Witnesses

“And He said unto them. ‘It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power. But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost hath 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.’” (Acts 1:7, 8)

It was at the end of forty days following His crucifixion and just ten days before Pentecost that Jesus spoke these words of commission to His disciples. They were concerned with “signs” that Jesus would restore the kingdom. Instead of a sign He gave them their assignment.

He gave them the authority to carry out the witness. The word “power” at the end of verse seven, means “authority.” He was giving them the authority to be His witnesses. Then in verse eight the word “power,” means, “to enable, or give ability or might.” He has given his disciples the authority and the ability to be His witnesses. Our ability came when we were saved and the Holy Spirit came to reside in us. We do not have to wait for some “tarrying” service to be empowered to be His witnesses.

He has also given us our field of service: Jerusalem, Judaea, Samaria and the uttermost parts of the earth. Our assignment is world-wide, beginning at home. All that is lacking is our readiness to say, “Lord, here am I. Send me.”