The Great Commission is for Who?
I like to be a critical thinker. That's what we engineers do in order to solve design problems. Critical thinking is just asking a lot of question. It's not actually being negatively critical in a judgemental way.
I've heard a couple different arguments as to who the great commission was for. Some say it was only to the disciples and others say it's for every one. My take on the great commission is that Jesus said this is something He was going to do based not on the English translation but the Greek text plus the context itself. Let's read the English context from Matt 28:18-20. (kjv)
[18] And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
[19] Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
[20] Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
In Matthew 28:18-20, the way its been translated, verse 18 and verses 19 & 20 are totally two separate things. V18 is Jesus given all power and then, bang, a totally unrelated subject, the disciples are given a job to do. In a lot of passages, the first thing said is explained or answered in the following verses when asked questions like, 'what, where, when, why and how'.
Jesus said, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth."
WHY was all power given and to do WHAT? What's the point? Nothing more seems to be said and this statement seems really pointless and out of place. Jesus was given all power? So what? Just two more verses and Matthew ends.
The next verse starts out "Go ye". The Greek word for this is πορευθέντες which translated on line is the word, "headed" but the Greek Grammar of the word is Aorist Passive Deponent Participle indicates 'the action of' as in actively 'headed some directon' as in "going out" or "to go".
It can also be translated a verb-noun as they translate it as just 'Go' to where no one was specifically pointed to and assumed as '(You)' to be the one to 'go' or 'Go ye' as they have it. It appears a command given to whom Jesus was talking to at the moment. That is where they get this was a commission only for the disciples that were there with Him.
If they had translated the Greek word as 'headed' meaning 'going' or 'to go', it would explain the WHY and WHAT the purpose of Jesus power was given for and actually makes a lot more sense. Using the online translated word of 'headed' in a grammarly fitting way, it would read more like this: "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth; to head out therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
Before going on, there is are obvious problems that arises with this. First, we are all naturally lazy. "Oh, your saying I don't have to do anything?" No, not by law or obligation or duty. Second, Jesus ascended to heaven so He is not here... well not in 'human' form, He's not.
There are 3 reasons why I lean toward the great commission as something Jesus is accomplishing. #1, we have no power to save people's souls. Only God the Father can actually 'make disciples'(v19 NIV). John 6:44 "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him:" #2, We have no power to baptize people with the Holy Ghost. Only Jesus can do this. Mark 1:8 "...he [Jesus] shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost." What we do is just symbolic and doesn't do anything. Baptize me 100 times and all I'll get is wet. #3, teach?.. Holy Spirit thing. Not only did Jesus say in John 6:45, "It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God", 1 Thes 4:9 says, "for ye yourselves are taught of God". John 14:26, "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." Understanding gotten from other places substantiates this idea that the great commission is something Jesus was given power to do and the first words of Matthew 28:19 were not translated correctly in context the of what Jesus was trying to say.
The big 'BUT' is that we know just by the numerous other letters, Acts and beyond, the apostles were out preaching the good news, the gospel. They were teaching, instructing and correcting the called out, God's elect. This gives the 'appearance' they were following the great commission like it was a command, an edict, or a law. Looks are deceiving.
Based on the message of 'love' they were preaching, the disciples and apostles were following Jesus out of love, not by rule of law. Jesus didn't die and free us from one set of laws to be a slave to another. In Galatians, we are called to stand fast in freedom wherewith Christ has set us free and not be entangled again in the yoke of bondage.
Jesus has a purpose to build His church and God a purpose to make ready a bride, God's purpose (Father, Son & Spirit) is what He is doing, His responsibility, not ours. He didn't start something for us to finish for Him. Just hear what God is saying in Isaiah 46:9-11.
[9] Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,
[10] Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:
[11] Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.
Also what Jesus said in Matt 16:18, "...upon this rock I will build my church..." So what is there for us to do?
Why would God leave something so important in the hands of us mortal sinners? If the great commission is not for us to do, how does God accomplish His purpose? easy... through His Holy Spirit, in us. He gives us the desire and we do it. We follow His lead because he gives us the will to do it... Phil 2:13 "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." referring back to Isaiah 46:11 calling us to 'execute His counsel.' God speaks it. God brings it to pass. God purposes it and God does it in us and through us and we 'Go' or 'head out' willingly. If we could thwart His purpose or mess it up in any way by rebellion and disobedience, God is no God but a liar.
