"But ye shall receive power,
after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you"

Power has been defined as the ability to do or to act, the capability of accomplishing something.  It has also been defined as authority delegated or granted to a person or persons in a particular office or capacity. 

The word "power" is used 142 times in the New Testament scriptures, the majority of these Greek translations from the words dunamis or exousia.  Dunamis referenced "the inherent power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature."  Jesus Christ possessed the power of God as it was ascribed by both of these definitions.  For example, He walked in this power because He was God of very God, the word made flesh, of the same substance as His Father.  Devils screamed at His prescence because they feared the torment that could only come from God Almighty.  The scribes and Pharisees disputed this power in Christ because they could not bring themselves to understand how a man could forgive sins, heal the sick, or even raise the dead.   

Exousia refers to the authority given unto those in governmental positions, that which has been delegated as a necessity to successfully rule a kingdom.  For example, this was the type of authority enjoyed by Adam as he was given dominion over all mankind.  Another example of the usage of this term can be found in Mark 5:7 where Jesus "called unto Him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits."  They received power, not by the nature of their earthly birth, but by the delegation of authority from Jesus Christ. 

"For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be
baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence"

Jesus intentionally made the distinction between the water baptism of John and the baptism of the Holy Ghost.  It is very unfortunate that many Christians stop at water baptism as the reference point of their salvation, not realizing that Jesus died so that our joy would be full and complete in Him.  Water baptism is very important, for it is an act of our obedience to God's command that we be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of our sins.  But why should we settle for less than the fullness of His power? 

I often use this example to demonstrate how we fall short of our potential in Christ: The cost of an item is $100 and there were 2 of them available to be purchased.  However, one of them was full of product while the other was only partially filled.  Which of these would the average person choose?  Right!  Most of us would choose the full container because we would get more for the same price.  The blood of Jesus was shed for our salvation.  He paid the price for our full redemption.  So why do we settle for partial power when the same price was paid that we might have the fullness of His power?

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.  For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call"

The promise of the Holy Ghost is not just for Pentecostals or Full Gospel or any particular denomination.  The gift has been offered to as many as are being called into the kingdom of God.  John 1:12 reads "but as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God."  We have been given the precious gift of the Holy Ghost to strengthen us, to help us in our transformation from darkness unto light. 

There are many believers who have not yet received this precious power.  Are you one of them?  Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed?  Jesus instructed that, if we know how to give good gifts unto our children, how much more shall our heavenly Father give the Holy Ghost to them that ask of Him?  Let us recognize that it is His Spirit that has been sent to help our infirmities, making intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.  

"God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.  Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ"