The Foundational Commands of Jesus
Go & Make Disciples
Purpose
Học biết mạng lệnh của một môn đồ mà Chúa Jesus đã ban cho chúng ta trước khi Ngài thăng thiên
The Bible
Story: The Church in Antioch
19Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. 20Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks nữa, truyền Tin-lành của Đức Chúa Jesus cho họ. 21The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. 22News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 24He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. 25Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
Acts 11:19-26
Key Verse:
18Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” — Matthew 28:18-20
Sword Method
Step 1: The Guard
Who is in this story?
There are two types of characters: real characters & fictional characters (in the parable).
- Those who were scattered (the Church in Jerusalem, originally from Cyprus and Cyrene), the Gentiles (20)
- The Church in Jerusalem, Barnabas (22), Stephen (the one stoned by Saul), Saul (Paul)
Where does this story take place?
Consider the geographical location where the story takes place.
- The main story takes place in Antioch (in Syria), Jerusalem, and Tarsus (the hometown of Saul).
When does this story take place?
Consider the timeframe of the story, whether a specific time or a general period.
- After Stephen’s death, after the persecution of the Church in Jerusalem, and after Saul and Barnabas had spent a year in Antioch.
What happens in this story?
Summarize the story, condensing key events to provide an overview.
- The believers from the Church in Jerusalem were scattered (following Stephen’s stoning) to Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch.
- In Antioch, some believers evangelized to the Gentiles, and they believed. Due to the rapid growth of the Church in Antioch, the Church in Jerusalem sent Barnabas to verify the situation.
- When Barnabas arrived, he rejoiced upon witnessing the grace of God in the growth of the Church there.
- He then sought out Saul in Tarsus, and together they met with the Church in Antioch, strengthening and developing it for about a year.
- It was in Antioch that believers were first called Christians.
Step 2: The Blade
What does this passage teach about God?
Focus on what helps us understand God. Who is He? What is He like?
- God always has a way to sustain His Church, even in times of persecution. He revives and expands it through those who remain steadfast in faith, are filled with the Holy Spirit, and fulfill their mission. (19-21)
- The Gospel of Christ cannot be hidden and will always be proclaimed. (20)
- The power of the Lord is with those who proclaim the Gospel. (21) (Matthew 28:18-20)
- Because of God's power being upon those who preached (21), many came to believe, and the Gospel spread throughout Antioch. This was truly God’s grace upon the Church in Antioch. (23)
- When we believe, the Holy Spirit dwells within us. To be filled with the Holy Spirit, we must grow in faith. Conversely, the more we desire to develop (spiritually mature and be reputable in faith), the more we will be filled with the Holy Spirit. (24)
- God allowed persecution to take place so that the Gospel could reach the Gentiles. (19-21)
Step 3: The Handle
What does this passage teach about people?
There are two types of lessons: positive lessons—to follow & negative lessons—to avoid.
- Even in the face of persecution, we must remain faithful and continue to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (19)
- We need to proclaim the Gospel beyond our familiar places (beyond Jerusalem). At that time, the Church in Jerusalem had grown significantly, yet they were reluctant to go out and preach to the Gentiles. Therefore, God allowed persecution to scatter the Church, forcing them to go beyond the city and preach to the Gentiles. (19-21)
- Those who proclaim the Gospel will receive a sure promise—the hand of the Lord will be with them. (21)
- As believers in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we must trust and rely on His power when sharing the Gospel with others, not on our own strength. (21)
- Encourage our brethren to remain steadfast in the Lord. (23)
- A person who is not filled with the Holy Spirit will not rejoice when many come to faith. Only when we have true faith can we fully experience the joy of witnessing the Church grow and the Gospel spread. (24)
- We must obey the Church, be ready to step out, and serve. (22) Barnabas obeyed the Church in Jerusalem and immediately went to Antioch.
- In service, we need to have fellowship with those who are being discipled, teaching, and keeping the faith—making disciples of others. (25-26) Evidence of this is that Paul and Barnabas met together (in fellowship) and stayed with the Church in Antioch to teach and uphold the faith.
- We need to seek co-laborers, united in serving the Church. (26) Jesus Himself first called four disciples and later added eight more in His ministry. Before Barnabas stayed in Antioch for a year, he sought out Paul to partner with him in serving the Church there. We cannot serve alone.
Step 4: Using the Sword
What lessons can be learned from this story?
Distinguish between lessons and applications. Lessons must come first; applications should be based on the lessons.
- In verse 18, Jesus spoke these words to His disciples. For one to disciple others, they must first be a disciple themselves.
- In discipleship, there are three key aspects: sharing the Gospel, baptizing, and teaching.
- What is authority? Jesus has all authority, which grants Him the right to send out His disciples. He has the power to empower others (Acts 1:8)—and we also have the authority to act.
- "Teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." In Acts 11, Barnabas and Paul were able to teach many people, but they alone could not teach everyone.
- Acts 2:42; 5:42. The first thing the disciples did was teach others to uphold the faith. Even after Peter was arrested, their first priority remained teaching the faith.
Conclusion
Examination
- Mạng lệnh của Chúa Jesus trước khi thăng thiên là gì?
- Ai là đối tượng sẽ vâng lời mạng lệnh mà Chúa Jesus đã phán?
- Chúa Jesus đã hứa những gì để chúng ta có sự bình an trong sứ mạng ra đi và môn đồ hoá?
- Chúng ta sẽ vâng lời của Chúa Jesus như thế nào?
Application
So now, are you able to share the Gospel and disciple a new believer?
Prayer
Pray for:
- Give everyone the opportunity to go out, share the Gospel, and disciple others.