Understanding Meaning

Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

The book of Acts records these words as the last ones spoken by Jesus before he ascended into heaven. Although the apostles and disciples didn't grasp the enormity of his words at the time, the lens of history allows us to see they began a mission that continues on to this day.

Their mission began at Pentecost when the power of the Holy Spirit came down on them just as Jesus said it would. At times they may have needed prodding,or doubted the effectiveness of their efforts, but they continued on.

Acts 2:12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, "What does this mean?"

Jerusalem was was filled with people from many different nations during Pentecost. Nations speaking different languages all gathered in one place. All of these people begin to hear the disciples speak to them in their own languages. Of course they are bewildered and confused wondering what it all meant.

It meant that the words of Jesus came to be. The Holy Spirit will come upon you and you will receive power. Prior to the Holy Spirit coming, the disciple did not have the power to complete the assigned mission. Going to ends of the earth required the ability to communicate and share the gospel message. The Holy Spirit enabled the disciples to speak in the tongues of the nations, paving the way fro the gospel to march forward.

"What does this mean?" It means, in that moment it became possible for all people, every tongue and tribe to become followers of Jesus.