How does Acts 14:1 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? Setting the Stage • After His resurrection, Jesus commanded His followers to take the gospel to every ethnic group (Matthew 28:19-20). • Within months, the risen Lord empowered the church at Pentecost (Acts 2) and began sending believers out. • Acts 14:1 shows Paul and Barnabas living out that assignment on the mission field. The Great Commission Snapshot “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, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Key elements: 1. Go. 2. Make disciples of all nations. 3. Baptize in the Triune name. 4. Teach ongoing obedience. 5. Rely on Christ’s continual presence. Acts 14:1 in Focus “At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue, where they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed.” Notable details: • “Went as usual”—intentional movement (“go”). • “Spoke so effectively”—proclaiming and teaching. • “Great number…believed”—disciple-making results. • “Jews and Greeks”—cross-cultural reach. Key Points of Connection • Same Mission: Both passages revolve around spreading the gospel so people become obedient disciples (cf. Acts 13:47; 2 Timothy 2:2). • Same Scope: Matthew commands “all nations”; Acts shows Jews and Greeks responding—an early fulfillment (cf. Romans 1:16). • Same Method: Verbal proclamation leads to faith, baptism, and instruction (cf. Acts 2:41-42; 16:31-34). • Same Power Source: Matthew promises Christ’s presence; Acts records that presence through the Spirit’s empowerment (Acts 1:8; 13:52). • Same Ongoing Pattern: “Went as usual” reveals a lifestyle of intentional evangelism, mirroring the continuing nature of “teaching them to obey” (cf. Colossians 1:28-29). Practical Takeaways • The Great Commission is not merely historical; it drives everyday ministry decisions as seen in Acts 14:1. • Obedience involves purposeful going—whether across the street or across the globe. • Effective gospel proclamation relies on clarity and Spirit-empowered boldness. • Disciple-making crosses cultural, ethnic, and social lines; no group is outside Christ’s mandate. • Christ’s promised presence remains the bedrock for courage and perseverance today. |
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