How does Acts 18:11 connect with Jesus' Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? Setting the Scene • Corinth, A.D. 50-52: Paul has just arrived on his second missionary journey (Acts 18:1). • Opposition arises in the synagogue (Acts 18:6), yet the Lord encourages him in a vision (Acts 18:9-10). • The outcome is summed up in Acts 18:11: “So Paul stayed for a year and a half, teaching the word of God among them.” Jesus’ Great Commission in Brief “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, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Key elements: 1. Go 2. Make disciples of all nations 3. Baptize 4. Teach to obey everything Jesus commanded 5. Assurance of His continual presence Acts 18:11—Living Out the Commission in Corinth • “Stayed for a year and a half” — Paul “went” and remained; sustained presence is part of making disciples, not just passing through. • “Teaching the word of God” — exactly mirrors “teaching them to obey.” • Context shows converts were baptized (Acts 18:8, cf. 1 Corinthians 1:14-17). • The Lord’s vision in Acts 18:9-10 (“I am with you”) echoes Matthew 28:20. Point-by-Point Connection • Going → Paul leaves Athens for Corinth (Acts 18:1). • Making disciples → Crispus, the synagogue leader, “believed in the Lord with his whole household” (Acts 18:8). • Baptizing → Many Corinthians “were baptized” (Acts 18:8); Paul later references these baptisms (1 Corinthians 1:14-16). • Teaching → 18 months of daily instruction (Acts 18:11; cf. Acts 20:31). • Christ’s Presence → “I am with you” (Acts 18:10) fulfills “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). Supporting Scriptures • Acts 1:8 — power to be witnesses “to the ends of the earth,” including Corinth. • 2 Timothy 2:2 — Paul tells Timothy to entrust teaching to faithful people, reflecting the disciple-making pattern begun in Corinth. • 1 Corinthians 4:15-17 — Paul calls the Corinthians his “beloved children,” evidence of true discipleship. Practical Takeaways for Today • Disciple-making often requires extended investment, not quick visits. • Teaching Scripture systematically is central; programs and personalities cannot replace the Word. • Baptism and obedience are inseparable marks of genuine conversion. • Opposition need not deter ministry when Christ’s promise of presence is believed. • Every local church can see itself as a fresh Corinth—an opportunity to live out the Great Commission in its own city until the Lord returns. |
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