How does Acts 13:4 connect with Jesus' Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? Setting of Acts 13:4 • “So Barnabas and Saul, sent forth by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus.” (Acts 13:4) • The church at Antioch has just laid hands on them (Acts 13:2-3). Their journey is the first intentional, church-sanctioned mission beyond the eastern Mediterranean. Echoes of the Great Commission • Jesus commanded, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations… baptizing… teaching… and surely I am with you always” (Matthew 28:19-20). • In Acts 13, Paul and Barnabas are literally “going” to new nations—Cyprus, Pamphylia, Galatia—showing the Commission is already in motion. • The pattern—preach, baptize, gather believers into local churches—mirrors the verbs of Matthew 28. The Role of the Holy Spirit • Matthew 28 rests on Jesus’ authority; Acts 13 shows that authority expressed through the Spirit’s sending: “sent forth by the Holy Spirit.” • Acts 1:8: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses… to the ends of the earth.” Acts 13:4 is the fulfillment step: empowered witnesses now crossing seas. Global Scope and Gentile Reach • Luke 24:47: “repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed in His name to all nations.” Cyprus is Gentile territory—evidence the gospel is leaving Jewish enclaves. • Paul later celebrates this reach: Romans 15:18-19—Christ worked through him “in leading the Gentiles to obedience… by the power of the Spirit of God.” Teaching and Establishing Churches • After preaching in new cities, Paul and Barnabas “made many disciples… strengthening the disciples… and appointed elders for them in each church” (Acts 14:21-23). • This satisfies Matthew 28’s call not only to make converts but to teach obedience and form lasting communities. Christ’s Ongoing Presence • Jesus promised, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). His presence is now mediated through the Holy Spirit who guides routes (Acts 16:6-7), empowers words (Acts 13:9-11), and confirms truth with signs (Romans 15:19). Takeaways for Today • The Great Commission is not an abstract command; Acts 13:4 shows how the risen Lord actively propels His church. • The same Spirit still sends, directs, and empowers believers to cross cultural and geographic boundaries. • Faithful mission involves going, proclaiming, baptizing, teaching, and planting churches—confident Christ is with us to the end of the age. |
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