How does Acts 14:24 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? Setting the Scene in Acts 14 - Acts 14 records the close of Paul and Barnabas’s first missionary journey. - Verse 24 notes, “After passing through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia”. - This simple travel statement sits in a paragraph that has just described the planting of churches, the appointing of elders, and the strengthening of new believers (Acts 14:21-23). A Quick Reminder of the Great Commission - Matthew 28:19-20: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them … teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” - Four key verbs shine out: go, make disciples, baptize, teach. - The promise of Christ’s presence guarantees success and courage. Where the Two Passages Meet • Going beyond familiar borders - Matthew 28 commands “go.” Acts 14:24 shows Paul and Barnabas literally on the move, leaving one Roman province (Pisidia) for another (Pamphylia). - Their travel log is not filler; it proves obedience in action (compare Acts 1:8). • Making disciples, not tourists - Before verse 24, Paul and Barnabas “made many disciples” (Acts 14:21). Movement served disciple-making, echoing Christ’s first Commission verb. • Establishing baptized, taught communities - Acts 14:23 details elders appointed “in every church,” implying established, baptized congregations now receiving teaching—direct fulfillment of “baptizing” and “teaching.” • The ongoing nature of the mission - Matthew 28’s “to the very end of the age” points to a continuing task. Acts 14:24 shows that the apostles did not settle after one success; they pressed on, modeling ongoing obedience (see also Romans 15:20). Why a Travel Verse Matters - Scripture includes travel lines to underline geographic advance; each town reached equals more nations touched (compare Isaiah 49:6). - The verse assures us that the gospel is not static; it moves on Roman roads, into Gentile hearts, just as Jesus foretold. Take-Home Insights for Believers Today • Faithfulness is often measured in miles—literal or metaphorical. • Small phrases (“they came to Pamphylia”) can reflect giant strides in kingdom work. • The Commission is fulfilled step by step: moving, speaking, discipling, organizing, then moving again. Encouragement from Related Scriptures - Luke 24:47 – repentance and forgiveness must be proclaimed “to all nations.” - 2 Timothy 2:2 – teach others who will teach others, mirroring Paul’s pattern. - 1 Corinthians 3:6 – God gives the growth; our part is to plant and water, wherever He sends us. Living the Connection - Read Acts 14 like a travel journal of Great Commission obedience. - Let every border crossed in Paul’s journey remind you that the gospel still travels today—through your conversations, your giving, your prayers, and perhaps your own feet. |
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