This power can be understood in two senses. Firstly, the Holy Spirit is empowering the apostles to keep preaching despite the injunction which they received from the Jewish council.1 He is helping them to be bold and courageous witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection, using their words to bring people to faith in him.2 Secondly, the Holy Spirit is confirming and authenticating the preaching of the apostles with signs and wonders (see Acts 5:12). Both of these senses are consistent with what the believers prayed for after Peter and John were released by the Sanhedrin (Acts 4:23–31).
33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.