How does Romans 1:15 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? The Eagerness of Paul in Romans 1:15 • “That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome.” (Romans 1:15) • Paul views gospel proclamation as an urgent, personal obligation. • His eagerness embraces believers (“you who are in Rome”) as well as the unsaved who will hear through them (vv. 14, 16). • This zeal springs from his conviction that the gospel “is the power of God for salvation” (Romans 1:16). The Mandate of Jesus in 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.” (Matthew 28:19-20) • Jesus commands movement: “go,” multiplication: “make disciples,” and maturation: “teaching them to obey.” • The scope is universal—“all nations”—yet starts with individuals willing to obey. Shared Heartbeat: Gospel Proclamation to All Peoples Paul’s attitude in Romans 1:15 mirrors Christ’s commission: 1. Same message • “Gospel” (Romans 1:15) = Good News commanded to be shared (Matthew 28:19). 2. Same audience • Rome represents “the ends of the earth” for Paul (cf. Acts 1:8). • “All nations” in Matthew anticipates Paul’s Gentile mission (Romans 15:20-21). 3. Same authority • Paul is “a servant of Christ Jesus” (Romans 1:1). • The Great Commission rests on Christ’s “all authority” (Matthew 28:18). 4. Same urgency • Paul is “so eager.” • Jesus links obedience to immediate going. Empowered Obedience: Holy Spirit Partnership • Matthew 28:20 promises Christ’s continual presence; Acts 1:8 promises Spirit-empowered witness. • Paul relies on that same power: “by the power of the Spirit of God” (Romans 15:19). • Other confirmations Practical Takeaways for Today • Cultivate Paul’s eagerness—ask, “Where is my Rome?” • Obey the scope—cross cultural, ethnic, and linguistic lines. • Combine proclamation and discipleship: share, baptize, teach. • Trust Christ’s promise of presence; lean on the Spirit’s power. • Measure success by obedience to the mandate, not by comfort or convenience. |
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