We become Jesus hands, feet and mouth piece because He gives us the desire to do this freely out of love and not out of obligation or by command. What happens is that the great commission is seen as a command, an edict, preached this way and people either pressure themselves or others to obey this in their own different ways when God is not working in them to do so. People end up making themselves and others a slave to something they should not be a slave to. Jesus set us free and if when we do serve, it is done freely as God gives us the will and desire and not out of some duty or by command else we are right back into the sinking O.T. legalistic boat we were saved from.
Just remember that God has a plan and a purpose that He is working out in His way in His time with the people He has chosen to accomplish His will. If we jump out on our own and do things we think is right ahead of God, we will flop on our face and end up with a lot of wasted time and effort for nothing. All that extra busyness might look good to the people around us but when God is not in it, it ends up as nothing other than religious churchianity that sucks our life and freedom away.
Jesus said, "Come to me and I will give you rest." and He does. He says, "My burden is light." and it is. He will never give us the desire to do something He has not prepared us to do. As Christians, we can kick back in real freedom and wait on God to give us desire because it's a joy to be used by Him in His purpose when done in His time and in His way. When the time comes He will have us ready for the task at hand and we will actually want to do it.
The big 'BUT' is that we know just by the numerous other letters, Acts and beyond, the apostles were out preaching the good news, the gospel. They were teaching, instructing and correcting the called out, God's elect. This gives the 'appearance' they were following the great commission like it was a command, an edict, or a law. Looks are deceiving.
Based on the message of 'love' they were preaching, the disciples and apostles were following Jesus out of love, not by rule of law. Jesus didn't die and free us from one set of laws to be a slave to another. In Galatians, we are called to stand fast in freedom wherewith Christ has set us free and not be entangled again in the yoke of bondage.
Jesus has a purpose to build His church and God a purpose to make ready a bride, God's purpose (Father, Son & Spirit) is what He is doing, His responsibility, not ours. He didn't start something for us to finish for Him. Just hear what God is saying in Isaiah 46:9-11.
[9] Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,
[10] Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:
[11] Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.
Also what Jesus said in Matt 16:18, "...upon this rock I will build my church..." So what is there for us to do?
Why would God leave something so important in the hands of us mortal sinners? If the great commission is not for us to do, how does God accomplish His purpose? easy... through His Holy Spirit, in us. He gives us the desire and we do it. We follow His lead because he gives us the will to do it... Phil 2:13 "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." referring back to Isaiah 46:11 calling us to 'execute His counsel.' God speaks it. God brings it to pass. God purposes it and God does it in us and through us and we 'Go' or 'head out' willingly. If we could thwart His purpose or mess it up in any way by rebellion and disobedience, God is no God but a liar.
We become Jesus hands, feet and mouth piece because He gives us the desire to do this freely out of love and not out of obligation or by command. What happens is that the great commission is seen as a command, an edict, preached this way and people either pressure themselves or others to obey this in their own different ways when God is not working in them to do so. People end up making themselves and others a slave to something they should not be a slave to. Jesus set us free and if when we do serve, it is done freely as God gives us the will and desire and not out of some duty or by command else we are right back into the sinking O.T. legalistic boat we were saved from.
Just remember that God has a plan and a purpose that He is working out in His way in His time with the people He has chosen to accomplish His will. If we jump out on our own and do things we think is right ahead of God, we will flop on our face and end up with a lot of wasted time and effort for nothing. All that extra busyness might look good to the people around us but when God is not in it, it ends up as nothing other than religious churchianity that sucks our life and freedom away.
Jesus said, "Come to me and I will give you rest." and He does. He says, "My burden is light." and it is. He will never give us the desire to do something He has not prepared us to do. As Christians, we can kick back in real freedom and wait on God to give us desire because it's a joy to be used by Him in His purpose when done in His time and in His way. When the time comes He will have us ready for the task at hand and we will actually want to do it.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Micheal Ellis Childress on -
Ryan:
So what does Paul mean here:
1Co 9:24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.
1Co 9:25 Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
1Co 9:26 Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air;
1Co 9:27 but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
If we are not to expend time and effort until we have the desire, what is he talking about? In other places where he tells us to do certain things and not do others, if we are to wait on God for every move we make what is Paul's instruction for?
