The expression “and to the end of the earth” in Acts 1:8 does not mean the end of time, but the most distant places of the world to which the gospel must reach. The Bulgarian translation “и до края на земята” accurately conveys the thought of the Greek original: Christ sends His witnesses to all peoples and regions of the earth.
In the Bulgarian Bible, Acts 1:8 contains the words “и до края на земята.” In English, this expression is usually rendered as “to the ends of the earth” or more simply “to the end of the earth.” It refers to the geographical scope of the church’s mission, not to the end of world history. Jesus shows the sequence of spreading the Good News: from Jerusalem, through Judea and Samaria, to the farthest peoples.
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8
What does the Greek original say
In the Greek text, the expression is ἕως ἐσχάτου τῆς γῆς (heōs eschatou tēs gēs). Literally, it can be rendered as “to the farthest [place] of the earth,” “to the remotest end of the earth.” The word ἐσχάτου is related to the concept of “last,” “extreme,” but in this context it describes space, not a date or the moment of the end of the world.
Therefore, the Bulgarian “до края на земята” is a meaningfully correct translation. The English form “to the farthest end of the earth” more precisely reflects the nuance of the Greek word: no distance, culture, or people should remain outside God’s call.
Not “to the end of the world,” but to all nations
Sometimes the words “end of the earth” are mistakenly understood as “the end of the earth” in a temporal sense—that is, until the end of history. However, Acts 1:8 speaks first of all about the place of ministry. Christ does not set here a chronological limit for preaching, but defines its worldwide scope.
A similar thought is heard in Jesus’ Great Commission. The disciples are to carry the message to “all nations.” This is not a limited mission for one ethnicity, one country, or only for people who already know biblical truth.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matt. 28:19
At the same time, the Bible does indeed speak about the completion of the gospel mission before the end of the world. But for this it uses a different context: the gospel will be preached in all the world as a witness to all nations, and then the end will come. Therefore, the church’s geographical mission is connected with the last days, but the expression in Acts 1:8 itself means precisely “the farthest places of the earth.”
“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come!” Matt. 24:14
The order of mission: from near to far
The list in Acts 1:8 has an important spiritual logic. Jerusalem was the disciples’ home city. Judea was their broader region. Samaria was the territory of people with whom the Jews had tense historical and religious relations. “The end of the earth” represents all other nations.
Thus, Jesus teaches us to begin our witness where a person lives, but not to stop within familiar surroundings. God’s grace breaks down ethnic, linguistic, social, and cultural barriers. The Book of Acts shows exactly this movement: from Jerusalem to the nations of the Roman Empire.
For Seventh-day Adventists, this text is especially important, because the three angels’ message is also directed to all humanity. The everlasting gospel is to be proclaimed to every nation, tribe, language, and people.
“And I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people.” Rev. 14:6
Power for witnessing comes from the Holy Spirit
The central promise of Acts 1:8 is not merely a command to go, but a promise of power. The disciples could not fulfill a global mission by their own abilities. The Holy Spirit gives courage, love, wisdom, and the ability to speak about Christ in a way others can understand.
Ellen G. White emphasized that the promise of the Holy Spirit belongs not only to the apostles, but to all followers of Christ. The mission of the Church must not be carried out with human self-confidence; it requires daily conversion, prayer, and dependence on God’s power.
It is also important that being a witness is more than delivering a sermon. A witness confirms the reality of Christ through personal life, character, compassion, and faithfulness to the truth. The words about “the end of the earth” begin with a personal heart that has allowed the Holy Spirit to work.
Conclusion and practical application
Therefore, the Bulgarian translation “и до края на земята” in Acts 1:8 means “to the farthest corners of the earth.” The precise Ukrainian equivalent is: “аж до останнього краю землі.” This is not a definition of the time of the end of the world, although the worldwide preaching of the gospel is connected with final events. It is Christ’s call for His Church to bring the hope of salvation to every person.
In practical terms, begin with your “Jerusalem”: pray for a specific person in your family, at work, or among your neighbors; show that person Christian love; and when the right opportunity comes, share biblical hope. Also support the worldwide mission of the Church through prayer, offerings, and readiness to serve wherever the Holy Spirit leads.
