How does Colossians 1:23 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? Firm Foundations—Colossians 1:23 “if indeed you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope of the gospel you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.” • Paul highlights three essentials: – Continuance: “continue in your faith.” – Stability: “established and firm.” – Unshakable Hope: “not moved from the hope of the gospel.” • He also celebrates a sweeping reality: the gospel “has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven.” That global vision anticipates and echoes Jesus’ own mandate. The Commission Recalled—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.” • Jesus lays out the mission: – Go – Make disciples – Baptize – Teach obedience – Rely on His abiding presence Shared Pulse—How the Two Passages Interlock 1. Universal Scope • Matthew: “all nations.” • Colossians: “all creation under heaven.” • Both insist the gospel is never regional; it’s designed for every corner of the globe. 2. Ongoing Proclamation • Matthew commands continual disciple-making. • Colossians assumes an ever-spreading message already “proclaimed.” • The Great Commission fuels the progress Colossians reports. 3. Steadfast Perseverance • Matthew emphasizes lifelong teaching and obedience. • Colossians calls believers to “continue… established and firm.” • The mission is not only to reach the lost but to ground the found. 4. Servant Identity • Jesus sends disciples as His representatives. • Paul identifies himself as a “servant” of the gospel. • Both passages shape a self-understanding rooted in humble, active service. Extra Threads—Supporting Verses • Acts 1:8: Spirit-empowered witness “to the ends of the earth.” • Romans 10:14-15: Preachers are sent so people can believe. • 2 Timothy 2:2: Entrust truth to “faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” • 1 Peter 3:15: Always be ready to give an answer for the hope within—linking perseverance and proclamation. Living It Out—Practical Connections • Guard the Gospel: stay anchored in the core message; don’t drift. • Go and Tell: engage neighbors and nations, confident the gospel is for “all creation.” • Disciple Deeply: teaching obedience secures believers “firm and established.” • Serve Humbly: adopt Paul’s posture—“a servant” gladly spending yourself for Christ’s cause. • Trust His Presence: the Lord who commands also accompanies, enabling endurance and effectiveness “to the very end of the age.” |
    |