Peace from the NN's of the Earth,
Mike
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Permalink Reply by Jim London on
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Hi, Ryan. It's great to see how you are working hard to get a handle on how to live the Christ-life! It's also good to witness how you have recognized that God works in us both to will and to do His good pleasurel, and that the Holy Spirit both empowers and directs us.
There is one thread of thought in your blog that I'm not sure that I'm understanding. It seems that you might be suggesting that we ought not to respond in obedience to a command in scripture, (e.g. the carrying out of the command to make disciples within all nations) until God gives us the desire to carry it out. I'm getting that impression from statements in your blog like "Jesus set us free and if when we do serve, it is done freely as God gives us the will and desire and not out of some duty or by command else we are right back into the sinking O.T. legalistic boat we were saved from." I am open to the possibility that I'm not catching on to what you mean here. If you're saying that we shouldn't be operating only out of a sense of duty, with an absence of love or desire, then I track with that. But, if the idea is that we need to wait for the desire to be given to us, or for the love to surface, or otherwise it's religious legalism, then might the issue potentially be resistance to God's clearly-spoken commands or potentially dullness of spirit toward His Spirit?
The way I'm reading Philippians 2:13 is in conjunction with verse 12: "So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." He is always at work within us to will and to work for His pleasure. No, we don't obey God in order to impress others who are watching -- Paul rejects that too, in these verses. We obey because God IS (present, continuous) in us, energizing our will to demonstrate our alignment with Him.
Isn't God saying through scripture that it is not a burden to obey Him in what He commands? For example, 1 John 5:3 says, "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome."
Jesus appears to say something quite similar: "He who has My commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves Me ... If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word ..." (John 14:21, 23)
My thesis is that, yes, we do not obey God merely in our flesh as mechanical robots, but we do obey Him in all that He commands and He is always at work to empower us to obey Him. When we do not feel that desire, is it that He is not doing what He says He is doing, or is it that we are obstructed in some way from experiencing that empowerment?
Another thread of thought in your posting that I'd like to dialogue about is "He will never give us the desire to do something He has not prepared us to do. As Christians, we can kick back in real freedom and wait on God to give us desire ... When the time comes He will have us ready for the task at hand and we will actually want to do it." But I've already written a fair amount, so perhaps I should just ask the question "What comes first, the equipping for the call or the obedience to the call"?
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Permalink Reply by Ryan Spear on -
Mike,
The whole chapter here, Paul is talking about himself and appears to be making a 'defence' about what he is doing and why. This isn't a you do this, this and that passage.
Paul starts out in Chapter 9, "Am I not an apostle? Am I not free?" yes and yes. He goes on to explain he has the freedom to do anything including to "forbear" from preaching the gospel in verse 6. He explains his work of preaching with expectation of a reward.
Verse 16 Paul say "For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!". Necessity is laid upon him...Whether the experience of meeting Jesus on the road or something internally pushing him to preach and woe if he doesn't. Woe not in the sense that God is going to send him to hell but woe as in pain he'd feel if people don't hear the gospel and die. This statement was an expression of love for people.
Verse 17 Paul states, "For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. V18 "What is my reward then?" There is no reward. I get the sense from this the difference between doing things willingly over pushing to be doing things against our will or without heart. Paul obveously has a heart to preach the Gospel. Paul then makes a statement of preaching the Gospel without charge (or cost as a way to gain something from doing the job, if done without heart) because that would be abuse... but instead v.19 making himself a servant to all.
Paul goes on to talk about being everything to everyone as a way to gain more with the Gospel.
So in answer to your question of what does Verses 24-27 mean. Paul wraps up everything he was saying in the context of a race. The race and prize Paul is striving for is winning as many souls for Christ as he can with the Gospel. He says he even does things he doesn't have to in order to gain the acceptance of others so they will listen and not cast him off. This was something he was given the heart to do. As he said, he had the power to forbear but why would he stop when he wants to do it?
Sometimes I think I could be a preacher.
Ryan
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Permalink Reply by yalvino on -
Ryan... Better think twice about being a preacher .. Might get burnt out ;))
Anyways.. I was just thinking.. Grace should be the 'operative word ... We will beat ourselves
Again and again if we do anything other than the liberty which Christ gave us. And I think you
Are in the same line of thought. I like what Jesus said: 'A new commandment I give to you,
that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. John 13:34.
