Reignite our passion for mission is the title of the message that is based on Acts 1:6-8. It says, “Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 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.”
There are four important words that will reignite our passion for mission:
Purpose
In verse 6, the early disciples asked Jesus, , “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” The question asked indicates that the early followers of Christ are still thinking about the earthly kingdom. It also reveals that they knew the promises about the restoration of Israel.
Christ was not yet establishing His Kingdom physically on earth. That was only for God the Father to decide by His own authority. Jesus’ kingdom was still not of this world (John 18:36). The work of the disciples was to fill that spiritual Kingdom with spiritual citizens. (https://thebiblesays.com/commentary/acts/acts-1/acts-16-8/)
In Acts 1:8, Jesus states, “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.” The purpose of the coming of the Holy Spirit, as mentioned in this verse, can be understood in several aspects:
It is about empowerment. Jesus promised that the disciples would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them. This power refers to the divine enablement and strength needed to fulfill their mission of being witnesses for Jesus. The disciples, who were previously ordinary men, would be equipped with supernatural abilities and boldness to proclaim the message of the Gospel and perform miraculous signs and wonders.
It also talks about witnessing. Jesus specifically mentioned that the disciples would be His witnesses. The Holy Spirit’s coming would empower them to testify about Jesus, His life, His teachings, His death, and His resurrection. They were called to bear witness to the truth of who Jesus is and what He had accomplished for humanity. The Holy Spirit would give them the necessary wisdom, insight, and courage to effectively communicate the Gospel message and bring others to faith.
It also denotes geographical expansion. The disciples’ witness was not meant to be limited to a specific location. Jesus outlined a progression from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and ultimately to the ends of the earth. The Holy Spirit’s coming would propel the disciples to take the message of salvation to increasingly broader regions, encompassing different cultures, languages, and peoples. The Holy Spirit’s presence and power would transcend boundaries, enabling the disciples to break down barriers and bring the Gospel to all nations.
The coming of the Holy Spirit marked a significant milestone in the establishment of the early Christian Church. The disciples, empowered by the Holy Spirit, would play a crucial role in laying the foundation of the Church and nurturing the community of believers. The Holy Spirit would guide, inspire, and unify the early Christians, enabling them to function as the body of Christ, with each member contributing their unique gifts and talents.
The purpose of the Holy Spirit’s coming, as described in Acts 1:8, was to empower the disciples, enable them to bear witness to Jesus, expand the reach of the Gospel, and establish the early Christian Church. The Holy Spirit’s presence and power were essential for the fulfillment of their mission and the advancement of God’s kingdom on earth.
Power
Acts 1:8, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you…” This phrase is a statement made by Jesus Christ to his disciples in the New Testament of the Bible, specifically in the book of Acts, chapter 1, verse 8. Jesus spoke these words just before his ascension into heaven, as he was preparing his disciples for the mission they were about to undertake.
In this statement, Jesus was referring to the promise of the Holy Spirit, which he had previously mentioned to his disciples. He assured them that after his departure, the Holy Spirit would come upon them and empower them for the task of spreading the message of the Gospel and establishing the early Christian Church.
The Holy Spirit is considered the third person of the Holy Trinity in Christian theology, along with God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son. It is often described as the divine presence of God within believers. The Holy Spirit’s role is to guide, empower, and transform individuals, enabling them to live a life in accordance with God’s will and to carry out their mission effectively.
The power that Jesus promised the disciples was not merely physical or worldly power, but a spiritual power that would enable them to bear witness to the truth, perform miracles, proclaim the Gospel with boldness, and bring about spiritual transformation in the lives of others. This power would equip them to fulfill their calling as ambassadors of Christ and to establish the Church as a community of believers.
The fulfillment of Jesus’ promise occurred on the day of Pentecost, which is recorded in Acts chapter 2. On that day, the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples in the form of tongues of fire, filling them with power, courage, and spiritual gifts. They began to speak in different languages, enabling them to communicate with people from various nations who had gathered in Jerusalem. This event marked the birth of the early Christian Church and the beginning of the disciples’ ministry.
The statement “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you” emphasizes the transformative and empowering nature of the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to live out their faith and fulfill their mission in the world. It highlights the importance of the Holy Spirit’s presence and work in the lives of Christians.
Related Post: Empowered and Unstoppable
Place
In Acts 1:8, Jesus says to his disciples, “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.” This verse outlines the geographical progression of the disciples’ mission as empowered by the Holy Spirit. Let’s explore the places mentioned:
Jerusalem was the city where Jesus was crucified, buried, and resurrected. It was the spiritual and cultural center of the Jewish faith. The disciples were instructed to begin their witness in Jerusalem, which was their immediate context. The events described in the book of Acts, such as the coming of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, the preaching of Peter, and the early growth of the Church, primarily took place in Jerusalem.
Judea refers to the broader region surrounding Jerusalem. After establishing a witness in Jerusalem, the disciples were to expand their mission throughout Judea. This would have included towns and villages in the surrounding areas. We see this expansion happening in Acts, as the disciples spread the message of Jesus beyond Jerusalem to other parts of Judea.
Samaria was the region located between Judea and Galilee. The people of Samaria were considered a distinct group from the Jews and had a complicated relationship with them. The disciples were specifically told to bear witness in Samaria. This instruction was significant because it showed that the Gospel message was not limited to any particular ethnic or cultural group but was meant to be shared with all people, including those who were historically viewed as outsiders or enemies. In Acts 8, we read about Philip’s ministry in Samaria, where many people came to believe in Jesus.
The ends of the earth – this phrase refers to the global scope of the disciples’ mission. Jesus envisioned that the Gospel would extend beyond the boundaries of Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria to reach people from all nations and cultures. This aspect of the mission is emphasized throughout the book of Acts as the disciples, particularly the Apostle Paul, embark on missionary journeys, spreading the Gospel to various regions, including Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), Greece, and Rome.
The progression outlined in Acts 1:8 shows the gradual expansion of the Gospel message, starting from Jerusalem, moving through the surrounding regions, and eventually reaching the farthest corners of the earth. It demonstrates the inclusive nature of the Christian mission and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit to empower believers to share the message of salvation.
People
The heartbeat of God is mission, that is bringing lost people back to Him. God loves all people and desires their salvation. This concept is rooted in various teachings and passages from the Bible.
John 3:16 is a well-known verse that expresses God’s love and His desire for the salvation of humanity. It says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This verse highlights the sacrificial nature of God’s love, as He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to provide a way for humanity to be saved.
Throughout the Bible, there are numerous passages that affirm God’s love and His desire for people to turn to Him. For example, 1 Timothy 2:3-4 states, “This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” This passage emphasizes God’s inclusive love and His intention for the salvation of all individuals.
The Christian belief in God’s love and desire for salvation is also reflected in the teachings of Jesus. Jesus taught about God’s unconditional love, forgiveness, and His invitation to follow Him. He frequently reached out to sinners, outcasts, and those considered beyond redemption, demonstrating God’s compassion and desire to reconcile people to Himself.
It’s important to note that while God desires the salvation of all, Christianity teaches that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ. Christians believe that Jesus, through His life, death, and resurrection, provides the means for forgiveness of sins and eternal life. However, different Christian denominations and individuals may have nuanced understandings of how salvation is obtained.
The belief in God’s love for humanity and His desire for their salvation is a fundamental aspect of Christian theology. It is seen as an expression of God’s grace and mercy, extending an opportunity for all people to enter into a relationship with Him and experience eternal life.
These four words: Purpose, Power, Place, and People are all related to missions. Do some reflection and may our passion for mission is stirred up. Continue to spread the good news of the gospel until Jesus comes.
