - Rediscovering Christ
By Major Ian Thomas12K1:19:19Resurrection PowerLiving in ChristPrairie SeriesLUK 22:32LUK 24:49JHN 5:39JHN 14:6ACT 1:8ROM 8:112CO 5:17GAL 2:201PE 1:181JN 1:1Major Ian Thomas emphasizes the transformative power of recognizing Christ's resurrection in the life of believers, particularly through the experience of Peter. He illustrates how Peter's denial and subsequent conversion led to a profound understanding of the necessity of Christ's sacrifice and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Thomas explains that true Christian living is not about self-effort but about allowing Christ to live through us, highlighting the importance of faith and divine empowerment. He encourages believers to embrace their identity in Christ and to share His life with others, moving beyond mere religious activity to a genuine relationship with the risen Lord.
The Spirit Filled Life
By Oswald J. Smith12K1:19:28Spirit Filled LifeMAT 6:33JHN 14:26ACT 1:8ROM 8:13GAL 5:16EPH 5:181JN 1:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a Spirit-filled life for Christian workers, ministers, and missionaries. The command to "be filled with the Spirit" is the focus, with the speaker desiring power over sin and power in service. The speaker then outlines five conditions for being filled with the Spirit: confession, renunciation, surrender, obedience, and faith. The sermon includes personal anecdotes and examples to illustrate the importance of these conditions in experiencing a Spirit-filled life.
Radical Risk, Radical Reward
By David Platt12K1:01:06RadicalMAT 5:16MAT 28:19MRK 8:34LUK 14:25JHN 14:6ACT 1:8ROM 10:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the vast spiritual and physical needs in the world, including the death of thousands of children due to preventable causes. He argues that the integrity of one's faith is measured by their concern for those in need. The speaker asserts that if the Bible is true and these needs exist, then there is no time to waste on a comfortable Christian lifestyle. He calls for radical sacrifice and urgency in fulfilling the mission given by God. The sermon also highlights the importance of knowing and loving God deeply, as demonstrated by the example of a man who sells everything he has to obtain a valuable treasure.
You Need the Baptism of the Holy Spirit
By David Wilkerson11K1:18:56MAT 28:19MRK 16:15JHN 16:13ACT 1:8ACT 2:1ACT 19:12CO 6:14In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a man named Steve who was a rock star and wanted to use his fame to spread the message of Jesus. However, he was confronted by young people who saw no difference in him and questioned why they should believe in Jesus if he was just like them. The preacher tells Steve that he needs to be baptized with the Holy Ghost and surrender his life completely to Jesus. Steve eventually makes a total surrender and decides to become a missionary instead of a rock star. The sermon emphasizes the need for believers to be filled with the Holy Ghost and to live a life that reflects the power of God.
Christ Lord and Master
By Oswald J. Smith10K1:02:52Lordship Of Jesus ChristMAT 6:33ACT 1:8ROM 8:28EPH 5:19PHP 4:13JAS 4:81JN 1:7In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the blessings and grace that God has bestowed upon the church and its members. They also mention the success of their television ministry in reaching and impacting people's lives. The speaker then leads the congregation in a hymn and encourages them to sing more enthusiastically. They emphasize the importance of walking in the light and having fellowship with one another through the cleansing power of Jesus' blood. The sermon concludes with a prayer for the sick and a request to remember those who have passed away.
Anaheim Talk
By Kathryn Kuhlman9.9K1:29:27ConferenceDAN 12:4JOL 2:24JHN 17:6ACT 1:8ROM 8:171JN 4:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that war in the Middle East is inevitable and that the stage is set for it. He believes that the word of God is more up to date than tomorrow's newspaper. The preacher also talks about the great mercy of God and how he has witnessed the manifestation of God's power in healing people who have no faith. He shares personal experiences of hardship and emphasizes the importance of faith and being a part of the great restoration of the fruits and gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Book of Acts - Short Overview
By Jim Cymbala9.7K04:16OverviewACT 1:8ACT 2:4ACT 2:42ACT 4:29ACT 4:33ACT 9:1In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of fervent prayer and bold proclamation of the Word of God in the face of opposition. The story of Peter and John being threatened by the religious establishment and their subsequent prayer for boldness and divine help is highlighted. The speaker emphasizes that the same principles of prayer and proclamation are still relevant for Christians today. The sermon also emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers and producing strong leadership in the early church.
The Calling of God
By Oswald J. Smith9.1K35:32Call Of GodPSA 119:105MAT 28:19MRK 6:39ACT 1:8ACT 5:29ROM 10:14HEB 4:12In this sermon, the speaker tells a parable about a master who returns to his estate and rewards his servants based on their faithfulness and diligence. The master is pleased with the flowerbeds, gardens, and lawns that have been cultivated, but disappointed to find the rest of the estate in wilderness and marsh. He rewards the one servant who has been working diligently in a distant part of the estate. The speaker then challenges the listeners to invest their lives for the Lord Jesus Christ, emphasizing the need for missionary work to reach the many tribes around the world who have not yet heard the gospel.
