In what ways does Romans 15:18 connect to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? Romans 15:18 in Focus “I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me…” • Paul refuses to boast in personal effort; he speaks only of Christ’s work. • The goal of that work: “leading the Gentiles to obedience.” • Method: “by word and deed”—a verbal message backed by a lived example. Echoes of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” “...teaching them to observe all that I have commanded…” • “All nations” parallels Paul’s focus on Gentiles. • “Make disciples” equals “lead…to obedience.” • Teaching (word) and modeling baptismal obedience (deed) mirror Paul’s approach. • Both passages center on what Christ does through His servants, not on human ability. Shared Themes and Vocabulary • Christ’s Authority – Matthew 28:18: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” – Romans 15:18: Paul’s ministry flows from that same authority: what “Christ has accomplished.” • Mission to the Nations – Isaiah 49:6; Acts 13:47: promise of light to the Gentiles. – Romans 15:18 fulfils the prophetic vision embedded in the Great Commission. • Obedience-Based Discipleship – Matthew: “teaching them to observe.” – Romans: “to obedience by word and deed.” • Presence and Power – Matthew 28:20: “I am with you always.” – Romans 15:19 (context): “by the power of the Spirit of God.” Word and Deed: Two Lanes, One Road • Word – Gospel proclamation (Romans 10:14-15). – Clear, doctrinal teaching (2 Timothy 2:2). • Deed – Credible lifestyle (Philippians 1:27). – Works prepared by God (Ephesians 2:10). • Together they form the disciple-making pattern Jesus modeled (John 13:15). Practical Takeaways for Today • Speak of Christ’s achievements, not personal accomplishments. • Aim for obedience-producing ministry, not mere information transfer. • Rely on the Spirit’s power, confident of Christ’s ongoing presence. • Keep word and deed inseparable: proclaim truth and live it visibly. Summary Romans 15:18 and Matthew 28:19-20 pulse with the same heartbeat: Christ, through His people, draws the nations into obedient discipleship by the combined force of spoken gospel and authentic living, all under His sovereign authority and empowering presence. |
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