The Meaning of “Make Disciples” in the Broader Context of the Gospel of Matthew: A New Approach to Understanding Discipleship in the First Gospel

by David R. Bauer; Lindsay D. Arthur

Publisher:

Wipf and Stock

, 2022

Overview

Students of the Bible are generally comfortable with their understanding of the command “make disciples” (Matt 28:19). Indeed, most of them would argue that the Gospel writer, Matthew, spells out very clearly the meaning of the term in the Great Commission (Matt 28:16-20) by utilizing three key words, viz., “go[ing],” “baptizing,” and “teaching.” This point of view is the result of centuries of scholarly opinion that has looked primarily, if not solely, to these three adjacent participles of “make disciples” (Matt 28:19), and not to the entire Gospel of Matthew, for the meaning of the command. This book does not suggest that “going,” “baptizing,” and “teaching” are not to be considered in determining the essence of Christian disciple-making. Rather, it contends that the three terms should not be our only source of meaning. This problem is tackled herein by demonstrating that Matthew establishes a framework within the Great Commission itself that points to a fuller meaning of “make disciples” in the broader context of his Gospel, and that the Gospel writer expects his reader to draw on his entire Gospel to grasp the full meaning of this important command.

Praise for The Meaning of “Make Disciples” in the Broader Context of the Gospel of Matthew

“Pulling together Matthean themes in a coherent way, this work offers sound conclusions and, unlike many works that stem from academic research, is readable and of practical relevance.”

—Craig Keener, Asbury Theological Seminary



“In the process of exploring how the broader context of Matthew’s Gospel illumines the missionary commissioning, Arthur’s study provides fresh insight into the meaning of passages throughout the Gospel and the Gospel in the large. This study is informative on a number of levels and instructive in several critical ways.”

—David R. Bauer, Asbury Theological Seminary



“Dr. Lindsay Arthur offers a detailed examination of discipleship in Matthew’s Gospel. Much like the Gospel itself, Arthur extends his analysis to the wider understanding and practice of discipleship in God’s word, including the other three Gospels, Acts, and several Epistles. This conscientious approach honors the rich expression of discipleship in its character, responsibilities, and relationships. Discipleship is who believers are and what believers do.”

—Ellen L. Marmon, Asbury Theological Seminary

Product Details

• Title: The Meaning of “Make Disciples” in the Broader Context of the Gospel of Matthew: A New Approach to Understanding Discipleship in the First Gospel
• Authors: David R. Bauer, Lindsay D. Arthur
• Publisher: Wipf and Stock
• Print Publication Date: 2022
• Logos Release Date: 2022
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Ebook
• ISBNs: 9781666792171, 9781666735260, 9781666792164, 1666792179, 1666735264, 1666792160
• Resource ID: LLS:9781666792171
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-11-14T06:14:10Z

About the Authors

Lindsay D. Arthur is a PhD graduate in Biblical Studies of Asbury Theological Seminary (Wilmore, Kentucky). Arthur is currently the Assistant Pastor of the Western Light Church of the Nazarene (Barbados, West Indies). He sets his heart to study the law of the Lord, to practice it, and to teach it (Ezra 7:10).