But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses…..
Acts 1:8
From Helps Word Studies we learn about this word ‘power’
1411 dýnamis (from 1410 (gdef:1410)/dýnamai, "to be able, have ability") – properly, "ability to perform" (L-N); for the believer, power to achieve through the Lord's inherent ability (power).
"Power through God's ability" (1411/dýnamis) is needed in every scene of life to really grow in sanctification and prepare for heaven (glorification). 1411 (dynamis) is a very important term, used 120 times in the NT.
1411 (dynamis) specifically refers to being enabled by God – i.e. empowered with His ability to do as He directs. 1411/dýnamis ("divine ability") focuses on God's potential (latent) ability which is activated in the believer who receives (obeys) His inbirthed word ("divine persuasion").
With this in mind, it is no wonder Paul could proclaim, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” The promise of Acts 1:8 reminds us that we have been equipped by the Holy Spirit to do and become everything God has purposed.
For the disciples, this empowering was a secondary experience. The Gospel of John tells us that after His resurrection, Jesus breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20:22). At that moment they were born again through the regenerating work of the Spirit (see also Titus 3:5). Later, as Jesus promised, the Holy Spirit came upon them with power to enable them for witness.
We often refer to this word power as miracle-working power, and rightly so. The rebirth of a human spirit—from death to life—is itself a miracle beyond comprehension. What could be more miraculous than that?
Acts 1:8 also tells us this power is given so that we may be His witnesses wherever we go. God’s divine ability, imparted to every believer, enables us not only to speak for Him but also to live in a way that reflects Him. It is a transforming power—working within us moment by moment.
Paul understood this well when he wrote, “When I am weak, then I am strong,” because the grace of God was sufficient for him (Romans 5:20; 2 Corinthians 12:9–10). God’s grace supplied what Paul lacked. His strength was made perfect in human weakness.
This truth is encouraging for those who recognize their need for God’s help. None of us lives independently of Him. In reality, we are always witnessing—through our words, our actions, and our attitudes.
In Philippians 4, Paul explained that he had learned how to live in every circumstance—whether in abundance or in need. He had discovered the secret of contentment. That secret was the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit, enabling him to face every situation through God’s power.
There is tremendous freedom in learning this secret. When we truly believe that God’s power lives within us, it produces a quiet confidence and a holy boldness. We are able to “stand strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.”
To seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness is to continually look to Him for help. It is recognizing that His Spirit is present and ready to enable us in every circumstance. You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you is not just a theology but the vital reality of our daily lives.