After he rose from the grave, Jesus spent 40 days in close proximity with his disciples and teaching them about the Kingdom of God (v.3), but the disciples still didn’t correctly understand his teaching. They responded with a question about the restoration of Israel. Jesus tells them that they will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon them and they will be his witnesses.

God empowers his Kingdom witnesses

What is a witness?

A witness (person) is someone who has personal experience, knowledge, or even saw an event. A witness (the testimony) is also the personal account of such experience. Jesus expects his followers to share their subjective experience of his Kingdom and also the objective truth of his Good News.

What is God’s Kingdom?

It is the reign of God, which is manifested wherever his rule and authority are received. This means there is an inner spiritual reality in the heart of his people who want to obey, love and serve him. It will subsequently have an outward appearance through their deeds. God’s intention (based on verse 8) is that his Kingdom would extend to all people, thus it’s a global mission.

A key value of Grace Anglican Church is “We engage God’s mission to others.” This means we intentionally embrace God’s desire for all people to know him.

Taking It Home: 

1. Read 1 Peter 3:15 and think through how you would give your witness in two minutes or less. Remember to include the objective truth of Jesus along with your subjective experience.
2. Don’t force weird spiritual conversations with people. Pray for God to prompt the interaction.
3. Pray for God to give you his eyes, ears and heart for other people who need to hear the Good News.