What scriptural connections exist between Acts 15:3 and the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? Text in Focus Acts 15:3: “Sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles and causing great joy to all the brothers.” Matthew 28:19-20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 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.” Parallel Themes: Going • Both passages start with movement: – Matthew: “Go therefore.” – Acts: Paul and Barnabas are “sent on their way.” • The church does not merely gather; it goes, obeying Christ’s command (cf. Acts 13:2-3). Scope: All Nations, All Regions • Matthew mandates “all nations.” • Acts records travel through “Phoenicia and Samaria,” representing distinct ethnic regions. • The missionary journey is a concrete step in taking the gospel beyond Jewish borders (cf. Acts 1:8). Message: Conversion and Discipleship • Matthew highlights making “disciples” and “teaching.” • Acts details “the conversion of the Gentiles,” showing the discipling process beginning with salvation (cf. Acts 11:18). Authority and Sending • Matthew grounds mission in Christ’s authority (v.18). • Acts shows the church recognizing and acting under that authority—Paul and Barnabas are commissioned, mirroring Jesus’ earlier commissioning of the apostles (John 20:21). Fruit: Joy Among Believers • Matthew promises Christ’s ongoing presence, producing confidence and joy. • Acts 15:3 reports “great joy to all the brothers,” the natural response when the Great Commission is fulfilled (cf. Luke 15:7, 10). Continuity of the Mission • Matthew 28 launches the mission; Acts 15 demonstrates its continuation and success among Gentiles. • The narrative arc from Jerusalem (Matthew 28; Acts 1–7) to the wider Mediterranean (Acts 13–28) confirms the unstoppable advance Jesus predicted (cf. Luke 24:47). Takeaways for Today • The church’s calling to “go” remains active, not optional. • Testimonies of conversion still spark joy and strengthen faith. • Every believer participates—whether sending, going, or rejoicing—as the Great Commission marches on. |
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