What kind of power did Jesus promise the disciples in Acts 1:8?
Jesus promised the disciples would receive power when the Holy Spirit came to do what He had been doing—continuing His work, such as healing the lame man in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, revealing the power of the Messiah, the Christ, the Son of God, not resurrection power.
Les explains that the healing of the lame man in Acts 3 was not done on the power of resurrection but on the power of the Messiah, the Christ, the Lord Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God. This was appropriate because Peter was continuing what Christ had been doing for three years. The whole idea goes back to Acts 1:8, where Jesus said that when the Holy Spirit would come, they were to have power. The question “Well what kind of power?” is answered “To do what He had been doing.” Jesus also told the Twelve that the Holy Spirit would not come until He left. In this early setting, Les notes, there is no church language—no bishops, deacons, or pastors—but an extension of Judaism: temple, worship, prayer at the ninth hour, and healing.
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.
More Questions
When did the disciples receive the power promised in Acts 1:8?
The Holy Spirit was going to come upon the disciples ten days later on Pentecost, and then they would receive the power promised in Acts 1:8.