What does the Bible say about power?

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The Bible teaches that true power belongs to God, who strengthens His people by His Spirit for faithful living, service, endurance, and hope in Christ. Acts 1:8 promises power for witness, while 2 Timothy 1:7 describes the Spirit's gift as power, love, and self-control rather than fear. Believers can do all God calls them to do through Christ's strength (Philippians 4:13), yet His power is especially displayed in human weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Ephesians 6:10 calls Christians to be strong in the Lord, and Isaiah 40:29-31 assures weary saints that God renews those who wait for Him. This power is not self-exaltation but God's grace working in and through His redeemed people.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • 2 Timothy 1:7

    For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.

  • Acts 1:8

    But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth."

  • Philippians 4:13

    I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.

  • Luke 10:19

    Behold, I give you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will in any way hurt you.

  • Ephesians 6:10

    Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:20

    For the Kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.

  • Ephesians 3:20

    Now to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,

  • Isaiah 40:29-31

    [29] He gives power to the faint; and to him who has no might he increases strength. [30] Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: [31] but those who wait for Yahweh shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:9

    He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me.

  • 1 Corinthians 6:14

    Now God raised up the Lord, and will also raise us up by his power.

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