How does Acts 8:14 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20?

Backdrop: Christ’s Commission to Go

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, even to the end of the age.”

Key points already established by Jesus:

• Go—initiate movement toward unreached people.

• Make disciples—lead to saving faith and ongoing obedience.

• Baptize—in the Trinitarian name.

• Teach—ground believers in everything Jesus commanded.

• Rely on His presence—He goes with His messengers.

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Acts 8:14—Apostolic Obedience in Action

Acts 8:14:

“When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them.”

Snapshot of obedience:

• “Heard” → they stay alert to gospel doors opening.

• “Samaria” → a region Jesus specifically named (Acts 1:8).

• “Sent Peter and John” → the church dispatches authorized witnesses.

• Purpose, spelled out in vv. 15-17 → prayer, laying on of hands, reception of the Holy Spirit—completing discipling and confirming the Samaritans in the faith.

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How Acts 8:14 Mirrors Matthew 28:19-20

• Same outward thrust

– Great Commission: “Go … all nations.”

– Acts 8:14: apostles go beyond Jerusalem into Samaria.

• Same disciple-making agenda

– Matthew: “make disciples … teaching.”

– Acts: Peter and John teach, pray, oversee Spirit reception (vv. 15-17).

• Same sacramental component

– Matthew: “baptizing them …”

– Acts: Samaritans have already been baptized by Philip (v. 12); apostles affirm and complete the process through laying on of hands.

• Same Trinitarian focus

– Matthew highlights Father, Son, Spirit.

– Acts underscores the Spirit’s coming, the Son’s gospel, and the Father’s word “received.”

• Same apostolic authority

– Jesus delegates in Matthew; apostles exercise that delegated authority in Acts.

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Why the Connection Matters Today

• Validates the pattern: the church continues Christ’s mission exactly as commanded.

• Shows that geographic, ethnic, and cultural barriers do not cancel the mandate.

• Reinforces that baptism and Spirit-empowered teaching are inseparable in disciple-making.

• Demonstrates that local congregations send trusted leaders to nurture new believers, protecting doctrinal purity (cf. 2 Timothy 2:2).

• Encourages believers now: the same risen Lord who guided Peter and John still accompanies every act of obedience (Hebrews 13:8).