How does Acts 13:1 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? Setting the Stage Acts 13 opens the door to the first intentional missionary venture of the early church. Matthew 28 closes Matthew’s Gospel with Jesus’ authoritative marching orders. Putting these two texts side by side shows how the church in Antioch literally began acting on what Jesus commanded. Snapshot of Acts 13:1 “Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch), and Saul.” Key observations: • A gathered, worshiping body—functioning as Jesus envisioned. • Five named leaders—spiritually gifted as “prophets and teachers.” • Ethnic and social diversity—Jews, Africans, a Roman court insider. • The very next verses (vv. 2-3) show the Holy Spirit directing them to send Barnabas and Saul on mission. Recalling the Great Commission “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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20) Highlights: • “Go”—movement outward. • “Make disciples”—not mere converts, but lifelong learners. • “All nations”—every ethnic group in view. • “Teaching … all that I have commanded”—doctrine married to obedience. • The promise of Christ’s presence guarantees success (v. 20). Key Connections 1. Missional Obedience • Matthew: Jesus issues the command. • Acts: Antioch obeys by sending Barnabas and Saul (vv. 2-3). 2. Spirit-Empowered Sending • Matthew: Jesus promises His abiding presence. • Acts: “The Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul…’ ” (v. 2). Presence becomes guidance. 3. Disciple-Making Infrastructure • Matthew: “Teaching them to observe.” • Acts: Prophets and teachers already discipling believers in Antioch, readying the church for multiplication. 4. Global Vision • Matthew: “All nations.” • Acts: Leaders from multiple regions symbolize the worldwide reach; Antioch becomes the launchpad to Asia Minor, Greece, and beyond (Acts 13-14). 5. Authority and Sending • Matthew: Jesus speaks “all authority.” • Acts: The church, under that authority, lays hands on Barnabas and Saul, commissioning them with confidence (v. 3). 6. Continuity of Purpose • Matthew outlines the plan; Acts documents its unfolding. • From Pentecost (Acts 2) to Antioch (Acts 13), the narrative shows an unbroken chain of obedience. Practical Takeaways for Today • Healthy churches cultivate gifted leaders who hear from God and act. • Ethnic and social diversity is not optional—it pictures the “all nations” heartbeat. • Prayer and fasting align the church with the Spirit’s direction before mission decisions. • Intentional sending is the normal outcome of disciple-making. • Every local congregation can trace its mission back to the Great Commission and the Antioch model (cf. Acts 1:8; Romans 10:14-15). |
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