But ye shall receive power, Acts 1:8:

 “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me…” — Acts 1:8 (KJV)

What does “you will receive power” mean?

In the New Testament context, “power” means the enabling and empowering work of the Holy Spirit to accomplish God’s purposes, especially to be a faithful witness of Jesus Christ.

The Greek word used for “power” is δύναμις (dynamis), meaning power, strength, ability, or capability.

1. Power to be a witness for Christ

Jesus did not say merely that they would feel powerful. He said:

“You shall be witnesses unto me.” — Acts 1:8

The immediate purpose of the Spirit's power was witness and proclamation—to testify about Jesus publicly and courageously.

We see this in Peter. Before Pentecost, Peter denied Jesus (Luke 22:54–62). After the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples, Peter boldly proclaimed Christ before the people (Acts 2:14–41).

2. Power to proclaim the Gospel boldly

The Holy Spirit gave the apostles boldness to speak God's Word.

Acts 4:31 says:

“They were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.”

So Spirit-empowered ministry includes boldness, courage, and ability to proclaim God's Word.

3. Power for supernatural signs accompanying the Gospel

Acts also records that the Spirit's empowerment was accompanied by miraculous works.

For example:

• Acts 3:6–8 — healing of the lame man
• Acts 4:29–30 — prayer for signs and wonders
• Acts 6:8 — Stephen did great wonders and miracles
• Acts 8:6–7 — Philip's ministry was accompanied by signs

These manifestations served the proclamation of Christ and God's kingdom.

4. Power to endure opposition and persecution

The Holy Spirit also gives believers strength to remain faithful when facing opposition.

Jesus said:

“When they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak…” — Matthew 10:19

And the context continues with the work of the Spirit (Matthew 10:20).

Stephen is an important example. While facing death, “being full of the Holy Ghost,” he boldly testified about Christ (Acts 7:54–60).

5. Power for Christian living

The Holy Spirit's work is not limited to preaching or miracles. He also enables believers to live according to God.

Paul says:

“Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” — Galatians 5:16

The Spirit produces “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance” (Galatians 5:22–23).

An important distinction

Acts 1:8 specifically concerns the Holy Spirit coming upon the disciples for empowerment and witness. The New Testament also speaks of the Spirit dwelling in believers (1 Corinthians 6:19; Romans 8:9) and believers being filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).

Therefore, “you will receive power” should not be reduced to:

power = miracles only.

Nor does it mean:

power = authority to control other people.

Rather, in Acts 1:8, the central idea is:

The Holy Spirit empowers believers to testify about Jesus Christ and to carry out God's mission with boldness, effectiveness, endurance, and, according to God's will, spiritual manifestations.

In one sentence

“You shall receive power” means that when the Holy Spirit comes upon believers, He gives them divine enabling to live for Christ, boldly proclaim the Gospel, endure opposition, and serve as effective witnesses of Jesus.