How does Acts 8:8 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? Setting the Scene • Acts 8 records the gospel’s first major push beyond Jerusalem, sparked by persecution (Acts 8:1–4). • Philip reaches the Samaritan city of Sychar (traditionally identified; cf. John 4:5), preaches Christ, casts out demons, and heals many (Acts 8:5–7). • Verse 8 summarizes the result: “So there was great joy in that city.” (Acts 8:8) The Heart of the Great Commission “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…” (Matthew 28:19–20a) Key elements Jesus commands: • Go intentionally. • Make disciples of every ethnicity. • Baptize in the triune Name. • Teach full obedience to Jesus’ words. • Rely on His abiding presence. Philip in Samaria: Living Out the Mandate • Go: Persecution scatters believers; Philip goes to Samaria (Acts 8:4–5). • All nations: Samaritans are ethnically and religiously distinct from Judean Jews—fulfilling the “all nations” scope. • Make disciples: The crowds “paid close attention” (Acts 8:6) and “believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news” (Acts 8:12). • Baptize: “They were baptized, both men and women” (Acts 8:12). • Teach: Apostles later come to strengthen and teach further (Acts 8:14–17). • Presence of Christ: Miraculous signs verify that Jesus is with His witnesses (cf. Mark 16:20). From Command to Celebration: Why Joy Erupted • Deliverance from darkness—unclean spirits expelled (Acts 8:7). • Physical healing—paralyzed and lame walk. • New spiritual family—reconciled Jew–Samaritan relations (cf. Luke 9:51–56). • Assurance of salvation—public baptism seals faith. • Fulfillment of Scripture—Isaiah 9:2–3 links light and joy spreading beyond Israel. Key Parallels • Geographical: Matthew 28 looks outward; Acts 8 moves beyond Jerusalem (cf. Acts 1:8). • Missional method: Preach → believe → baptize → teach—identical sequence. • Emotional outcome: Joy promised by Jesus (John 15:11) appears in Samaria. • Divine partnership: Christ’s presence promised in Matthew 28:20 is experienced through signs and the Spirit in Acts 8:17. Personal Takeaways • Obedience to Jesus’ commission always results in multiplied joy—both for the evangelized and the evangelists (Luke 10:17). • Barriers—ethnic, historical, cultural—crumble when believers step out in faith. • The same Spirit who empowered Philip empowers us to take the gospel to the next “city” God sets before us. |
    |