How does Acts 10:24 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? Setting the Scene in Acts 10:24 “The following day they arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends.” (Acts 10:24) Cornelius, a Roman centurion, assembles his household in eager anticipation of Peter’s arrival. He is ready not only to hear the gospel himself but to share it with those he loves. Jesus’ Mandate in 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.” (Matthew 28:19-20) Jesus commissions His followers to: • Go. • Make disciples of all nations. • Baptize in the Trinitarian name. • Teach obedience to all His commands. • Rely on His abiding presence. Key Connections • Reaching “all nations”—Cornelius represents the Gentile world. Peter’s journey from Joppa to Caesarea is the concrete outworking of “make disciples of all nations.” (See also Acts 1:8.) • Gathering households—Like Lydia’s and the Philippian jailer’s families later (Acts 16:15, 31-34), Cornelius brings relatives and friends. The Great Commission’s scope moves naturally from individuals to their circles of influence. • Anticipation of teaching—Cornelius invites everyone to hear Peter’s teaching, mirroring “teaching them to obey.” (Compare Acts 10:33.) • Divine guidance and presence—An angel speaks to Cornelius; the Spirit leads Peter (Acts 10:3-20). Their experience exemplifies “I am with you always.” • Baptism to follow—Acts 10:47-48 reports immediate baptism “in the name of Jesus Christ,” fulfilling the baptismal component of Matthew 28:19. • Obedience to Christ’s command—Peter later defends his Gentile outreach by appealing to God’s evident work (Acts 11:17), showing loyalty to Christ’s universal directive. Implications for Us Today • Expect God to open doors beyond familiar boundaries. • Invite others—family, friends, neighbors—to hear the Word, just as Cornelius did. • Trust Christ’s presence when crossing cultural lines. • Move quickly from hearing to baptism and discipleship. • Celebrate the unity of Jew and Gentile in one body (Ephesians 2:13-16). Further Scripture Echoes • Genesis 12:3—“In you all families of the earth will be blessed.” Peter’s visit to Cornelius fulfills Abraham’s promise. • Isaiah 49:6—“I will make You a light to the nations.” • Revelation 7:9—A multi-ethnic multitude before the Lamb, the final portrait of the Commission fulfilled. |
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