The Spread of the Gospel Panel 8

Following his resurrection, Jesus commissioned his followers to take the good news of redemption into all the world (Matt 28:18-20; Acts 1:6-8), then ascended into heaven with the promise to one day return (Acts 1:9-11). Central to fulfilling this commission was the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus also promised (Jn 14:15-17; 16:5-15; Acts 1:4-5). For this reason, the depiction of the Holy Spirit forms the central image of this panel.

He is represented here by a flaming dove, drawing from the imagery in both Jesus’ baptism (Matt 3:16) and the Spirit’s descent on the disciples at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4), which empowered the twelve apostles (shown top center) to boldly proclaim the gospel (Acts 2-4). From this ministry, the early church was born and God’s story continued to spread.Following his resurrection, Jesus commissioned his followers to take the good news of redemption into all the world (Matt 28:18-20; Acts 1:6-8), then ascended into heaven with the promise to one day return (Acts 1:9-11).

Central to fulfilling this commission was the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus also promised (Jn 14:15-17; 16:5-15; Acts 1:4-5). For this reason, the depiction of the Holy Spirit forms the central image of this panel. Stephen demonstrated God’s grace and power as he recounted the story to the religious leaders who stoned him, making him the first martyr for the gospel (Acts 6:8-7:60).

Philip’s encounter with the Ethiopian Eunuch took the gospel beyond the established borders of God’s people (Acts 8:26-40), while the conversion of Cornelius, a Roman centurion, made clear that redemption was not for the Jewish people alone (Acts 10).

The ministry of Paul (the prominent figure in the lower right) embodied this message. The ship represents the missionary journeys he undertook to build Christ’s church throughout the Gentile world (Acts 13-14; 16-20). Under God’s inspiration, Paul also wrote letters to the believers under his ministry which continue to minister today as books that make up a significant portion of our New Testament.

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