How does Acts 9:32 connect with Jesus' command in Matthew 28:19-20? Setting the Scene—Acts 9:32 “As Peter traveled throughout all those regions, he went down also to the saints in Lydda.” • The verse shows Peter on the move, intentionally visiting believers beyond Jerusalem. • “Saints” indicates an existing group of disciples, fruit of earlier evangelistic labor (cf. Acts 8:1-4). • Peter’s journey is literal obedience—he physically “goes,” just as Jesus literally said to “go.” Hearing Jesus’ Words Again—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.” • Four verbs summarize the charge: go, make disciples, baptize, teach. • The promise of Christ’s presence undergirds the mission. Side-by-Side Connections • Going – Matthew: “go” (v.19). – Acts 9:32: Peter “traveled throughout all those regions.” The same Greek root (πορεύομαι) for “go/travel” appears, showing direct fulfillment. • Making Disciples – Matthew: “make disciples.” – Acts: Lydda already has “saints,” evidence that disciples have indeed been made. Peter now strengthens them (cf. Acts 14:21-22). • Teaching – Matthew: “teaching them to observe.” – Acts 9:32 implies pastoral oversight; Acts 9:33-35 shows Peter healing Aeneas, which leads many in Lydda and Sharon to “turn to the Lord,” reinforcing their instruction in faith. • Christ’s Presence – Matthew: “I am with you always.” – Acts records repeated manifestations of the Lord’s power accompanying Peter (Acts 9:34, 40). The risen Jesus keeps His promise by working through Peter’s ministry. Ripple Effects Beyond Lydda • Acts 9:35 reports conversion of “all who lived in Lydda and Sharon.” The Great Commission vision of “all nations” begins locally, then widens. • Peter’s next stop is Joppa (Acts 9:38-43) and then Caesarea (Acts 10:24-48), where the gospel bridges to Gentiles—directly advancing the “all nations” mandate. Practical Takeaways for Today • Obedience is active: Peter did not wait for people to come to him; he went to them. • The Great Commission is ongoing: every visit, every conversation, every act of mercy continues Jesus’ directive. • Christ’s presence empowers service: the same Lord who healed through Peter strengthens believers now (Hebrews 13:8). Acts 9:32 is therefore a living snapshot of Matthew 28:19-20 in action—proof that the risen Christ keeps His word as His people go, disciple, baptize, and teach in His name. |
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