How does Acts 26:20 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? Scripture in Focus Acts 26:20: “But I preached to those in Damascus first, and then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds worthy of their repentance.” 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.” Shared Mandate: Reach Everyone • Jesus’ words: “all nations.” • Paul’s pattern: “Damascus… Jerusalem… all Judea… the Gentiles.” • Acts 1:8 echoes the same expanding circle—Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, ends of the earth. • The Great Commission wasn’t an abstract ideal; Paul’s itinerary shows it unfolding in real time. Shared Message: Repentance and Obedience • Great Commission: “make disciples… teaching them to observe.” • Paul: “repent and turn to God, performing deeds worthy of repentance.” • Luke 24:47—Jesus said “repentance for forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed in His name to all nations.” • The core is unchanged: turn from sin, believe the gospel, live it out. Shared Method: Word, Identification, Ongoing Training • Word proclaimed—Paul “preached,” the apostles “teach.” • Identification with Christ—Great Commission calls for “baptizing”; Paul calls for a public change shown in “deeds worthy of repentance.” • Ongoing discipleship—teaching everything Jesus commanded matches Paul’s expectation of continuing obedience. Power Behind the Mission • Matthew 28:20—“I am with you always.” • Paul’s entire defense in Acts 26 is saturated with Christ’s enabling grace (vv. 22-23, “I have had God’s help to this very day”). • Acts 2:4 and 9:17 remind that the Holy Spirit empowers proclamation and perseverance. Living the Connection Today • Every believer inherits the same dual call: proclaim a clear gospel of repentance and cultivate obedient discipleship. • Geographic or cultural barriers do not limit the mandate; Paul crossed them, following Jesus’ command. • Authentic faith still shows itself through “deeds worthy of repentance,” aligning life with the teachings we pass on to others. |
    |