How does Romans 15:21 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? Romans 15:21—The Heartbeat of Paul’s Mission “Rather, as it is written: ‘Those who were not told about Him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.’” • Paul quotes Isaiah 52:15, anchoring his ministry in prophecy that Messiah’s salvation must reach the nations. • His goal is crystal-clear: bring the gospel where Christ is completely unknown (Romans 15:20). • He sees himself as a direct participant in God’s unfolding plan to enlighten the unreached. Matthew 28:19-20—The Marching Orders of the Church “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 keep all that I have commanded you; and surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” • The resurrected Christ commands action: go, make disciples, baptize, teach. • The scope is universal—“all nations.” • The promise of His continual presence fuels obedience. Shared DNA Between the Two Texts 1. Global Vision ‑ Romans 15:21 targets “those who were not told… those who have not heard.” ‑ Matthew 28:19 mandates reaching “all nations.” ‑ Both passages crush any parochial view of the gospel; it is a message for every tribe and tongue (cf. Revelation 7:9). 2. Prophetic Fulfillment ‑ Isaiah 52:15 prophesied Gentile enlightenment; Paul participates in its fulfillment. ‑ Jesus, after fulfilling the Law and Prophets (Luke 24:44-47), sends His followers to proclaim repentance and forgiveness “to all nations.” 3. Authority and Assurance ‑ Paul acts “by grace given me by God” (Romans 15:15-16). ‑ Jesus prefaces the Commission with “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me” (Matthew 28:18). ‑ The missionary task proceeds under divine authority, not human ambition. 4. Discipleship, Not Mere Decisions ‑ Romans 15:16 frames the goal as presenting the Gentiles “an acceptable offering, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.” ‑ Matthew 28:20 stresses “teaching them to keep” Christ’s commands. ‑ Both stress transformed, obedient lives, not simple profession. Paul as a Living Example of the Great Commission • Acts 13:2-3—The Spirit sets Paul apart for missionary work, echoing “go.” • Romans 1:5—Paul receives “grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles.” • 1 Corinthians 9:16—“Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” His compulsion mirrors Christ’s command. • The Great Commission supplies the template; Romans 15:21 shows its concrete outworking. Key Takeaways for the Church Today • The Commission is not completed while any people group remains unreached. • Prophecy and command converge—evangelism is both foretold and mandated. • Rely on Christ’s presence (Matthew 28:20) and the Spirit’s power (Acts 1:8) just as Paul did. • Aim for sustainable discipleship: preaching, baptizing, teaching, and nurturing Spirit-sanctified lives. Putting It into Practice - Pray, send, or go where Christ is not yet named—Paul’s pattern invites imitation (1 Corinthians 11:1). - Support translation and distribution of Scripture so “those who have not heard will understand.” - Engage cross-culturally at home and abroad, confident that Christ’s authority and presence remain unshaken. |
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