How does Acts 18:25 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? Scripture Focus “He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John.” “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.” Setting the Stage in Acts 18 • Apollos, a learned Jew from Alexandria, arrives in Ephesus already “instructed in the way of the Lord.” • He preaches Christ “accurately” and “with great fervor,” yet his knowledge stops at “the baptism of John.” • Priscilla and Aquila take him aside, “explaining the way of God more accurately” (Acts 18:26). Echoes of the Great Commission in Apollos’ Ministry 1. Going and Proclaiming • Matthew 28:19 begins, “Go.” • Apollos models obedience by leaving Alexandria, embracing travel, and publicly proclaiming Jesus (Acts 18:24-26). 2. Making Disciples by Teaching • Jesus commands, “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20). • Acts 18:25 twice underscores Apollos’ role as a teacher—he “spoke” and “taught about Jesus accurately.” 3. Baptism Central to the Message • The Great Commission unites disciple-making with baptism “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” • Apollos knows only John’s baptism, revealing an incomplete step. After instruction, he will proclaim full Trinitarian baptism, thereby aligning with Matthew 28. 4. Empowered Boldness • Jesus promises His presence “to the very end of the age.” • Apollos’ “great fervor” signals the Spirit’s empowering (cf. Acts 1:8). His boldness in public synagogue debate mirrors the promised divine accompaniment. Shared Core Elements • Message: Jesus as Messiah and risen Lord. • Method: Verbal proclamation plus life-on-life teaching. • Mission: Call hearers to repentance, faith, and the obedient step of baptism. • Motive: Love for Christ and reliance on His abiding presence. Lessons for Disciples Today • Keep Going: Geographic movement or simply crossing the street, the command remains active (Mark 16:15). • Teach Accurately: The Great Commission highlights both conversion and ongoing instruction—mirrored in Apollos’ example (2 Timothy 2:2). • Stay Correctable: Even gifted servants need refinement; receiving instruction deepens effectiveness (Proverbs 9:9). • Center on Christ: Whether introducing Jesus to new ears or clarifying baptism’s meaning, keep the focus on the Lord (Colossians 1:28). Bringing It Together Apollos’ fervent, Scripture-grounded ministry in Acts 18 serves as a living illustration of Christ’s Great Commission. He goes, proclaims, teaches, and ultimately aligns with the full baptismal command, demonstrating how every believer can participate in Jesus’ mandate to make disciples of all nations. |
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