How does Acts 14:28 connect to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? The Texts Side by Side Acts 14 : 28 — “And they spent a long time there with the disciples.” 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, 20 and teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Shared Mission: Making Disciples • Matthew sets the agenda: “make disciples of all nations.” • Acts shows that agenda in motion. Paul and Barnabas now sit among the very disciples who were made through that first missionary journey (Acts 13–14). • The phrase “with the disciples” signals that the Great Commission is not only about evangelizing but also about forming and maturing a community of believers (cf. Acts 11 : 26; 2 Timothy 2 : 2). Obedience in Action • “Go” (Matthew 28 : 19) is answered by Paul and Barnabas’ going through Cyprus, Pisidia, Lycaonia, and now returning to Antioch (Acts 14 : 26-27). • Their report to the church (Acts 14 : 27) highlights God “opening the door of faith to the Gentiles,” precisely the “all nations” scope Jesus commanded. Teaching Them to Observe • Spending “a long time” implies ongoing instruction, counsel, and modeling of obedience—exactly the “teaching them to observe” clause of Matthew 28 : 20. • Other passages show the same rhythm: – Acts 14 : 22 — “strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith” – Acts 20 : 20 — Paul later says, “I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was beneficial and teaching you publicly and from house to house.” Christ’s Promised Presence Experienced • Jesus promised, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28 : 20). • Acts repeatedly affirms the Lord’s presence as the gospel advances (Acts 18 : 9-10; 23 : 11). The fruitfulness that Paul and Barnabas recount (Acts 14 : 27) is evidence of that living presence. A Pattern for the Church Today • Mission is cyclical: – Sent out → preach → gather new believers → nurture them → send out again (Acts 15 : 40 downstream). • Disciple-making requires time: lingering “a long time” with people, not quick drive-by ministry. • Local churches become training grounds, not holding tanks: every believer is prepared to participate in the global mandate (Acts 13 : 1-3; 1 Peter 2 : 9). Key Takeaways • Acts 14 : 28 is a living snapshot of Matthew 28 : 19-20 being carried out. • The Great Commission is fulfilled not only in going but in staying long enough to ground new believers in truth. • Christ’s continual presence empowers both the pioneering ventures and the patient follow-up that turns converts into disciples. |
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