Empowered to Go
Acts 1:8–11 (CSB)
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9 After he had said this, he was taken up as they were watching, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 While he was going, they were gazing into heaven, and suddenly two men in white clothes stood by them. 11 They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up into heaven? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you have seen him going into heaven.”
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9 After he had said this, he was taken up as they were watching, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 While he was going, they were gazing into heaven, and suddenly two men in white clothes stood by them. 11 They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up into heaven? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you have seen him going into heaven.”
Stepping Into the Story
Can you imagine standing there, watching Jesus rise into the clouds? Your feet are still on the ground, but your heart is lifting with Him—full of awe, maybe a little unsure of what comes next. And then the words come, not from Jesus now, but from heaven’s messengers: “Why are you standing here?” It's as if the Spirit whispers to you too—“It’s your turn.” This is the moment the Church was born into mission. This is where your story begins.
Why This Passage Still Matters Today
This passage speaks to your life because:
- It reminds you that the Holy Spirit empowers ordinary people for extraordinary Kingdom work.
- It shows you that your witness begins where you are and extends as far as God sends.
- It calls you to move forward in faith—not to watch passively but to go with urgency.
Let’s take a closer look at the verses that launch us into this Kingdom mission...
Power to Witness
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you…” (v. 8a)
Look Closer
Jesus doesn't send you out empty-handed. The Greek word for power—dunamis (δύναμις)—is the root of our word for "dynamite." It’s explosive, life-altering, heaven-sent strength. This power isn’t abstract; it’s personal—the very presence of the Holy Spirit in your life. When Jesus says, “when the Holy Spirit has come upon you,” the phrase epelthontos (ἐπελθόντος) implies a movement from above, a heavenly descent that activates something new in you.
Truth to Live By
You have divine power available to you right now—power not just to survive but to serve boldly.
Living the Story: Live. Build. Move.
- Live by His Word: Let the Gospels shape not just your knowledge but your actions this week.
- Build Each Other Up: Encourage a believer who feels their role is small—remind them they are part of the story.
- Move His Kingdom Forward: Identify one tangible way to serve, witness, or disciple this week.
Write Your Story
- Where in your life do you need to see Jesus “still working” today?
- What step can you take this week to more fully join His mission?
- How can you encourage another believer to see their role in God’s story?
Consider This Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You that You are still at work in the world and in my life. Help me see my place in Your mission and give me the courage to step into it fully.
That divine power has a purpose—and it’s tied to your identity in Christ…
Called to Represent Christ
“And you will be my witnesses…” (v. 8b)
Look Closer
To witness (martyres, μάρτυρες) means more than just seeing—it means testifying. Jesus calls you “my witnesses”—those who belong to Him and represent Him. Like the apostles, you may not have seen the risen Christ with your eyes, but the Spirit has opened your heart to know Him deeply. This verse isn’t just a job description; it’s a relationship. You are His. And because you are His, you carry His name, His message, and His mission.
Truth to Live By
You are not a spectator in God’s story—you are a Spirit-empowered witness of the risen Christ.
Living the Story: Live. Build. Move.
- Live by His Word: Depend on the Spirit’s guidance as you obey Scripture this week.
- Build Each Other Up: Pray with someone for the Spirit’s boldness to share the gospel.
- Move His Kingdom Forward: Take one Spirit-led step of obedience, even if it feels risky.
Write Your Story
- Where do you most need to rely on the Spirit’s power instead of your own this week?
- What is one way you can step out in faith, trusting the Spirit’s guidance?
- How can you pray for someone else to be Spirit-empowered this week?
Consider This Prayer
Holy Spirit, I don’t want to live or serve in my own strength. Fill me with Your power so I can walk in obedience and bear witness to Jesus.
But where does this witness begin—and where does it go? Jesus answers that too…
From Your Neighborhood to the Nations
“…in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (v. 8c)
Look Closer
Jesus lays out the Church’s strategy for witness—and it begins where you are. Jerusalem was home for the apostles. It’s where they knew the streets and spoke the language. But the mission didn’t stop there. Judea and Samaria stretched their comfort zones, crossing ethnic and cultural lines. And the “ends of the earth”? That meant everyone—outsiders, pagans, even enemies. The gospel would go to Rome, the heart of the empire, and beyond.