Is this a works thing? ... I think not. So I would 'run away' as fast as I can from anyone that
preaches & doing the 'works' thing out of guilt trip!
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Hi, Yalvino. Thanks for quoting the John 13:34 text. Isn't that a wonderful command!!!! I've long wondered why Jesus called it a new commandment, since it's a constant refrain throughout revelation history. Maybe it's not that it's new at the moment of His speaking it, but rather new in the sense that it's from God Himself? I really don't know how to understand what the "new" part aside from something like that. Do you have any thoughts about that?
Also, you say, "Is this a works thing? ... I think not... So I would 'run away' as fast as I can from anyone that preaches & doing the 'works' thing out of guilt trip!" Would I be reading you correctly if I assume that your counsel is to avoid those who work the guilt angle to get us motivated? Or are you actually suggesting that we not listen to those who call us into the works of God?
I think that the word "works" carries baggage for Jesus-followers from some backgrounds. To some followers, the word "works" seems to have a very negative association. I gather that that is the case because they are tapping in to one of the uses of the word in scripture, such as when Paul clarifies that salvation is by grace and not by works, lest any of us boast. Obviously, in that context, works mean nothing to God -- there is no salvation by other than through Jesus in His atoning sacrifice.
But "works" is also a term that is used in scripture to designate what God wants to see in us, isn't it? He wants us to do His works, right? Not as a means of obtaining the grace of His salvation, but to demonstrate the grace of His salvation in us. James says, "But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected." (2:20-22) Paul who said that salvation is not by works, did say, immediately in the following verse (Eph 2:10) "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
So, here's where I've been heading: Don't we need to be careful to embrace His works and do them, as those who know Christ, as those in whom His Spirit dwells? And it's more than the "new" [?] commandment to "love one another", wouldn't it be? We can't take one commandment and say that that's the only one we obey, when there are other commands from the mouth of Jesus, can we? Hasn't the Spirit, who inspired the prophets in what they wrote, given His people many commands through them?
The reason I'm developing this theme with some passion is that I'm concerned that we be as careful as scripture is when speaking about works and what they are about. They are not a way to God's salvation. They must not be confused with what men create as pet projects or illegitimate demands upon others. But don't we have to bring ourselves, by self-denying decisions, into the works that the Head of the Body has called us to do? I'm not assuming, Yalvino, that you think differently than this. I'm just not sure what you mean when you say, "Grace should be the 'operative word ... We will beat ourselves ... again and again if we do anything other than the liberty which Christ gave us." For some (and not necessarily you), this would mean that we can pretty much live by what we sense at the moment (by their understanding of the concept of freedom in Christ) would be a good thing to do. Can't we think of freedom in Christ as including the new ability to join Him in His works, rather than freedom from His commands? We are now free from the dominion of sin and death, free to live His life!
So if someone preaches "works" in the sense of preaching the doing of God's will on earth as it is in heaven, wouldn't that person be one to whom we would listen?
We can't really run from a person who urges that we obey God! It's one of the reasons we are to meet together! (Hebrews 10:24) Help me, please. Am I speaking in accordance to what scripture teaches?
yalvino said:Ryan... Better think twice about being a preacher .. Might get burnt out ;))
Anyways.. I was just thinking.. Grace should be the 'operative word ... We will beat ourselves
Again and again if we do anything other than the liberty which Christ gave us. And I think you
Are in the same line of thought. I like what Jesus said: 'A new commandment I give to you,
that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. John 13:34.
Is this a works thing? ... I think not. So I would 'run away' as fast as I can from anyone that
preaches & doing the 'works' thing out of guilt trip!
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Permalink Reply by Ryan Spear on
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Jim,
I was trying to focus my post around the so called 'great commission' and to show through other passages at how this can be seen as a job Jesus was empowered to do after having died on the cross. He didn't stay around to do this in His physical form but we do see this commisson being accomplish by the Holy Spirit thought people. Just because we see people preaching the Gospel doesn't mean this was a command they are following but rather a desire they were given and they are just fullfilling this desire.
I can think back to a year prior to actually ever working in minsitry that I was gaining the desire and willingness to go and no one was telling me to do it. I just did it. I can't explain it. My heart was hardend for the church I was in to leave and go to another church where out of no pressure from anyone I started serving God in ministry. I got into doing things I didn't think I could do but I was able to do these things just fine.
