Biblical Background - Lester L Grabbe - April 17, 1978

Lester L Grabbe

Matthew 28:19 is given a misleading translation in KJV. The Greek word translated "teach" is matheteuo and generally has the meaning of going beyond simply teaching to making disciples. Acts 14:21: "When they had preached the gospel to that city? and had made many disciples Greek matheteuo..." This is more than just "teaching" or "warning." It is the duty of the Church to "make disciples" and "baptize." To do otherwise - to preach only as a warning - is not fulfilling the total commission of Jesus himself. It has often been said and written in the past, "The Church was prophesied to be a 'little flock.'" However, nu such prophecy was ever quoted, only Luke 12:32 cited. - Information Supplied By: Herbert W Armstrong Library