Acts 1:8 But you shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come on you: and you shall be witnesses to me both in Jerusalem… Christ's last words are a promise and declare the vocation of all Christians of every station and class. They are all called to testify to Christ, but they are not all equally qualified for the duty. The text shows — I. THAT THERE IS A CONDITION OF ATTACHMENT TO CHRIST IN WHICH DUE FITNESS FOR THIS VOCATION DOES NOT EXIST. The apostles were in this condition. They had personal acquaintance with Christ, believed in Him, had knowledge of the facts, and had natural ability. Still these did not confer the testifying "power." So with many Christians now. They know, believe, desire, are eloquent, etc., but lack the mystic energy in the absence of which sermons fail to convert. II. THAT DUE FITNESS FOR THE GREAT VOCATION COMES BY A DIVINE BESTOWAL. "After that the Holy Ghost is come." The bestowal came in a miraculous manner but in answer to prayer. Thereupon the apostles were constrained to de what the Lord had commanded. So nowadays. When God has given special ability, and adds an influence which constrains to its exercise, no wonder that striking results follow. III. THAT THIS POWER SHOULD BE EXERCISED WHEN AND WHERE IT IS RECEIVED. They were to wait at Jerusalem until they received a Divine gift, and there employ it. Had they been permitted to seek their own pleasure they would have chosen another place. So we must begin where and when God blesses us, however disagreeable the effort may be. IV. THE MANNER OF SPREADING THE GOSPEL. Here we have a plan of the acts of the apostles. 1. Jerusalem (Acts 3:1-6:7). 2. All Judaea (Acts 6:8-8:3). 3. Samaria, which had long been "White unto harvest" (Acts 8:4-40). 4. The uttermost part of the earth (9 to close).This view suggests the importance of evangelising cities. If Paris were made Christian how great would be the blessing to Europe; if London how easy the conversion of the world. (W. Hudson.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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