All Christians are disciples. Everyone produces Spiritual fruit listed out in Galatians. But not all Christians are gifted or given desire to do all things. The great commission is something the Holy Spirit gifts and gives certain people the desire to do at certain times. It was a joy that I could be used and God may use me again after He's done giving me some rest. I had full intention of jumping right back into church as soon as I had moved here to Illinois but for what ever reason my heart was hardened and I stopped after three visits. Really, I'm thanking God for the rest because all this moving wore me out and I really didn't need that second job right now.
Here 3 months later with my sudden re-intrest in bible 'subject' study coming back, I'm getting the hint that the Holy Spirit is again beginning to prepare me for what ever that thing is He'll be having me to do next. I can't begin to guess what that will be. When the time comes, I'll be ready and want to go again. For now, I'm resting and enjoying the time off. I'm waiting on the Lord and having my strenght renewed.
I know we refere to service as a 'calling' but don't know if that's a right term that should be used. It's more like a gift and desire that is given to do certain things. Desire isn't something like a command that is 'disobeyed' unless your fasting but no one can fast for ever. It's just a matter of time and everyone eats unless they are anorexic and die first.
I hope I kind of answered some of your questions.
Somewhat different subject is there is a command/obedience thing with living Christ-like in our daily walk and talk. We are still human and weak and guess we still need reminding of how it is God would have us live in our every day lives.
Ryan
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Permalink Reply by Micheal Ellis Childress on
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Ryan:
I must humbly disagree.
Paul's defense is that even though he was an apostle OVER the Corinthians, he did not RULE over them. He understood his position as a servant-leader and warned the Corinthians to be careful of those who were not willing to exert effort to bring themselves under the will of God. He did indeed do all things for the sake of the gospel including work at not being disqualified. This is different from employing religious works or good deeds to try to buy God's favor.
Peace from the NN's of the Earth,
Mike
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Ryan, thanks for taking the time to elaborate and clarify. I appreciate your desire to grow in the right ways. God will meet you in that -- already has! Blessings.
Jim
Ryan Spear said:Jim,
I was trying to focus my post around the so called 'great commission' and to show through other passages at how this can be seen as a job Jesus was empowered to do after having died on the cross. He didn't stay around to do this in His physical form but we do see this commisson being accomplish by the Holy Spirit thought people. Just because we see people preaching the Gospel doesn't mean this was a command they are following but rather a desire they were given and they are just fullfilling this desire.
I can think back to a year prior to actually ever working in minsitry that I was gaining the desire and willingness to go and no one was telling me to do it. I just did it. I can't explain it. My heart was hardend for the church I was in to leave and go to another church where out of no pressure from anyone I started serving God in ministry. I got into doing things I didn't think I could do but I was able to do these things just fine.
All Christians are disciples. Everyone produces Spiritual fruit listed out in Galatians. But not all Christians are gifted or given desire to do all things. The great commission is something the Holy Spirit gifts and gives certain people the desire to do at certain times. It was a joy that I could be used and God may use me again after He's done giving me some rest. I had full intention of jumping right back into church as soon as I had moved here to Illinois but for what ever reason my heart was hardened and I stopped after three visits. Really, I'm thanking God for the rest because all this moving wore me out and I really didn't need that second job right now.
Here 3 months later with my sudden re-intrest in bible 'subject' study coming back, I'm getting the hint that the Holy Spirit is again beginning to prepare me for what ever that thing is He'll be having me to do next. I can't begin to guess what that will be. When the time comes, I'll be ready and want to go again. For now, I'm resting and enjoying the time off. I'm waiting on the Lord and having my strenght renewed.
I know we refere to service as a 'calling' but don't know if that's a right term that should be used. It's more like a gift and desire that is given to do certain things. Desire isn't something like a command that is 'disobeyed' unless your fasting but no one can fast for ever. It's just a matter of time and everyone eats unless they are anorexic and die first.
I hope I kind of answered some of your questions.
Somewhat different subject is there is a command/obedience thing with living Christ-like in our daily walk and talk. We are still human and weak and guess we still need reminding of how it is God would have us live in our every day lives.
