The Great Commission The Book of Acts
Old Testament Prophecy New Testament Fulfilled Matt 28:19-20 Go and Make Disciples Acts 1:8 Witnesses to the Ends Isa 49:6 Light to the Nations Acts 13:47 Paul’s Mission Ps 2:8 Nations as Inheritance Acts 1:8 Witnesses to the Ends Dan 7:14 Dominion Over All Acts 10:34-43 Gentiles Included Gen 12:3 Blessing to All Nations Acts 3:25-26 Peter’s Sermon Isa 42:6 Light to the Nations Acts 26:22-23 Paul’s Defense Joel 2:28-32 Spirit Poured Out Acts 2:16-21 Pentecost Fulfillment

Prophecy to Fulfillment

God’s Plan Unfolds

These verse connections reveal how The Great Commission fulfills God’s plan foretold centuries earlier. Prophecies like Isaiah 49:6, Psalm 2:8, and Joel 2:28-32 show God’s intent to bless all nations through His Messiah and Spirit.

From Promise to Action

In Acts, Jesus’ followers, empowered at Pentecost, bring these promises to life, taking the gospel to Gentiles and beyond. These OT prophecies, spoken hundreds of years before Jesus, find their fulfillment in His life and the church’s mission, proving He is the promised Messiah.

Your Part in the Story

For believers, this underscores our role in God’s eternal purpose. For curious non-believers, it showcases the Bible’s unity and Jesus’ unique identity. Explore how Acts brings these ancient words to reality.

The Great Commission in Acts

The Mission Launched

Before ascending, Jesus gave a clear charge: “You will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Pentecost ignited this mission, as the Spirit empowered Peter’s sermon, leading 3,000 to faith (Acts 2:14-41). From Jerusalem’s streets to Samaria’s villages, the gospel spread through bold preaching and miracles (Acts 8:5-8). By Acts’ end, Paul’s in Rome, preaching freely (Acts 28:30-31). This launch shows God’s plan wasn’t small—it was global, and it’s still unfolding. We’re called to carry that torch, sharing Christ wherever we go.

Jesus’ Global Call

Jesus’ command wasn’t new; it fulfilled ancient promises. Isaiah 49:6 declared the Messiah would be “a light to the nations,” and Jesus echoed this in Luke 24:47, calling for “repentance for forgiveness of sins” to be preached to all. In Acts 1:8, He made it personal, tasking His disciples with this global mission. Paul embraced this, quoting Isaiah to reach Gentiles (Acts 13:47). Peter saw it when Gentiles received the Spirit (Acts 10:34-43). This call, rooted in Scripture, shows God’s heart for every soul. For us, it’s a reminder that our faith isn’t private—it’s a light meant to shine worldwide.

Spreading to All Nations

The gospel didn’t stay in Jerusalem. Philip reached Samaritans, despite Jewish prejudice (Acts 8:5-8). Peter’s vision led to Cornelius, a Gentile, joining the church (Acts 10:44-48). Antioch became a hub for Gentile believers (Acts 11:20-26). Paul’s journeys took the message to Asia and Europe, from synagogues to marketplaces (Acts 16:6-10). Each step fulfilled Genesis 12:3’s promise to bless all nations through Abraham’s seed. This diversity challenges us to cross barriers—cultural, social, or personal—to share Jesus’ love, knowing God’s family includes everyone.

Facing Opposition

The mission wasn’t easy. Apostles faced arrests (Acts 4:1-3), beatings (Acts 5:40), and riots (Acts 19:23-27). Yet, opposition fueled growth. When persecution scattered believers, they preached wherever they went (Acts 8:1-4). The Spirit gave courage, as when Paul faced Agrippa (Acts 26:22-23). Psalm 2:1-2 warned of nations raging against God’s plan, yet Acts 4:25-26 shows the gospel prevailing. This resilience inspires us to persevere, trusting the Spirit to turn obstacles into opportunities for the gospel’s spread.

A Call for Today

The Great Commission isn’t a dusty command—it’s our mission now. Acts shows ordinary believers, empowered by the Spirit, changing history. From Peter’s sermon to Paul’s prison letters, the gospel moved through people like us. Today, whether in our neighborhoods or across the globe, we’re called to share Jesus’ love. The same Spirit who launched the church equips us to witness, pray, and serve. Acts isn’t the end; it’s our beginning. Through Acts2020Project.org, join this mission, letting Jesus’ call to all nations shape your life and faith.