Chapter 4: Mobilizing the Disciples

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary task Jesus assigned to His disciples in the Great Commission?

To make disciples of all nations (correct)

To perform miracles in His name

To preach only in Jerusalem

To establish churches in their local communities

What crucial element is emphasized in the Great Commission regarding Jesus' authority?

His ability to heal the sick

All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him (correct)

His resurrection from the dead

His command to love one another

In addition to making disciples, what else did the Great Commission instruct the disciples to do?

To teach them to obey everything Jesus commanded (correct)

To convert others by force

To travel only within their own regions

To write down their experiences

What promise did Jesus make to the disciples in the Great Commission?

He would be with them always, to the end of the age Signup and view all the answers

According to the Great Commission, what is the significance of baptism for new believers?

It signifies initiation into the faith and the Holy Spirit's presence Signup and view all the answers

What did Jesus assure His disciples regarding His presence?

He would be with them always, to the end of the age. Signup and view all the answers

What was crucial for the disciples to effectively fulfill their mission?

Empowerment by the Holy Spirit. Signup and view all the answers

What marked the fulfillment of Jesus' promise to the disciples at Pentecost?

The disciples being filled with the Holy Spirit. Signup and view all the answers

What significant event does Peter's sermon at Pentecost represent?

The transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Signup and view all the answers

How did Peter's ministry to Cornelius impact the early church?

It demonstrated the universality of the Gospel. Signup and view all the answers

Which apostle is noted for his dramatic conversion and influential missionary work?

Paul Signup and view all the answers

What was one characteristic of the early church's growth after Pentecost?

It saw rapid expansion and remarkable growth. Signup and view all the answers

What role did Philip play in the early church's missionary efforts?

He baptized the Ethiopian eunuch. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Stephen's testimony before his martyrdom?

It inspired others to remain committed to Jesus despite opposition. Signup and view all the answers

What themes are emphasized in John's writings in the early church?

Love, truth, and eschatological hope. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Great Commission

Jesus' final directive to His disciples, recorded in Matthew 28:18-20 and Acts 1:8.
Emphasizes Jesus' authority: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me."
Mandate to "make disciples of all nations" underscores the Gospel's universal accessibility.
Instructions to baptize believers and teach them to obey His commandments signify initiation and ongoing education in faith.
Promise of Jesus' presence: "I am with you always, to the very end of the age," reassures disciples of His support and guidance.

Empowerment by the Holy Spirit

Jesus assured the disciples of the Holy Spirit's impending arrival, vital for their mission fulfillment.
Events of Pentecost marked the Holy Spirit's outpouring, enabling the disciples to preach boldly in different languages (Acts 2:1-4).
Peter's sermon on Pentecost led to around 3,000 conversions, highlighting the Spirit's transformative influence.
Miraculous healing of a lame man by Peter and John in Acts 3 exemplified the authority of Jesus' name through the Holy Spirit.
Stephen’s martyrdom in Acts 7 showcased the courage inspired by the Holy Spirit, becoming a turning point for the early church.

Legacy of Discipleship

Disciples actively spread the Gospel and formed new believer communities, establishing a foundation for the church.
Peter's ministry included sharing the Gospel with Gentiles, as evidenced by his encounter with Cornelius (Acts 10), breaking cultural barriers.
Paul's transformative conversion and subsequent missionary journeys extended Christianity throughout the Roman Empire.
John, known as the "beloved disciple," contributed writings that clarified Christian theology focusing on themes such as love and truth.
Philip's guidance by the Holy Spirit to convert an Ethiopian eunuch illustrated the Gospel's reach beyond Jewish areas.

Analysis of the Impact of Jesus' Mobilization

Jesus' guidance and the Holy Spirit's empowering allowed disciples to effectively spread Christianity.
Their obedience to the Great Commission led to church establishments and a wider dissemination of the Gospel.
Holy Spirit’s role provided the disciples with boldness and adaptability in the face of challenges.
The growth and resilience of the early church reflect the success of Jesus' mobilization despite opposition.
Key Greek terms "send" (ἀποστέλλω, apostellō) and "empower" (ἐνδυναμόω, endynamoō) encapsulate Jesus' mobilization, emphasizing the dual function of being commissioned and strengthened for ministry.

Call to Modern Disciples

Contemporary disciples are encouraged to continue the mission of spreading the Gospel.
Reliance on Jesus' authority and the Holy Spirit's empowerment remains crucial for impactful ministry.
Embracing the Great Commission today involves seeking the Spirit’s guidance for community growth and faith expansion.

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Description

Explore the pivotal moments when Jesus mobilized His disciples, focusing on the Great Commission and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. This chapter examines the legacy of the discipleship movement and its lasting impact on the early church and beyond.