How does Acts 15:41 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? Seeing the Link Between Two Passages “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, even to the end of the age.” “And he traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.” The Great Commission in Brief • Go to all nations • Make disciples • Baptize in the triune Name • Teach everything Jesus commanded • Rely on Christ’s abiding presence Acts 15:41—A Living Illustration • Paul and Silas “traveled through Syria and Cilicia” • Their specific purpose: “strengthening the churches” • These regions included both Jews and Gentiles, fulfilling the “all nations” scope • Strengthening implies ongoing teaching and encouragement, matching “teaching them to obey” Core Connections 1. Going: – Matthew: “Go … to all nations.” – Acts: Paul actively goes beyond Antioch into Syria and Cilicia. 2. Making and Maturing Disciples: – Matthew: “Make disciples … teach them.” – Acts: “Strengthening the churches” shows post-conversion nurture, not just first-time evangelism (cf. Acts 14:22; 18:23). 3. Christ’s Presence Experienced: – Matthew: “I am with you always.” – Acts: The Spirit’s guidance is evident throughout Paul’s journey (cf. Acts 16:6-10). 4. Continuity of Mission: – Matthew gives the mandate; Acts shows it immediately underway. – The same pattern repeats in Acts 16:5, where “the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.” Why Strengthening Matters • Discipleship is more than conversion; it involves ongoing instruction (Ephesians 4:11-15). • Strong churches become sending centers, multiplying the mission further (2 Timothy 2:2). • Persevering faith fulfills Jesus’ command to “obey all” He taught (John 14:15). Takeaway for Today • The Great Commission calls believers not only to reach new people but also to reinforce and mature existing congregations. • Like Paul in Acts 15:41, every follower of Jesus participates by going, teaching, and strengthening—confident that the risen Christ still goes with us “to the end of the age.” |
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