What connections exist between Acts 9:42 and the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? Text Snapshot Acts 9:42: “This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord.” 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, 20 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.” Shared Threads between the Two Passages • Making disciples → “many people believed in the Lord” reflects the first fruit of disciple-making: faith in Christ. • Geographic spread → “all nations” begins with real towns like “Joppa,” demonstrating the Great Commission unfolding one city at a time (cf. Acts 1:8). • The centrality of Jesus’ name → belief is “in the Lord,” matching the command to baptize “in the name.” Both stress exclusive trust in Christ’s authority (Acts 4:12). • Teaching obedience → Peter’s ministry models teaching by deed; the miracle authenticated his message, leading hearers to obedience—exactly what Jesus ordered. • Christ’s continuing presence → the risen Lord promised, “I am with you always.” The power displayed in Joppa shows He still works through His servants (Hebrews 13:8). Obedience on Display in Acts 9 1. Commissioned messenger: Peter, one of the original hearers of Matthew 28:19-20. 2. Gospel action: He responds to need, prays, commands Tabitha to rise—miracle confirms the message. 3. Resulting faith: “Many believed,” fulfilling the disciple-making mandate. 4. Momentum outward: The report spreads “all over Joppa,” preparing the ground for Acts 10, where the gospel crosses to Gentiles—again echoing “all nations.” Why the Miracle Matters • Authentication—Mark 16:20: “the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word by the signs that accompanied it.” • Attraction—supernatural intervention draws attention, creating an audience for the gospel (John 20:30-31). • Assurance—believers witness tangible evidence that Jesus’ promised presence is real. Practical Takeaways • Every act of obedience, large or small, feeds into the Great Commission’s grand scope. • Faithful service backed by prayer opens doors for gospel proclamation. • Expect Christ’s active partnership; His promise in Matthew 28:20 still fuels kingdom advance today. |
    |