How does Acts 10:44 relate to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? Reading the Two Passages Side by Side Matthew 28:19-20: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to keep all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Acts 10:44: “While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard his message.” The Promise Given, the Promise Kept • In Matthew, the risen Christ commands the apostles to disciple “all nations.” • In Acts 10, for the first time the gospel is openly received by uncircumcised Gentiles, proving the “all nations” scope is literal, not figurative. • Jesus pledged His continuing presence (“I am with you always”); Acts 10:44 shows His presence through the Holy Spirit descending while Peter preaches. Holy Spirit as the Seal of Obedience • Matthew’s commission includes baptizing “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” • Acts 10:44–48 reveals the same Trinitarian pattern: – The Father initiates (10:34-35). – The Son is preached (10:36-43). – The Spirit falls (10:44), leading to water baptism (10:47-48). • The Spirit’s outpouring verifies that heaven endorses Peter’s obedience to Christ’s command. Expansion from Jerusalem to the Ends of the Earth • Acts 1:8 foretells, “You will be My witnesses… to the ends of the earth.” Acts 10 marks the decisive jump beyond the confines of Judaism. • This event therefore demonstrates the geographical and cultural reach envisioned in Matthew 28. Teaching All That Christ Commanded • Peter’s sermon (10:34-43) models the Great Commission’s teaching mandate: – Proclaiming peace through Jesus (v. 36). – Bearing witness to His death and resurrection (vv. 39-41). – Calling listeners to faith for forgiveness (v. 43). Assurance for Today’s Disciple-Makers • The instantaneous Spirit-baptism in Acts 10 guarantees that when we carry the same message to every people group, Christ still accompanies the proclamation with His power (Hebrews 13:8). • It confirms that no ethnic or cultural barrier can nullify the universality of Jesus’ marching orders (Romans 10:12-13). Key Takeaways • Acts 10:44 is the practical, historical unfolding of Matthew 28:19-20. • The Holy Spirit’s descent on Cornelius’s household validates that the Gentiles are full participants in the covenant promises. • The text assures believers that proclamation, baptism, and teaching remain inseparable—and supernaturally empowered—components of global disciple-making. |
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