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.
Jesus speaks these final words to His disciples before ascending to heaven. He promises the Holy Spirit will give them supernatural power to be His witnesses—not just in their hometown (Jerusalem), not just in their comfort zone (Judea), but even among their enemies (Samaria) and to every corner of earth. This is both a promise and a mission statement for every follower of Jesus.
Holy Spirit, fill me with the power You promised. Make me brave enough to be Your witness in my actual life, not just in theory. Use my words, my actions, my ordinary days to point to an extraordinary Savior. Amen.
The disciples stood there staring at clouds, probably wondering how eleven scared fishermen could possibly reach the ends of the earth. They didn't have passports, funding, or even a good plan. They just had this wild promise that power was coming that would make them into people they weren't yet. You might feel equally inadequate when you think about representing Jesus at work, in your family, or online. But notice Jesus doesn't say 'you will receive power when you get your theology degree' or 'when you feel confident enough.' The power comes first, then the witnessing. The Spirit isn't a reward for spiritual success—He's the power source for spiritual beginners. Your Jerusalem might be your kitchen table. Your Samaria might be the neighbor you've been avoiding. Your ends of the earth might be a text message to someone across the world. The power is promised; the question is whether you'll step into it.
Why do you think Jesus listed these specific locations (Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, ends of earth)?
What's your 'Jerusalem'—the closest, most obvious place to witness to Jesus?
How does the promise of Holy Spirit power change your view of evangelism or sharing faith?
Who is in your 'Samaria'—someone different from you that God might be asking you to reach?
What's one concrete step you could take this week to be Jesus' witness where you are, not where you wish you were?
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Mark 16:15
And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
Acts 4:33
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7
How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
Acts 10:38
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Matthew 28:19
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts 2:4
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
Acts 2:1
And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
Luke 24:49
But you will receive power and ability when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be My witnesses [to tell people about Me] both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth."
AMP
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
ESV
but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.'
NASB
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.”
NIV
But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
NKJV
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
What you'll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world."
MSG