Mining the Matthean mandate on evangelism and discipleship : An exegesis of Matthew 28 :18-20

Abstract

This study aims to explain the biblical mandate on evangelism and discipleship in Matthew 28:18-20. Specifically, this study hopes to determine the intended meaning of the Great Commission in Mathew 28:18-20 through exegesis, to rediscover what the mandate meant in its context not only to the twelve disciples but also to all Christians, to offer personal theological reflections on evangelism and discipleship based on the teaching of Matthew on evangelism and discipleship, to ensure that the outcomes of the study are applied by pastors in the 21st century particularly by the ministers of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches, to let the local churches experience sharing and leading others to Christ, and to reignite the fire and passion of the urgency and importance of evangelism and discipleship in the believer’s heart.

Moreover, this study includes an introduction which incorporates the background, rationale, objectives, relevance and methodology of the study and operational definition of terms. In addition, review of related literature, an exegesis of Matthew 28:18-20, theological concept of evangelism and discipleship according to Matthew, and theological reflections are also reflected in this paper.

Furthermore, the historical and literary approaches through exegesis were utilized to determine the Matthean theology of evangelism and discipleship. In addition, authorship, date, and historical background of the gospel of Matthew are examined. Theological reflections are likewise covered namely: the challenge of evangelism, the call of evangelization, the challenge of discipleship and the call to make disciples. Finally, the researcher established the following recommendations which are significant to the evangelism and discipleship program of the local churches:

1. The Matthean mandate of evangelism and discipleship principle should be revisited by the local churches, particularly local churches of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches, Inc.

2. Seminaries and Bible Schools formulate an intensive evangelism and discipleship program as the basic approach in strengthening local churches.

3. The local church should be educated seriously and intensively about evangelism and discipleship as the main responsibility of Christians.

5. The local church pastors should have refresher courses on the new strategies, methodologies, and approaches for evangelism and discipleship.

6. Local pastors should be responsible in identifying and equipping small group/cell leaders in the church and in taking care of the new believers.

7. Each believer should participate and support the spiritual affair of the church, especially in reaching the lost for Christ.

8. Discipleship shall be the local churches’ tagline and identity in the area of missions and evangelization.