How does Acts 1:8 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? Setting the Scene Matthew 28:19-20 and Acts 1:8 record two moments that occur only weeks apart: • Matthew 28 takes place after Jesus’ resurrection in Galilee. • Acts 1 is just before His ascension from the Mount of Olives. Both texts preserve Christ’s final words, weaving together one seamless mandate. The Command 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 observe all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’ ” Key notes: • Imperative: “go … make disciples.” • Scope: “all nations.” • Three actions: going, baptizing, teaching. • Promise: Christ’s continual presence. The Empowering in Acts 1:8 “ ‘But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’ ” Key notes: • Source of strength: the Holy Spirit. • Role: “My witnesses.” • Geographic ripple: Jerusalem → Judea → Samaria → ends of the earth. How the Two Passages Interlock 1. Same Sender, Same Mission – Both quotes come from the risen Christ (cf. John 20:21). 2. What to Do vs. How to Do It – Matthew: what—make disciples. – Acts: how—through Spirit-empowered witness. 3. Universal Reach – “All nations” (Matthew) parallels “ends of the earth” (Acts). 4. Ongoing Presence – Matthew promises Christ’s presence. – Acts fulfills that promise through the indwelling Spirit (John 14:16-18). 5. Sequential Strategy – Acts supplies the tactical order of outreach that Matthew leaves implicit. The Bridge Passages • Luke 24:46-49 unites both ideas—“repentance for forgiveness of sins will be preached … I am sending the promise of My Father.” • Mark 16:15 emphasizes the universal proclamation, reinforcing the Great Commission frame. Practical Takeaways for Today • Every believer is both a disciple-maker (Matthew) and a Spirit-empowered witness (Acts). • Dependence on the Holy Spirit is not optional; it is Jesus’ own strategy for fulfilling His worldwide agenda. • Engagement begins locally (“Jerusalem”) yet must press outward until every unreached people group hears the gospel. |
    |