Lookie here! Today we're covering the Greek participle in class.
They say that "Greek is a participle-loving" language. That's probably an understatement. There are 7,941 verses in the Greek New Testament. 4,277 of them contain at least one participle. 1 Cor. 7:30 has 6 of them! Now we can FINALLY discuss the grammar of the Great Commission of Matt. 28:19-20. Note that there is only one main command and three participles that describe how we should go about doing it.
- Going
- Make disciples!
- Baptizing
- Teaching
The first participle -- "going" -- undoubtedly has an imperatival force. But that doesn't mean it's the main command. It's not. "Make disciples" is. I love what Stan Porter says.
He discusses in detail the grammar of Matthew's Great Commission.
His conclusion? Read it for yourself.
So, then, how shall we go about rendering all this in English? One suggestion might be:
As you go to the people in every nation, train them how to become my followers. Immerse them by the authority of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Then instruct them to obey all the commandments I have given you.
There are 195 nations in the world today. How many is your church helping to reach for Christ? Is mine?
Incidentally, the tense of the verb "Make disciples" doesn't mean "once and for all action." Not at all. What the tense does imply is urgency. Do it! Get 'er done! Don't dilly-dally! Don't procrastinate!
As I sit here writing this post I am convicted. Am I a Great Commission Christian? What more can I be doing to reach the nations for Christ? The "retired" part of me says, "You've done enough, Dave. It's time to rest." That's stupid. I need to practice what I preach. I need to take the Great Commission more seriously than ever.
I write all this simply for what it's worth. Everyone is different. One thing I have definitely realized is that obeying Jesus' command takes both time and effort. But one thing is guaranteed. If you put in the time and make the effort, great things can happen.
Have a wonderful day!