Compare Paul's journey to Philippi with Jesus' command in Matthew 28:19-20. Starting Texts “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 observe all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Acts 16:9-10, 11-15, 25-34 (BSB, selected) • “During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and pleading with him, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.’ After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.” • “We put out to sea from Troas and sailed straight for Samothrace, and on the following day to Neapolis. And from there we went to Philippi, a leading city of that district of Macedonia and a Roman colony…” • “One who heard us was a woman named Lydia… The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.” • “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God… Suddenly, there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken… The jailer… fell trembling before Paul and Silas… ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ They replied, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.’” Jesus’ Mandate Summarized • Go. • Make disciples of all nations. • Baptize believers. • Teach them to obey everything Jesus commanded. • Rely on Christ’s continual presence. Paul’s Journey to Philippi: A Living Illustration • Obedience to “go”: Paul and his team immediately left Troas for Macedonia after the vision (Acts 16:10). • Crossing cultural lines: Philippi was a Gentile, Roman colony—exactly the “nations” Jesus spoke of. • Making disciples: Lydia, her household, the Philippian jailer, and his household all become followers (Acts 16:14-15, 33-34). • Baptizing new believers: Both households receive baptism the same day they believe (vv. 15, 33). • Teaching to obey: Paul continues meeting with the believers at Lydia’s house, strengthening them before departing (v. 40). • Christ’s presence confirmed: The earthquake in prison, the miraculous release, and the opening of hearts all demonstrate the Lord “with” His messengers (cf. Mark 16:20). Side-by-Side Highlights • Command: “Go” " Fulfillment: Immediate departure for Macedonia. • “All nations” " First converts are Gentiles in Europe. • “Baptizing” " Lydia and jailer’s families baptized. • “Teaching” " Ongoing instruction at Lydia’s home. • “I am with you” " Supernatural guidance, protection, and fruit. Additional Scriptural Echoes • Acts 1:8—The Spirit empowers witness “to the ends of the earth.” Philippi marks that westward push. • Romans 1:16—The gospel is “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek.” Paul practices exactly that order. • 2 Corinthians 5:20—“We are ambassadors for Christ.” Paul embodies ambassadorial ministry in a Roman city. Lessons for Today’s Church • Prompt obedience opens doors God has already prepared. • Crossing cultural or geographic boundaries is normal Christianity. • Baptism should closely accompany conversion, not be indefinitely postponed. • Disciple-making includes establishing communities (house churches, small groups) where new believers learn obedience. • Expect Christ’s active presence—direction, provision, and protection—when we align with His Great Commission. |
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