Prophetic Implications of Ma’aseh/Acts 1:8

Within the Pentecostal movement the standard belief and practice surrounding this verse encompasses being filled with the Spirit, the speaking of tongues, laying hands and anointing with oil.  But is this what Mashiach is saying in this verse?  Selah’

To grasp the true (prophetic) meaning of this verse one must look at it from its context. To do that I will use the KJV (not that I’m endorsing this version) but because it is a version that many use and quote most often.

Mashiach has risen and appeared to the Talmidim and he is responding to a question that is imposed upon him by his Talmidim in verse (6) “When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?”

Initially Mashiach respond by saying (7) “…..It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power”.  Now many use verse seven (7) as justification to teach that no one knows when Mashiach returns.  But that’s not the topic here; the topic is Israel as a nation being restored!  Selah’

In verse eight (8) Mashiach makes a prophetic statement primarily focusing on the immediate Talmidim who are in his presence.

“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”.

There are two words in verse 8 that speaks volumes, in which when they are understood and applied in context will present clarity to the text; if we can put aside the circe/church and Christendom doctrines in order to embrace the pureness of scripture.  These two words are Power and Witnesses.

Now, let’s break this down further. 

Power in verse 8 has a Greek word #1411– which is dynamis (dunamis).  It means inherent power; the power of reproducing itself.  It has a root word #1410– which is dynamai (dü'-nä-mī). It means power to do something.

Witnesses in verse 8 has a Greek word #3144 – which is ma r tus (martys). It has three expression meanings:

1^st Expression-------To witness as in a trial

2^nd Expression------To witness as in observance of an act

3^rd Expression------To live an example of his lifestyle; by going through unto death

The word witnesses can also be referenced in Isaiah 43:8-13 where we see YAH is declaring that there is none like HIM; and that Yisrael is a witness to all the works that HE has done.

Isaiah 43:8-13 Bring forth the blind people that have eyes, and the deaf that have ears.

Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled: who among them can declare this, and shew us former things? let them bring forth their witnesses, that they may be justified: or let them hear, and say, It is truth.

Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.

I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no savior.

I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God.

Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it?

Again, in the above verses from Isaiah, YAH is declaring that there is none like HIM; and that Yisrael is a witness to all the works that HE has done.  Selah'

Back to Ma’aseh/Acts 1:8

With defining what the words Power and Witnesses means, we now see Mashiach's Prophetic Implications

1. The Talmidim did not dunamis (produce or reproduce followers of HaMashiach) until after Shavuot (Pentecost).  It is at this point people began to embrace Yahushua as the HaMashiach; and to follow in HIS footsteps by the witnessing of the Talmidim/Emissaries. 
2. We also began to see further on in Acts (Ma aseh) home fellowships and individual conversions taking place in the four (4) areas HaMashiach mentioned in verse 8: Jerusalem, Judaea, Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.  This is the third (3^rd) expression of the word witnesses manifesting upon the Talmidim/Emissaries in Acts; i.e. they became and experienced martys/martyrdom. 

The Talmidim understood Mashiach prophecy and with joy endured the rejection, persecution and death. 

Do you still feel that you are filled with the Ruach/Spirit?  Selah’

Baruk Hashem Yah My Elohim