The words of Jesus, “You shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth,” were a major challenge the disciples faced in the first century (Acts 1:8, NKJV). We face the same challenge in the twenty-first century. The New Testament church was seemingly confronted with an impossible task, but, empowered by the Holy Spirit, the church exploded in growth (Acts 2:41; 4:4; 6:7). These early Christians shared their faith everywhere (Acts 5:42).
The outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost during the early rain was only a prelude of what is to come. God has promised to pour out His Holy Spirit in abundance in the last days (Joel 2:23; Zech. 10:1). The earth will be illuminated with his glory. The work of God on earth will be finished rapidly (Matt. 24:14; Rom. 9:28).
Members of the early Christian church were charged with a sacred trust. They were to be the executors of the will by which Christ gave the world the treasure of eternal life. Believers of all ages share the legacy given to the first disciples. God wants every believer to be an executor of the will of the Savior. We are revived to witness—and by witnessing we are revived.
Currently, the world waits to hear the message God has for mankind the present truth. God is gathering His people around the world for a final movement at the climactic close of earth’s history. He will pour out His Spirit on them as they use their gifts to proclaim the good news. The most glorious chapters of the book of Acts are soon to be written.
— Robert Costa serves as an associate ministerial secretary, General Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States.