Matthew 28:19-20, “Go ye therefore, and make disciples (teach KJV) of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”

The Lord instructed the apostles to “teach all nations” (KJV). Evidently, the Lord thought it was important!

The need to teach. As the apostles began to teach in Acts 2, it became evident that men needed to learn. “Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and give ear unto my words” (verse 14). “Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly, that God hath made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom ye crucified” (verse 36). “Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, (even) in him doth this man stand here before you whole” (Acts 4:10). “Be it known unto you therefore, brethren, that through this man is proclaimed unto you remission of sins” (Acts 13:38). “Be it known therefore unto you, that this salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles: they will also hear” (Acts 28:28). Because of ignorance, the Jews crucified the Lord. From the cross, Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34; cf. Acts 3:17).

The result of teaching. “They then that received his word were baptized: and there were added (unto them) in that day about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41). “But many of them that heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand” (Acts 4:4). “And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women” (Acts 5:14). “The number of the disciples was multiplying … And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly” (Acts 6:1, 7). “… [M]uch people was added unto the Lord” (Acts 11:24).

To what do we attribute these great results?

• The word of God was taught EVERY DAY. “And every day, in the temple and at home, they ceased not to teach and to preach Jesus (as) the Christ” (Acts 5:42). In Ephesus Paul, for the space of three years, “ceased not to admonish every one night and day with tears” (Acts 20:31)

• The word of God was taught EVERYWHERE. See again, Acts 5:42, “… in the temple and at home, they ceased not to teach and to preach Jesus (as) the Christ.” In Ephesus, Paul “shrank not from declaring unto you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly, and from house to house” (Acts 20:20).

• The word of God was taught by EVERY CHRISTIAN. Even during times of persecution. Acts 8:3-4 says, “But Saul laid waste the church, entering into every house, and dragging men and women committed them to prison. They therefore that were scattered abroad, went about preaching the word.” Indeed, all disciples are obligated to teach. 1 Peter 3:15 affirms, “but sanctify in your hearts Christ as Lord: (being) ready always to give answer to every man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, yet with meekness and fear.” Timothy was told, “And the things which thou hast heard from me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2).

• The word of God was taught with ENTHUSIASM. Early Christians were teaching about a Savior, Jesus Christ, “who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people for his own possession, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:13-14). When persecuted the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew, hanging him on a tree. Him did God exalt with his right hand (to be) a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins” (Acts 5:29-31).

• The word of God was taught PERSISTENTLY. Even after being beaten and ordered not to preach in the name of Jesus, the apostles “went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ” (Acts 5:40-42 NASV). Gamaliel, a respected teacher of the Law, knew that if this work “is of God, ye will not be able to overthrow them; lest haply ye be found even to be fighting against God” (Acts 5:38-39).

 When the word of God is taught fervently every day, everywhere by every Christian, we too can expect results. The Lord will add day by day those that are being saved (Acts 2:47). 

1.  Hear the true & original gospel of Christ.

     - John 6:45; Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:22; Romans 10:17

2.  Believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God & the Savior of the world: open your heart
     ready to accept & obey all he says.

     - John 3:16; John 20:31; John 14:6, 15; John 12:48; Acts 19:5 with Ephesians 2:8-9; Mark 16:15-16

3.  Repent of your sinful life.

   - Luke 24:46-47; Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19; 2 Corinthians 7:10.

4.  Confess your faith that Jesus is the Son of God with all authority to save us.

     - Matthew 10:32-33; Romans 10:9-10; Acts 8:35-38.

5.  Receive God’s grace and forgiveness by submitting to Christ in water baptism.

     - Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38; Acts 8:35-38; Acts 22:16; Romans 6:3-4;
      Galatians 3:26-27; 1 Peter 3:21.

6.  When you are baptized, Christ adds you to his one true body, church, or kingdom.  It is
     now important to begin a new life, to be faithful in worshipping God, and to learn all that
     Christ teaches. Be an active member of the church of Christ.

     - Matthew 28:20; Romans 6:17-18; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 5:19-23; Hebrews 10:23-25;
      Revelation 2:10.