POWER
"And the power of the Lord was present...." (Luke 5:17).
In English the word 'power' is the same for both the political and spiritual. But in Greek there is a clear distinction between the two powers:
1. EXOUSIA refers to government or political power/authority. In Romans 13 we are to respect and obey this authority. In the conversation between Jesus and Pilate in John 19:8-11 the term 'power' refers to this 'Exousia'. After His death and resurrection Jesus declares Himself to possess all EXOUSIA in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18).
2. DUNAMIS refers to spiritual power — for regeneration and miracles. In Christian faith and ministry, this power is granted in answer to prayers. The scripture verse cited above (Luke 5:17) is talking about the spiritual power of God present to heal. The disciples were told in Acts 1:8 (power, dunamin) that they will become witnesses only after they receive power from the Holy Spirit. So what did they do? They came together in one accord and were waiting and praying (Acts 1:14) for the power of the Holy Spirit. Ten days later, on the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended on them like tongues of fire (Acts 2:1-4). Then Peter preached with boldness and 3000 people received Jesus Christ (Acts 2:41).
Peter over a month earlier chickened out and denied Jesus three times, because he had not received power yet; but after being endued with the power of the Holy Spirit he went on to face all eventualities with boldness and even gave his life for his testimony of Jesus. The 'dunamis' made the difference!
We get the English word dynamic or dynamite from this 'dunamis'. So someone filled with the Holy Spirit is a walking talking dynamite for Christ — not to explode in self destruction or destruction of others, but to live in victory and impacting others for Christ.