The Holy Spirit Gives Power
By Corrie Ten Boom9.1K22:11Holy SpiritMAT 5:44MAT 22:37JHN 7:38ACT 1:8ROM 5:5EPH 5:18COL 1:11In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of relying on the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. He shares a story of a little boy who overcame his fear by holding his father's hand, illustrating the need for us to trust in God's love and strength. The speaker also highlights the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, enabling us to love our enemies and live a life surrendered to God. He encourages believers to be willing to suffer for Christ and reminds them that Jesus is the ultimate victor in all situations. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the commandment to witness and make disciples, with the assurance that the Holy Spirit will empower believers to fulfill this calling.
Both And-Not Either or (Basis for Missions - Part 5)
By Paris Reidhead9.0K57:54MissionsGEN 12:3MAT 11:28MAT 16:24MAT 18:11MAT 28:19JHN 3:16ACT 1:8In this sermon, the speaker addresses a group of people and asks them if they have ever been lost. Only four people raise their hands. The speaker then points out that according to scripture, Jesus came to save the lost, so either the scripture is wrong or the people claiming to be saved are mistaken. The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing our own lostness in order to effectively witness to others. They also highlight the responsibility to be witnesses both locally and globally, and the significance of money as a means to support the spreading of the gospel.
Holiness & Righteousness - Prayer Meeting (Cd Quality)
By Leonard Ravenhill9.0K1:07:20RighteousnessPSA 119:165MAT 6:33LUK 1:70ACT 1:8PHP 4:8TIT 2:9HEB 13:5In this sermon, the preacher starts by sharing a personal anecdote about doodling an eagle and giving it away to someone who admired it. He then discusses the importance of being examples of God's workmanship and adorning the Gospel in our lives. The preacher emphasizes the need for power not just for success in ministry, but also for being holy parents and handling everyday challenges. He mentions a famous sermon by Robert G. Lee on receiving power from the Holy Ghost and shares a story about a young man inviting Lee to speak to his Saturday night group. Throughout the sermon, the preacher encourages listeners to reflect on their lives and strive to be positive examples of virtue and praise.
The Secret of Miracles Revealed in Jesus's Life
By Kathryn Kuhlman8.8K28:15MiraclesJHN 8:32JHN 14:12JHN 14:16JHN 14:26JHN 16:13ACT 1:8JAS 1:17In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the role of the Holy Trinity in our lives. God the Father is seated on His throne and is the giver of good and perfect gifts. Jesus, the Son, is at His right hand and through Him, we receive salvation and healing for our bodies. The Holy Spirit, who is present on earth, works in conjunction with the Father and the Son to do everything for us that Jesus would do if He were physically present. The speaker encourages listeners to focus on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, and to recognize that any faith we have is a gift from Him.
Today Inherit the Mind of Christ
By Kathryn Kuhlman8.6K28:09Mind of ChristMAT 3:16MAT 6:33LUK 4:18JHN 14:16JHN 16:13ACT 1:8ACT 2:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding that God is a person. They highlight the significance of Jesus being God in the flesh and how he revealed the clearest understanding of God. The speaker then focuses on the baptism of Jesus, explaining that it was a moment when all three persons of the Trinity were present. They emphasize the joy and power that comes from being filled with the Holy Spirit and how it is a part of every Christian's inheritance. The sermon concludes by discussing the Holy Spirit's relationship with God the Father and the Son, highlighting the importance of understanding this relationship in the Word of God.
