top of page
Search
Writer's pictureEric Cline

Observing at the Sentence Level—Acts 1:8 NIV

Updated: Jul 5, 2023

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.

39 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Kommentarer


bottom of page