Acts 1:8 (NIV): 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.
Details to look for in a sentence:
Read and re-read seriously and note all the details. Do not yet look for meaning. Understand all the little details to later help understand the bigger details.
· Look for Repetition.
o “You” is repeated three times.
o The active verb, “will,” is repeated twice.
o Locations are repeated: in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in all Samaria, to the ends of the earth.
o The conjunction “and” is used four times.
· Look for Contrasts/Differences.
o “but” is a conjunction indicating a contrast between verse 7 where the disciples are essentially told it is none of their business to verse 8 where they are told they will be empowered.
· Look for Comparisons.
o From small to large: witnesses in the small towns of Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria to witnesses to the ends of the large earth.
· Look for Lists.
o Lists of locations: Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, ends of the earth.
· Look for Cause and Effect.
o You will receive power (effect) when the Holy Spirit comes on you (cause).
o You will be witnesses (effect) from the (cause) of the Holy Spirit.
· Look for Figures of Speech.
o The Holy Spirit [comes on you].
o Witnesses [to the ends of the earth].
· Look for Conjunctions.
o “but” indicates a transition from verse 7 to verse 8. (See also as a Contrast)
o “And” you will, “and” in all, “and” to the ends.
· Look for active and passive Verbs.
o “You” is followed by the active verb “will.”
· Look for Pronouns.
o The implied antecedent is Jesus to the implied pronoun “us” in “be my witness.” The “my” can be “us” because of the Trinity.