What scriptural connections exist between Acts 13:5 and Jesus' command in Matthew 28:19-20? Key Texts Acts 13:5 – “When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. And John was with them as their helper.” Matthew 28:19-20 – “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 obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Parallels in Purpose • “Proclaimed the word of God” (Acts 13:5) mirrors “make disciples … teaching them to obey” (Matthew 28:19-20). • Both passages emphasize the spread of the gospel—Acts shows the first missionary journey putting Jesus’ command into action. • The focus on all peoples (“all nations,” Matthew 28:19) begins with Jewish synagogues in Acts 13 and soon expands to Gentiles (Acts 13:46-48), illustrating the outward ripple Jesus intended (Acts 1:8). Continuity in Method • Verbal proclamation: Paul and Barnabas “proclaimed,” echoing Jesus’ directive to “teach.” • Team ministry: Barnabas, Paul, and John Mark reflect the plural “go” in Matthew—mission happens in community (cf. Luke 10:1; Mark 6:7). • Geographic movement: From Antioch to Cyprus in Acts 13 aligns with the Great Commission’s outward trajectory beyond Jerusalem. Authority and Empowerment • Jesus’ promise “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20) is realized through the Holy Spirit who set apart Barnabas and Saul (Acts 13:2-4). • The commissioning prayer and laying on of hands (Acts 13:3) show dependence on divine authority, just as the Great Commission rests on Jesus’ “all authority” (Matthew 28:18). Teaching and Obedience • Acts 13:5 marks the beginning of instructing others in the faith; the rest of the chapter records Paul’s teaching (vv. 16-41), fulfilling “teaching them to obey.” • Pattern continues in Acts 14:21-23—disciples made, taught, and strengthened—mirroring the comprehensive disciple-making of Matthew 28. Fruit and Expansion • Matthew promises a mission that endures “to the very end of the age”; Acts 13 shows the firstfruits of that enduring work. • Conversions in Cyprus (Acts 13:12) and beyond demonstrate the Great Commission’s effectiveness (cf. Romans 15:19). Supporting Scriptures • Luke 24:47 – repentance and forgiveness “proclaimed in His name to all nations.” • Acts 1:8 – power to be witnesses “to the ends of the earth.” • Romans 10:14-15 – preaching as the means God uses to create faith. • 2 Timothy 2:2 – entrusting truth to faithful people who will teach others. Implications for Today • The church’s calling is unchanged: proclaim, disciple, teach, and rely on Christ’s presence. • Strategic, Spirit-led sending—local churches still prayerfully commission workers as in Acts 13. • Expect diverse settings: synagogues in Acts, nations in Matthew; every context is a mission field. |
    |