The power believers receive from the Holy Spirit includes courage, boldness, confidence, insight, ability, and authority. The disciples would need all these gifts to fulfill their mission. And so do all of us. If you believe in Jesus Christ, you have the power of the Holy Spirit in your life. Ask God to fill you with these same gifts in order to fulfill his mission for you.
Jesus had instructed his disciples to witness to people of all nations about him. But they were told to wait first for the Holy Spirit. God has important work for us to do for him, but we must do it by the power of the Holy Spirit. We need God’s timing and power to be truly effective.
We often take matters into our own hands and run ahead of God. But waiting is sometimes part of God’s plan. Instead of running ahead of God and his plans, we should wait and listen for his leading.
This verse describes a series of ever widening circles. The gospel was spread geographically, from Jerusalem into Judea and Samaria and finally to the ends of the earth. It would begin with the devout Jews in Jerusalem and Samaria, spread to the people of mixed nationality in Samaria, and, finally, be offered to Gentiles all over the world.
God’s message has not reached its final destination, if someone in your family, your workplace, your school, or your community hasn’t heard the Good News about Jesus Christ. Communities all over the world are becoming increasingly diverse. Peoples of every nation, and tongue are living together.
Make sure that you are contributing in some way to the ever-widening circle of God’s loving message.
Meditation Prompt
In what ways are you spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ?