Truth to Live By
Kingdom work starts right where you are, but it’s not meant to stay there. You’re called to go.
Living the Story: Live. Build. Move.
- Live by His Word: Let Kingdom values shape your daily priorities.
- Build Each Other Up: Invite someone to join you in a Kingdom-focused act of service.
- Move His Kingdom Forward: Look for one opportunity this week to reflect the King’s justice, mercy, and truth.
Write Your Story
- How is Jesus calling you to live more like a citizen of His Kingdom this week?
- What truth about the resurrection strengthens your faith today?
- How can you help others live with the Kingdom in view?
Consider This Prayer
Lord Jesus, reign over my heart, my home, and my work. Let my life display the reality of Your Kingdom until You return.
Before the disciples can respond, they watch Jesus ascend. Their next step? It's ours too...
Don’t Just Stand There
“Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up into heaven?” (v. 10–11a)
Look Closer
The disciples are still looking upward when angels appear to snap them out of it. The Greek word for "gazing" (atenizontes, ἀτενίζοντες) implies fixed attention—frozen focus. But the mission won’t move forward if you’re standing still. Christ ascended not so you’d stand watching but so you’d go working. The Spirit doesn’t fill passive people. He energizes those ready to move.
Truth to Live By
You weren’t called to spectate—you were called to participate.
Living the Story
- Live by His Word: Refuse to get spiritually stuck. Instead of waiting for a perfect moment, take the next faithful step in obedience.
- Build Each Other Up: Encourage others who may feel stalled or uncertain in their calling—remind them the time to act is now.
- Move His Kingdom Forward: Take initiative in your home, church, or workplace. The gospel goes forward when believers stop looking up and start stepping out.
Write Your Story
- In what ways have you been “standing still” spiritually?
- What distractions or fears keep you from stepping into what God has already empowered you to do?
- How can you help someone else stop spectating and start serving?
Consider This Prayer
Lord, forgive me for the times I’ve stood still while Your mission moved on. Stir me by Your Spirit. Give me eyes to see where You are sending me today. Make me bold enough to take the first step and faithful enough to keep going. In Jesus’ name, amen.
And just in case you needed motivation, the angels leave you with this promise…
Until He Comes
“This same Jesus… will come in the same way that you have seen him going into heaven.” (v. 11b)
Look Closer
Jesus is coming again. That’s not poetic—it’s a promise. The phrase “this same Jesus” underscores that the One who ascended is the same One who will return bodily, visibly, gloriously. Until then, your job is clear: keep going, keep proclaiming, keep building His Kingdom. The end is coming—and with it, reward for faithful servants (Matthew 25:21; Revelation 22:12).
Truth to Live By
You are empowered to live today in light of Christ’s return.
Living the Story
- Live by His Word: Lean daily on the Spirit’s power to resist temptation and reflect Christ.
- Build Each Other Up: Encourage fellow believers to step into their calling as Kingdom witnesses.
- Move His Kingdom Forward: Take the gospel across the street and around the world—starting now.
Write Your Story
- In what ways are you currently experiencing or neglecting the Spirit’s power in your life?
- Who is God calling you to witness to today—right where you are?
- What would it look like for you to become “all things to all people” (1 Cor 9:22) in your workplace, home, or community?
Consider This Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for not leaving me powerless or without purpose. Fill me with Your Spirit so I can live boldly, speak faithfully, and love deeply. Make me Your witness, right where I am, and to the ends of the earth. Amen.
The mission didn’t ascend with Jesus—it descended with power into His people. Now it’s our turn to live it out.
The mission didn’t ascend with Jesus—it descended with power into His people. Now it’s our turn to live it out.
Whose Story Is This?
This is your story—but it’s also so much bigger. You’re living in the ongoing narrative of Acts, empowered by the same Spirit, commissioned by the same Christ, and waiting for the same return. The Kingdom is moving forward. Let your life be part of it—on purpose, with power, and for His glory.
The mission didn’t ascend with Jesus—it descended with power into His people. Now it’s our turn to live it out.
The mission didn’t ascend with Jesus—it descended with power into His people. Now it’s our turn to live it out.
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