Witness with Power

Acts 1:6-11

A pneumatic tool has no power if it’s not connected to an air hose that’s attached to an air compressor. The tool might be able to work, but without air inside it, it cannot operate. You can connect it to an air hose linked to an air compressor, but if there’s no air, the tool still won’t function. Every tool—whether pneumatic, electric, or battery-powered—needs power to work properly; without it, it cannot complete the task.

In order for Christians to attain functionality in accordance with Christ's commandments, they must possess divine power. While it is possible to perform tasks independently, the onset of trials and persecution often derails such efforts. Human capacity is limited; our strength diminishes and temptation increases under duress. Furthermore, discouragement may inundate our thoughts. Therefore, it is essential to seek Power that can solely be obtained through the Holy Spirit, enabling us to fulfill our calling as witnesses for Christ, as He has commanded.

Jesus understood that in order for them to be effective witnesses for Him, they would require the Power that only the Holy Spirit could bestow. The Greek term for Holy Spirit is: haigos pneuma; 'haigos' signifies Holy, and whenever we encounter the term Spirit, it is 'pneuma,' from which the word 'pneumatic' is derived.

The Apostles were instructed to serve as His witnesses through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit within them, and to refrain from concerning themselves with the future. Today, we are to witness with power, as the Holy Spirit resides within us, and we should not become preoccupied with the timing of His return.

How do we witness with authority? Luke delineates three objectives in witnessing with authority. They were instructed, and we are instructed to focus on when, where, and who.

The First Objective is to Focus on When.

Jesus informed the apostles that it was not for them to know the times or epochs, as authority belonged solely to the Father. The Greek term for time, “chronos,” refers to chronological time and can denote either a specific period or an indefinite duration. It may also pertain to a particular event. The latter usage of this term is often combined with its synonym “kairos” to form a compound, generally interpreted as the “end times,” which is the context Jesus is alluding to here. When our focus shifts from the current tasks to future events, we risk losing sight of our role as potent witnesses to those around us. One thing of which we can be certain is that the Kingdom will be established at the Second Coming. Those who delve into eschatology—derived from the Greek “eschatos,” meaning ‘last’—may attempt to predict this event. However, Jesus was unequivocal that such knowledge was not meant for us. Why? Because focusing on the future causes us to neglect the present and the lives that Christ has entrusted to us. Instead, we become preoccupied with what is to come and neglect our current calling to witness effectively. 

If we are aboard an aircraft, and I approach you to present a parachute, instructing you to wear it without imparting any additional information, and you comply, the surrounding individuals may react with laughter, leading you eventually to remove it. Conversely, if I advise you to wear the parachute because, in thirty minutes, the aircraft is scheduled to crash and, without it, you will perish, the reactions of others' laughter will not influence your decision to keep it on. My intention is to help you concentrate on the Present moment, rather than the Future, which in turn prepares you for what is to come. Paul advised the Thessalonians that Christ would return as a thief in the night. If we are focused on the task at hand in the present, we will be ready for His return. The Apostles were greatly discouraged that the Kingdom of Israel was not established, Luke 24:21.

Luke 24:21 NASB95

“But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, it is the third day since these things happened.

Jesus understood that if their focus was diverted from being His witnesses, their effectiveness would diminish. Many individuals claim they can multitask, which is a misconception. The human brain has a limited capacity to hold and process information at any given moment. What people are actually engaging in is “task-switching," which involves rapidly shifting attention between tasks rather than performing them simultaneously. This mental process incurs a cost, including reduced productivity, diminished work quality, increased errors, and heightened stress. The brain does not possess the necessary cognitive architecture to effectively manage multiple tasks requiring attention simultaneously; therefore, concentrating on one task at a time is more efficacious. Jesus recognized that they could not be effective witnesses if they were preoccupied with other concerns. The same principle applies to us.

It is essential to concentrate on the present moment. Refrain from concern about the future; our primary concern should be the current circumstances. This approach guides us to the second objective concerning authority, namely, to concentrate on the location.

The Second Objective is to Focus on the Where.

It appears that individuals find it easier to direct their focus elsewhere rather than at their current situation. It is often simpler to share the Gospel with a complete stranger than with acquaintances or familiar persons. Similarly, it is more straightforward to consider how to assist other countries, or to criticize their shortcomings, than to address personal or local challenges. However, this is not the guidance given by Christ to His apostles, nor to us. There exists a prescribed order for where our focus should begin and then extend outward. Initially, we are to witness to ourselves and to Jerusalem; subsequently, to our family and Judea; then, to our community and Samaria; and ultimately, to those in the most remote parts of the earth. Over time, the witnesses will fulfill the final requirement, but to achieve this, they must first concentrate on their immediate surroundings.

