How does Acts 22:15 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? Acts 22:15—Paul’s Personal Commission “For you will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard.” • Spoken by Ananias after Paul’s conversion • Centers on two verbs: “be” and “witness” • Scope: “all men,” reaching beyond Israel, foreshadowing a global mission Matthew 28:19–20—The Lord’s Universal Commission “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.” • Jesus commands intentional going, discipling, baptizing, teaching • Audience: “all nations,” mirroring Acts 22:15’s “all men” • Promise of Christ’s presence empowers the task Common Threads Linking the Two Passages • Same Sender: Christ directs both commissions—personally to Paul, corporately to the Church • Same Audience: “all men” (Acts) / “all nations” (Matthew) show a universal reach • Same Task: – Witnessing (Acts 22:15) – Making disciples and teaching (Matthew 28:19-20) • Same Content: “what you have seen and heard” parallels “all that I have commanded you” • Same Power Source: Jesus’ presence (Matthew 28:20) is echoed in Acts 1:8’s promise of the Spirit, fulfilled in Paul’s ministry Supporting Verses That Reinforce the Connection • Acts 1:8 — “You will receive power… and you will be My witnesses…” • 2 Corinthians 5:20 — “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors…” • Romans 10:14-15 — Calls to proclaim so others may believe Why Paul’s Assignment Illustrates the Great Commission • Personal Example: Paul embodies obedience, taking the gospel from Jerusalem to Rome • Doctrinal Clarity: His letters teach, clarify, and apply the gospel—fulfilling “teaching them to obey” • Missional Model: Church-planting journeys mirror “go” and “make disciples,” showing how the Church can replicate the pattern Practical Takeaways for Today • Embrace Identity: Like Paul, every believer “is” a witness, not merely “does” witnessing • Expand Vision: Pray and plan beyond familiar circles—God’s heart is global • Share Experience: Tell what you have “seen and heard” of Christ’s work in your life • Teach Faithfully: Pass on the full counsel of Scripture, helping others obey all Christ’s commands • Depend on Presence: Rely on the Spirit’s power and Christ’s promise, just as Paul did |
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