How does Acts 14:21 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? The verses side-by-side • Acts 14:21 – “After they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch.” • 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 observe all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Clear points of connection • “Preached the gospel” mirrors “go,” the intentional outward movement Christ commanded. • “Made many disciples” repeats the Great Commission’s central verb, “make disciples.” • The return trip to earlier cities (vv. 21-22) foreshadows “teaching them to observe,” showing discipleship is ongoing, not a one-time decision. • Multiple cities in diverse regions anticipate “all nations,” displaying the gospel’s universal scope. How Acts 14:21 models Matthew 28:19-20 1. Proclamation – Paul and Barnabas declare the good news publicly (Acts 13:38-39; 14:7). – Matthew 28:19 requires verbal communication—“teaching” implies doctrine delivered in words. 2. Discipleship, not mere conversion – Luke notes “many disciples,” stressing changed learners, not fleeting listeners. – Jesus’ mandate centers on shaping followers who obey His commands (cf. John 8:31). 3. Geographic spread – Iconium, Lystra, Derbe—Gentile and Jewish populations together hear the gospel. – Christ’s instruction pushes beyond Israel to “all nations” (cf. Acts 1:8). 4. Ongoing care – Acts 14:22: “strengthening the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith.” – This hands-on nurturing embodies “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded.” Additional scriptural echoes • Mark 16:15 – “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” • 2 Timothy 2:2 – “What you have heard from me entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” Paul’s later instruction shows he never strayed from the Commission’s pattern of multiplying teachers. • Acts 20:20 – Paul reminds the Ephesian elders he “did not shrink from declaring anything that was profitable,” underscoring the teaching component. Take-home insights • Acts 14:21 is not an isolated mission report; it’s a living illustration of Great-Commission obedience. • The same simple rhythm—go, preach, make disciples, strengthen, repeat—remains Christ’s strategy today. • Confidence rests in His promise, “I am with you always,” the power that animated Paul and Barnabas and continues to empower obedient believers. |
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