The Greek word 'dunamis' (G1411) means power, often associated with great strength. In I Corinthians 9, Paul discusses the concept of power in relation to ministerial authority. He uses the word 'exousia,' which also means power but focuses more on the authority or right to act, rather than brute strength like 'dunamis.' Paul explains that as an apostle, he has the authority to receive support from those he teaches, illustrating the principle that a servant of God who preaches the gospel should be supported by the church.

The gospel is described as the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, as stated in Romans 1:16. This power is derived from the Greek word dunamis, from which English words like dynamite, dynamo, and dynamic originate, conveying the idea of stored energy ready to burst into action. The gospel, therefore, contains a dynamic message primed to propel a believer to eternal life.

The gospel possesses a power that does not disappoint the Christian. There are several words for power in the Greek language, and each moves within a different sphere of thought. The word dynamis, from which we get the explosive words dynamite, dynamo, and dynamic, is the word that occurs in Romans 1:16. This is the word by which Paul commends the gospel of Christ to the power-conscious Romans. Paul says that it is the effective, explosive power of God. He knew that the gospel always accomplished the purpose for which God sent it forth. It still does today. It can transform your life and satisfy your deepest spiritual longing. It is a powerful, dynamic written word for us, with spiritual power and impact.

The gospel is the power of God to salvation for the believer, as expressed through the Greek word *dunamis* (G1411), which conveys a sense of explosiveness, akin to dynamite. This power is not merely latent energy but active, working dynamically to both destroy and construct. It destroys sin and all that is unlike God, while building up the new man, righteousness, and holiness, preparing us for His image. *Dunamis* encapsulates not just energy to produce salvation, but also the method, contents, incentives, and disincentives God uses to create children in His likeness. This dynamic force is always at work in the gospel, piercing into the deepest parts of us, cutting out what should not be there, and making room for what is godly. The gospel, empowered by *dunamis*, is living and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword, discerning thoughts and intents, actively driving us toward spiritual life and salvation.

The Greek word *dunamis* (G1411), translated as power, refers to the capacity for achieving or accomplishing. In the context of the Holy Spirit, *dunamis* represents the ability for God's will and work to be done through a person. This power is not personal but is the outworking of God the Father, constrained by the love and sound-mindedness inherent in God's Spirit. It is not power for its own sake, nor for self-gratification or self-glorification, but must be used in alignment with God's character. In Acts 1:8, the resurrected Christ tells the apostles that they shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them, enabling them to be witnesses to Him in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. This power, linked with the Holy Spirit, provides the effective capacity for God to work through individuals, not just the apostles, but everyone who has received God's Spirit, to testify of Jesus Christ and ultimately of our Spiritual Father.

We have been given a measure of dunamis (G1411), which represents ability, talent, effectiveness, and strength in some measure or area. It does not matter how much dunamis is given or in what area our strength resides, but that we remain faithful in what God has bestowed upon us and use this power to further His purpose. Having only a little dunamis should not deter us from achievement, even if it is on a small scale, as God is interested in what we do with what we have been given. In the context of the Philadelphian, though he may have only a little dunamis, he is able to keep God's word and not deny His name, demonstrating faithfulness with the power he possesses. Christ sets before the Philadelphian an open door as a reward for this faithfulness, acknowledging his capacity to overcome despite limited dunamis.