How does Acts 4:33 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? Verse Focus • “With great power the apostles continued to give their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all.” – Acts 4:33 • “Go therefore 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 keep all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19-20 The Same Mission Commissioned by Christ • Jesus’ charge in Matthew 28 gives the overarching command—disciple-making among “all nations.” • Acts 4:33 shows that very command in action: the apostles publicly “give their testimony” about Jesus’ resurrection, the core message that brings people to saving faith (Romans 10:9). • What began on a Galilean hillside is now spreading through the streets of Jerusalem and, soon, beyond (Acts 1:8). Power and Presence: The Promised Resources • Matthew 28 ends with Jesus’ guarantee, “I am with you always.” • Acts 4:33 displays the fulfillment of that promise—“great power” and “abundant grace” accompany the apostles, evidence of Christ’s ongoing presence through the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:33; John 14:16-18). • The power is not human charisma; it is divine enablement that authenticates the message (1 Corinthians 2:4-5). The Message: The Resurrection Front and Center • The Great Commission calls for teaching “everything” Jesus commanded, yet the resurrection is the linchpin of it all (1 Corinthians 15:14). • Acts 4:33 highlights that the apostles keep the resurrection at the forefront; this fulfills Jesus’ own instruction to preach “repentance for the forgiveness of sins…beginning in Jerusalem” (Luke 24:46-47). Disciple-Making Confirmed by Community Impact • Matthew 28 implies multiplication—disciples who obey and pass on Jesus’ teaching. • Acts 4:33 sits in a context where the believing community shares possessions and cares for one another (Acts 4:34-35), a tangible outcome of obedience to Jesus’ commands (John 13:34-35). • The spiritual fruit and practical love demonstrate genuine discipleship, validating that the Great Commission is being lived out. Global Trajectory Begins Locally • The Commission looks outward to “all nations.” • Acts 4 records only the Jerusalem stage, but the Spirit-empowered boldness shown in 4:33 foreshadows the gospel’s expansion to Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8; 13:47). • The same pattern applies today: faithfulness in our “Jerusalems” prepares us for broader outreach. Takeaway Connections • Same command—make disciples. • Same message—Jesus risen. • Same resources—His presence, power, and grace. • Same expected outcome—transformed people in gospel-shaped communities, spreading outward until every nation hears. |
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