How does Acts 8:4 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? Acts 8:4—A Snapshot of Mission in Action “Those who had been scattered went from place to place, preaching the word.” The Great Commission—Our Marching Orders “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 observe all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20) Direct Connections • Shared Verb: “Go”—the believers in Acts 8:4 literally went, fulfilling Jesus’ command to go. • Universal Scope: Persecution scattered them beyond Jerusalem (Acts 1:8), placing them among “all nations,” right in line with Matthew 28. • Focus on the Word: They “preached the word,” the heart of “teaching them to observe” (v. 20). • Disciple-Making Pattern: Philip in Samaria (Acts 8:5-12) and the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26-39) show converts baptized immediately, echoing “baptizing them…” • Christ’s Presence: Though scattered, they carried Christ’s promised presence (Matthew 28:20; cf. Acts 11:21, “the hand of the Lord was with them”). • Unstoppable Gospel: What looked like defeat (persecution) became the engine for world evangelism—fulfilling the Commission by God’s sovereign design (Genesis 50:20 principle). Supporting Passages • Acts 1:8—“You will be My witnesses… to the ends of the earth.” • Mark 16:15—“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” • Colossians 1:23—The gospel “proclaimed in all creation under heaven” by the first-century church. Practical Takeaways for Today • Movement matters: Obedience often looks like simply stepping out where God places us. • Opposition can propel mission: Hard seasons may be divine means of spreading the Word. • Every believer a messenger: Acts 8:4 highlights ordinary Christians, not just apostles. • Stay Word-centered: Evangelism that endures is rooted in clear proclamation of Scripture. |
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