In what ways does 1 Corinthians 14:36 connect to the Great Commission's authority? Anchoring Verse: 1 Corinthians 14:36 “Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only ones it has reached?” Great Commission Authority: Matthew 28:18–20 “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them … teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you.” How 1 Corinthians 14:36 Mirrors the Great Commission’s Authority • Source of the Word – Paul’s question highlights that Scripture originates with God, not with any local church. – In the Great Commission, Jesus grounds His command in His own divine authority (“All authority … has been given to Me”). => Both passages insist that believers are receivers, not authors, of God’s authoritative Word. • Universal Reach – “Are you the only ones it has reached?” rebukes any notion that God’s message is limited to one group. – Jesus sends disciples to “all nations,” revealing God’s intent for a global harvest. => The gospel is designed for every culture; no fellowship owns exclusive rights. • Stewardship over Ownership – Since the Corinthians did not originate the Word, they must steward it faithfully, submitting to Paul’s Spirit-inspired instructions on orderly worship (14:33–40). – The Commission tasks every disciple with stewarding Christ’s teaching, “teaching them to obey” rather than altering it. • Obedience and Order – Paul’s corrective tone flows from God-given authority; the church’s worship must align with revealed truth. – The Commission likewise calls for obedience: disciples are formed by following Christ’s commands, not personal preferences. • Apostolic Continuity – Paul writes as an apostle operating under the same mandate first given in Matthew 28. – His instructions exemplify how the Great Commission’s authority shaped early-church practice and doctrine. Supporting Scriptures • John 17:20 – Jesus prays for future believers, confirming the Word’s reach beyond the first disciples. • Acts 13:47 – Paul applies Isaiah 49:6 to his mission: “I have made you a light for the Gentiles.” • 2 Timothy 3:16 – “All Scripture is God-breathed,” underscoring divine origin. • Isaiah 55:11 – God’s Word accomplishes His purpose, reinforcing its authority and global scope. Practical Takeaways • Submit worship practices and church life to Scripture’s final authority. • Reject any mindset that treats one congregation, culture, or tradition as the exclusive guardian of truth. • Engage the global mission with confidence, knowing Christ’s authority stands behind every gospel advance. • Teach and model obedience to all of Christ’s commands, trusting the Spirit to carry the Word far beyond our locality. |
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