Jesus’ answer about not knowing times and dates set by the Father (v. 7) is consistent with what he said elsewhere on the topic of the timing of the last things (cf. Matt. 24:36, 42, 44; 25:13; Luke 12:40).
Verse 8 begins with “but” (alla), suggesting that Jesus is presenting an alternative aspiration for the disciples. Their primary concern should not be the political power that will come with the restoration of Israel’s kingdom. It should be the spiritual power that will come through the baptism with the Holy Spirit, which will enable them to be witnesses “to the ends of the earth.” This verse presents an outline and summary of Acts. The Holy Spirit’s power and witness is the theme of the book. “The geographical terms provide a sort of ‘Index of Contents’ … ‘in Jerusalem’ covers the first seven chapters, ‘in all Judea and Samaria’ covers 8:1 to 11:18, and the remainder of the book traces the progress of the gospel outside the frontiers of the Holy Land until it at last reaches Rome.”
In a sense the disciples were already witnesses for they had seen the risen Lord; that was the key to their witness (1:22). But they also needed “power” to be effective witnesses, power that would come from the Holy Spirit. The way the Holy Spirit makes witnesses and empowers witness must cover the entire witnessing process, and this is well illustrated in Acts.
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