How does Acts 3:10 connect to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? The Miracle That Captures Attention – Acts 3:10 “they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.” The Mandate That Directs the Church – 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, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” How One Verse in Jerusalem Echoes a Mountain in Galilee • The healing drew a public crowd; the Commission presupposes a public audience. • A transformed life (the once-lame man) became the platform for the gospel; transformed disciples are Christ’s intended witness (Acts 1:8). • Wonder and amazement opened ears to Peter’s message (Acts 3:11-12); the Commission calls for teaching that people are ready to hear. • Peter immediately “made disciples” by preaching repentance and faith in Jesus (Acts 3:19); this is the very heart of “teaching them to obey.” • The temple setting placed the message before “all nations” gathered for prayer (Acts 2:5, Acts 3:12); the Commission extends to every ethnic group. • The miracle verified the risen Christ’s ongoing presence—“His name has made this man strong” (Acts 3:16); Jesus’ promise “I am with you always” finds visible confirmation. • The progression continues: the crowd, the sermon, five thousand believing (Acts 4:4). Disciple-making in real time. Key Parallels in Snapshot Form 1. Attention: sign (Acts 3:10) ⇄ witness (Matthew 28:19) 2. Authority: “in the name of Jesus” (Acts 3:6,16) ⇄ “in the name of the Father, Son, Spirit” (Matthew 28:19) 3. Audience: temple crowd from many regions (Acts 2:9-11; 3:12) ⇄ “all nations” (Matthew 28:19) 4. Aim: repentance and refreshment (Acts 3:19-20) ⇄ obedience to everything Christ commanded (Matthew 28:20) 5. Assurance: Christ’s power heals (Acts 3:16) ⇄ Christ’s presence sustains (Matthew 28:20) Practical Takeaways for Believers Today • Expect God to use visible proofs of His power—changed lives, answered prayer—to open doors for the gospel. • Move quickly from marvel to message; signs are a means, not the end. • Keep Christ’s authority central; speak and serve “in His name.” • Remember the audience is broader than we imagine; the nations may be listening right where we stand. • Count on Jesus’ ongoing presence; the same Lord who healed in Acts 3 walks with every disciple-maker until the end of the age. |
    |