After Easter – Power to Witness

“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” (Acts 1:8).

Jesus offered many assurances to the believers concerning the time following His departure at the end of the forty days after the resurrection. The Gospel writers tell of these events and promises in their own words. Matthew recalled Jesus’ promise, “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Powerful signs and miracles were promised in Mark’s record of Jesus’ last days. (See Mark 16:17-18.) Through the writing of John we are assured that the One who was with them is in us. Jesus said, “I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:17-18).

It is in Luke’s writing that we have assurance of the enduing power of God. Jesus declared, “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49). Luke continues the story in the Book of Acts recalling that the believers were instructed to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father. One of Jesus’ last promises was recorded here, “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you.” This power wasn’t something to revel in or to simply enjoy. This Spirit was given as a specific enablement to perform the commission. “You shall be witnesses both here and around the world!” Jesus stated; literally, to the end of the earth.

Timid disciples became powerful preachers after the infilling of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Peter, who denied the Lord before His trial, now boldly proclaims Christ’s resurrection and confronts those who crucified Him with the Gospel message. (See Acts 2:32-40.) The observers even remarked at the boldness of these disciples to speak with authority concerning the Scriptures and their fulfillment in Jesus.

Men who fled in fear before the crucifixion became strong in faith and public in their witness of their identity with Christ. Even in the face of death themselves they were able to speak boldly of their faith in Jesus. The only explanation of their changed behavior is the enablement of the gift of the Holy Spirit that filled them.

The greatest promises for living life as a powerful witness come from the forty days after the resurrection. There was power in Jesus’ words and assurance in His provision. If God is for us, who can be against us! The power within us is greater than the task before us. When Jesus said, “Go,” He didn’t leave us powerless. He has equipped and enabled us to fulfill His purpose. The power of the Holy Spirit in our lives still provides the power to be His witnesses!