How does Philip's example connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? The Great Commission Restated “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, 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) Philip at Work: Acts 8 Snapshots • Acts 8:5 – “Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed the Christ to them.” • Acts 8:12 – “When they believed Philip…they were baptized, both men and women.” • Acts 8:35-38 – Philip explains Isaiah 53 to the Ethiopian, who then says, “Look, here is water…,” and Philip baptizes him on the spot. • Acts 8:40 – Philip “traveled through all the towns, preaching the gospel.” Side-by-Side Parallels • Go → Philip leaves Jerusalem for Samaria, then the desert road to Gaza (Acts 8:5, 26). • All nations → Samaritans (mixed heritage) and an Ethiopian court official (Gentile) show the gospel crossing ethnic lines. • Make disciples → Philip “proclaimed the Christ,” leading hearers to saving faith (Acts 8:5-6, 35-37). • Baptizing → Immediate, public baptisms follow belief (Acts 8:12, 38). • Teaching → Philip uses Scripture to explain Jesus (Acts 8:30-35). • I am with you → The risen Lord directs by angel and Spirit (Acts 8:26, 29); exactly what Jesus promised in Matthew 28:20. Key Elements in Philip’s Example • Spirit-Led Obedience – Prompt response to divine direction models the Commission’s opening word “Go.” – Acts 1:8 frames Philip’s outreach: “in Jerusalem…Samaria…and to the ends of the earth.” • Crossing Cultural Barriers – Samaria (historic hostility) and Ethiopia (geographical distance) preview the gospel’s global sweep. – Ephesians 2:13-14 affirms this barrier-breaking work in Christ. • Centrality of Scripture – Philip starts with Isaiah 53 and “told him the good news about Jesus” (Acts 8:35). – Romans 10:17: “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” • Conversion Followed by Baptism – Immediate obedience demonstrates the outward sign commanded by Jesus. – Acts 8:12, 38 show baptism as the first step of discipleship. • Ongoing Instruction – Philip’s explanatory conversation fulfills “teaching them to obey.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17 underscores Scripture’s role in training disciples. • Assurance of Christ’s Presence – The Holy Spirit’s guidance confirms the Lord’s continual presence promised in Matthew 28:20. Lessons for Today • Expect the Lord to open doors beyond familiar circles. • Speak the gospel plainly, starting from Scripture your hearer already knows. • Treat baptism as an urgent act of obedience, not a distant formality. • Trust the Spirit’s leading; Jesus is still “with you always.” |
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