Connect Acts 21:19 with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20. Setting the Scene • Matthew 28:19-20 records Christ’s final marching orders: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you.” • Acts 21:19 shows Paul, years later, giving a progress report: “Paul greeted them and recounted one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.” • These two passages fit together like a lock and key—the Commission given, the Commission being carried out. What Jesus Commanded • Go – an outward-facing, intentional movement • Make disciples – not mere converts but lifelong learners and followers • Of all nations – no ethnic or geographic limits • Baptize – initiate believers publicly into the triune name • Teach to obey – ground them in everything Jesus commanded • Promise of presence – “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20) What Paul Reported • “One by one” – careful, detailed evidence that the work was real and measurable • “The things that God had done” – credit directed upward, not inward • “Among the Gentiles” – explicit fulfillment of “all nations” • “Through his ministry” – Paul served as a vessel; the power belonged to Christ (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:10) Key Parallels 1. Scope – Jesus: “all nations” (Matthew 28:19) – Paul: “among the Gentiles” (Acts 21:19) 2. Method – Jesus: baptizing and teaching (Matthew 28:19-20) – Paul: planting churches that baptized (Acts 16:15, 33) and established doctrine (Acts 14:21-23) 3. Power Source – Jesus: “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20) – Paul: “God had done” the work (Acts 21:19); see also Acts 14:27, Romans 15:18-19 4. Accountability – Jesus gave a clear assignment – Paul returns to Jerusalem, submits a report, and shows gospel stewardship (Acts 21:19; cf. Acts 15:4) Supporting Scriptures • Acts 1:8 – the Spirit-powered expansion map • Romans 1:16 – gospel “to the Jew first and also to the Greek” • Colossians 1:6 – the gospel “is bearing fruit and growing in all the world” Why This Matters Today • The Great Commission is still in force; Acts shows it can be obeyed. • Testimonies, like Paul’s, validate obedience and stir fresh mission zeal. • Christ’s promise of His presence remains our confidence for every nation, every generation. |
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