And proclaim as you go, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. The message the disciples carry is the same message John and Jesus proclaimed (3:2; 4:17): the kingdom of heaven is at hand. The disciples do not bring a different message from Jesus' own; they extend his message geographically and personally. The kingdom's nearness is the news that requires a response — it is both announcement (this is what is happening) and invitation (therefore repent and believe). Acts 8:12 records Philip proclaiming the good news about the kingdom of God, and Acts 19:8 records Paul speaking boldly about the kingdom. The kingdom message that begins in Matthew 3 continues through the Acts of the Apostles.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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