A Salute to Those Who Stayed With It
By David Wilkerson8.0K36:541SA 30:24PSA 51:10ISA 6:8ACT 1:81CO 12:181CO 13:1EPH 4:3PHP 4:7JAS 4:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing and embracing the diverse callings within the body of Christ. Using the story of David and his army in 1 Samuel 30, it highlights the significance of both those who go to battle and those who stay behind 'with the stuff.' The message encourages individuals to be faithful in their unique callings, whether it be in missions, prayer, giving, or other roles, and to trust that God will reward each according to their faithfulness.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But ye shall receive power - Ληψεσθε δυναμιν. Translating different terms of the original by the same English word is a source of misapprehension and error. We must not understand δυναμις which we translate power in this verse, as we do εξουσια, translated by the same word in the preceding verse. In the one, God's infinite authority over all times and seasons, and his uncompellable liberty of acting or not acting in any given case, are particularly pointed out: in the other, the energy communicated by him to his disciples, through which they were enabled to work miracles, is particularly intended; and δυναμις, in general, signifies such power, and is sometimes put for that of which it is the cause, viz. a miracle. See Mat 7:22; Mat 11:20-23; Mat 13:54, Mat 13:58; Mar 6:5; Luk 10:13; and Act 2:22. The disciples were to be made instruments in the establishment of the kingdom of Christ; but this must be by the energy of the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; nevertheless, this energy would be given in such times and seasons, and in such measures, as should appear best to the infinite wisdom of God. Christ does not immediately answer the question of the disciples, as it was a point savouring too much of mere curiosity; but he gave them such information as was calculated to bring both their faith and hope into action. St. Chrysostom has well observed, "that it is the prerogative of an instructer to teach his disciple, not what he wishes to learn, but what his master sees best for him:" Διδασκαλου τουτο εστι μη ἁ βουλεται ὁ μαθητης, αλλ' ἁ συμφερει μαθειν, διδασκειν. Ye shall be witnesses - in all Judea, etc. - Though the word earth, ἡ γη, is often used to denote Judea alone, yet here, it is probable, it is to be taken in its largest extent. All the inhabitants of the globe might at that period be considered divisible into three classes. 1. The Jews, who adhered to the law of Moses, and the prophetic writings, worshipping the true God only, and keeping up the temple service, as prescribed in their law. 2. The Samaritans, a mongrel people, who worshipped the God of Israel in connection with other gods, Kg2 17:5, etc., and who had no kind of religious connection with the Jews. See on Mat 10:5 (note). And, 3. The Gentiles, the heathens through all other parts of the world, who were addicted to idolatry alone, and had no knowledge of the true God. By the terms in the text we may see the extent to which this commission of instruction and salvation was designed to reach: to the Jews; to the Samaritans, and the uttermost part of the earth, i.e. to the Gentile nations, thus, to the whole human race the Gospel of the kingdom was to be proclaimed. When the twelve disciples were sent out to preach, Mat 10:5, their commission was very limited - they were not to go in the way of the Gentiles, nor enter into any city of the Samaritans, but preach the Gospel to the lost sheep of the house of Israel: but here their commission is enlarged, for they are to go into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature. See Mat 28:18.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
receive power--See Luk 24:49. and ye shall be witnesses unto me . . . in Jerusalem . . . in all Judea . . . and unto the uttermost part of the earth--This order of apostolic preaching and success supplies the proper key to the plan of the Acts, which relates first the progress of the Gospel "in Jerusalem, and all Judea and Samaria" (the first through ninth chapters), and then "unto the uttermost part of the earth" (the tenth through twenty-eighth chapters).
John Gill Bible Commentary
But ye shall receive power,.... From on high, with which they were to be endured, Luk 24:49 meaning the power of the Holy Ghost, strength from him to preach the Gospel, and work miracles in confirmation of it, and courage and greatness of mind, amidst all reproaches and persecutions, to face and oppose their enemies, profess the name of Christ, abide by his truths and ordinances, make their way through all opposition and difficulties, and spread the Gospel all over the world; for intend of enjoying worldly ease, honour, wealth, and riches, they were looking for, our Lord gives them to understand that they must expect labour, service, afflictions, and trials, which would require power and strength, and which they should have: after that the Holy Ghost shall come upon you; from above, from heaven, as he did, and sat upon them in the form of cloven tongues, and of fire; upon which they were filled with knowledge and zeal, with strength and courage, and with all gifts and abilities necessary for their work: and ye shall be witnesses unto me; of the person of Christ, of his deity and sonship, of his incarnation, his ministry, and his miracles, of his suffering and death, of his resurrection from the dead, and his ascension to heaven. This was to be their work, and what belong to them, and not to enquire about a temporal kingdom, and the setting up of that, and the times and seasons of it; their business was to testify of the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that followed, and to preach a crucified Jesus, as the only Saviour of lost sinners: and this both in Jerusalem, the "metropolis" of the nation, and there, in the first place, where such dwelt who had been concerned in the crucifixion of Christ, many of whom were to be called by grace, and converted through their ministry: and in all Judea; that part of the land of Israel which was distinct from Samaria and Galilee, and from beyond Jordan; where churches were to be planted, as afterwards they were; see Act 9:31. And in Samaria; where Christ had before forbid his disciples to go; but now their commission is enlarged, and they are sent there; and here Philip went upon the persecution raised against the church at Jerusalem, and preached Christ with great success, to the conversion of many; and hither Peter and John went to lay their hands on them, and confirm them; see Act 8:5. and unto the uttermost part of the earth; throughout the whole world, whither the sound of the apostles, and their words went, Rom 10:18.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:8 This key verse outlines the geographical extension of the Good News from its Jewish starting point in Jerusalem and Judea (1:6–8:1), out to Samaria (8:4-25), Antioch in Syria (11:19-30), and eventually throughout the Mediterranean world to Rome (13:1–28:31). Christ later gave a similar call to be his witnesses . . . to the ends of the earth to Saul of Tarsus (9:15), who had persecuted the Jewish Christians and then became the primary instrument for taking the Good News to the Gentiles. • The Holy Spirit was the source of power for all this evangelistic and missionary effort.