If I merely provide you with the destination without any additional information, your primary concern would be reaching the destination. However, if I supply detailed directions, you must be attentive to your current position and permit the route to guide you to the destination. The same principle applies in this context. We are aware of the destination, but it is essential to focus on the present moment to witness with strength. What benefit is the destination if those around us are unaware of how to reach it?

Rather than engaging in futile speculation regarding the timing of the kingdom's arrival, the apostles were instructed to concentrate on the task at hand (John MacArthur). A witness is an individual who observes an event and subsequently reports it to others. If anyone has ever provided testimony in a court of law, they are asked to recount what they saw, heard, or experienced. Peter emphasizes that they were eyewitnesses to His majesty, as stated in 2 Peter 1:16. The Greek term for ‘witness’ is ‘martys,’ which is ‘martyres,’ indicating a plural, masculine noun. Does this imply that only men can serve as witnesses? In Jewish tradition, yes. For the Church today, no, everyone is called to be a witness. However, Luke’s emphasis is that it was exclusively the apostles who were present with Christ during His ascension.

2 Peter 1:16 NASB95

For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.

In order to have a witness with authority, one must concentrate on their current position. This consequently leads to the final objective: concentrate on the Who.

The Last Objective is to Focus on the 'Who'!

Attend to Luke's account of how the apostles maintained their focus on Christ. They did not divert their gaze from Him but watched intently as He was lifted up. Their gaze was fixed for an extended period. So absorbed in their focus on Christ, they did not notice the two men in white who appeared. This demonstrates their understanding that the one they focused on deserved all of their attention.

I wear glasses because I am aging, which correlates with increased wisdom, and my eyesight has declined from its previous acuity. This does not imply that I am unable to read without them; rather, it requires more time to focus. When I wear my glasses, I am able to focus swiftly and with greater efficiency. The same principle applies to our focus on the Who. If we attempt to concentrate on both Christ and the worldly pursuits simultaneously, our focus is akin to mine without glasses. If our focus is solely on the world, proper focus becomes unachievable. However, if our focus is directed towards Christ, much like the clarity gained through wearing glasses, we can clearly perceive our duties and direction.

The apostles recognized the importance of maintaining their focus on the Person, Jesus Christ. Observe how they watched Him intently as He was lifted from their sight. I recall, with similar attentiveness, watching for Santa to descend the chimney. However, the issue was that I invariably fell asleep. Many Christians are neglecting to focus on the Who, which is Christ. Instead, they are looking at everyone and everything else but the one who holds all the answers. Their attention wanes, reminiscent of Peter, James, and John on the Mount of Olives, as described in Matthew 26:40-41.

Matthew 26:40–41 NASB95

And He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “So, you men could not keep watch with Me for one hour? “Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Our lives are in shambles because our faith is fickle!

Our focus can be just as intense as theirs if we prioritize Who deserves our attention.

Application:

What enabled them to endure intense persecution? They relied on the power that resided within them. They concentrated on the when, where, and Who as their mission. They believed without a doubt that Christ was Who He claimed to be. They kept their focus on the ultimate goal. We can do the same. The same Power that was bestowed upon them is present within us. Just as He did not abandon them, neither has He abandoned us. The challenge lies in the fact that we entangle ourselves with worldly affairs rather than with God’s endeavors.

Witnessing with Power is within the capabilities of each of us. It is essential that we maintain our focus on the When, Where, and Who as our guiding principles. Just as a pneumatic tool requires an air supply to function effectively, so too must we remain connected to the Holy Spirit.

Let us take our stand against the principalities of this world. Let us have courage to stand with truth even in the face of great persecution. Remember, we are not battling flesh and blood but rather against spiritual forces of darkness. People's lives are at stake, and we possess the Power to provide them with the vital air supply to set them free—enabling them to fulfill the divine purpose for which they are intended.

1. It is essential to concentrate on the present moment. Refrain from concern about the future; our primary concern should be the current circumstances.

2. In order to have a witness with authority, one must concentrate on their current position.

3. Our focus can be just as intense as theirs if we prioritize Who deserves our attention.