How does Acts 17:19 connect with Jesus' command in Matthew 28:19-20? Setting the Scene in Athens (Acts 17:19) “So they took Paul and brought him to the Areopagus and asked, ‘May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting?’” • Paul is literally carried into the center of Athenian thought, the Areopagus. • He has been preaching “Jesus and the resurrection” (v. 18), stirring curiosity among Greeks from many nations gathered in the city (vv. 16–21). • Athens’ philosophers invite Paul to explain, giving him a public platform to proclaim the gospel. Jesus’ Mandate in 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 obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” • Jesus commissions His followers to engage every ethnicity (Greek ethne, “nations”). • The command includes going, proclaiming, baptizing, and ongoing teaching. • His authority (“All authority has been given to Me,” v. 18) and His presence (“I am with you”) empower the mission. Connecting the Two Passages 1. Going to the Nations • Paul’s journey to Athens embodies the “go” of the Great Commission. • The Areopagus gathers representatives of many ethne; Paul is addressing a microcosm of “all nations.” 2. Making Disciples through Explanation • The philosophers’ request—“May we know what this new teaching is?”—opens the door for discipling through truth. • Paul’s forthcoming sermon (vv. 22-31) systematically presents who God is, calls for repentance, and points to the risen Christ—core elements of disciple-making. 3. Teaching “All That I Have Commanded” • Paul’s message affirms God as Creator (v. 24), Judge (v. 31), and Redeemer in Jesus—truths rooted in Jesus’ own teaching (cf. John 14:6; Luke 24:46-47). • By reasoning from Scripture and creation, Paul models the thorough teaching aspect of Matthew 28:20. 4. Reliance on Christ’s Presence and Authority • Paul preaches with boldness because he believes Jesus reigns (cf. Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:20). • The same Spirit promised in Matthew 28:20 empowers him to speak despite opposition (cf. 1 Peter 3:15). Lessons for Us Today • The Great Commission is lived out wherever curious minds gather—classrooms, offices, cafés, online forums. • Intellectual climates, like Athens, are opportunities, not obstacles, for gospel clarity (Romans 1:16). • Clear, reasoned proclamation coupled with a call to repentance fulfills Jesus’ directive to teach obedience. • Confidence flows from Christ’s continuing presence; as with Paul, He still stands with His people when they step into public arenas to make disciples. |
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