Ryan
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Permalink Reply by Ryan Spear on
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Yalvino, I don't think I'd make a good preacher anyway except for the fact I'd be short and to-the-point. I'm not verbally gifted. I just don't know when to shut up in writing. My being short and to-the-point was good when I was teaching 3rd to 6th grade cadets being they only had a 5 minute attention span. Teenagers were better. I could get 10 minutes out of them. Adults, I never had enough to say to reach their limit.
No guilt trips from me. Don't do to others what you don't want them doing to you. So I'll never be a tele-marketer if that was the only job I could get. Guilt trips are like raping people's consciences. That pressures people into doing things the Holy Spirit isn't working in them to do. People like me who get talked into doing too much because I'd feel bad to say no are the one's who up and leave the church altogather out of the blue. Pastors who don't keep an eye out for this suddenly end up with a lot of holes to fill when hot coals like me burn up, turn to ash and leave.
yalvino said:Ryan... Better think twice about being a preacher .. Might get burnt out ;))
Anyways.. I was just thinking.. Grace should be the 'operative word ... We will beat ourselves
Again and again if we do anything other than the liberty which Christ gave us. And I think you
Are in the same line of thought. I like what Jesus said: 'A new commandment I give to you,
that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. John 13:34.
Is this a works thing? ... I think not. So I would 'run away' as fast as I can from anyone that
preaches & doing the 'works' thing out of guilt trip!
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Permalink Reply by Paul Byerly on -
@ Ryan - It seems to me that the word "therefore" (or Oun in Greek, which seem to have the same idea) very clearly connects the verses. As is said, wherefore the therefore. Jesus says "Because I have given you this power, go and make disciples". Or "As you go, make disciples as I've seen some suggest is a better translation.
As to who the command is for, verse 20 covers that. If they teach the disciples they make all that Jesus commanded, then they will teach them to make disciples. And those disciples with teach the disciples they make to make disciples. I really see no way that the passage can said to not extend to all who have been made disciples of Jesus.
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Permalink Reply by Micheal Ellis Childress on
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@ Paul: I concur.
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Permalink Reply by Ryan Spear on
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Paul, Your right, it does connect to two verses... therefore meaning 'consequenly' and also 'as a result' It can also be said that making disciples, baptizing and teaching are the consequence or the result of the given power to go. What did Jesus do when he went to heaven? He sent the Holy Spirit who would be sealed into every believer, Eph 1:13. So Jesus who is God has gone into all the world by way of the Holy Spirit.
I will bring out that He is using us (in a good way) to fulfill this purpose. The salvation thing is God's purpose, something He will do because He said He would. If you look at it in the way I'm seeing it, this in not a command at all. It was Jesus stating he was given all power and what this power was for.
I don't think the disciples needed a command to go. They hung around Jesus for a few years, saw Him healing the sick, raising the dead, curing blindness and lameness. They saw Him die, risen from the dead and then ascend up into the clouds and disappear. On top of all this, they received the Holy Spirit after he had gone. What need would there be for a command? I doubt they could contain themselves.
The disciples told the story of their experiences and as the bible says in Acts 2:41, "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized:..." And in Acts 2:27, "...And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." Notice who was given credit for adding to the church. Only God can save and only God can make disciples. We can give a message or tell The Story but that's about as far as we can go.
Having said this as I was scanning through Ephesians because I'm always mentally cross referencing: Ephesians 4:10-12
[10] He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
[11] And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
[12] For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
The above are gifts given to whom God has chosen for a particular purpose. We can discuss as to whether these gifts God commands to those who have them to use OR if these gifts are accompanied with desire to use them the way God leads people in their lives through the Holy Spirit.
Personally speaking, God given desire is like a hungar that needs to be satisfied. It's like having tunnel vision for doing certain things where you see nothing but that thing and just do it. You get really passionate about it too. Later you look back and say, "Wow, what got into me?"
Paul Byerly said:@ Ryan - It seems to me that the word "therefore" (or Oun in Greek, which seem to have the same idea) very clearly connects the verses. As is said, wherefore the therefore. Jesus says "Because I have given you this power, go and make disciples". Or "As you go, make disciples as I've seen some suggest is a better translation.
As to who the command is for, verse 20 covers that. If they teach the disciples they make all that Jesus commanded, then they will teach them to make disciples. And those disciples with teach the disciples they make to make disciples. I really see no way that the passage can said to not extend to all who have been made disciples of Jesus.
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