Chapter 2:23 SNYTAX OF SENTENCE

2.23 Syntax of Sentence

2.23.1. Emphasis in word order

Since the normal order of words in a sentence in Greek is normally subject verb object, any deviation from that indicates emphasis, the emphasis being on the earlier words in a sentence. Since the participle, pourentheses, comes before both the subject and the verb in the sentence, indeed it comes literally first in the sentence, there is an emphasis the speaker is placing on this word. In fact, Jesus is stressing to the “you-pl-masc” that they must be actively pursing some course in life as a prerequisite to the following actions that He is going to give them.

2.23.2. Order of thoughts implies and order in mind of speaker

Looking at the verb and the three participles in the sentence, one can observe an order that the speaker clearly had in mind, namely: the “as you are going” has to come before anything else that the speaker is developing. Disciple making is predicated on the fact that “you-pl-masc” are first going in some direction through life. As a corollary, you can’t make disciples unless you are actively “going through life.” The implications of this are obvious. The mere fact of “going through life” presumes you will be encountering people as you go. It is this contact that Jesus is going to give meaning to in the subsequent instructions.

Secondly, the primary verb (make disciples) happens simultaneous with your actively going. You can’t make disciples unless there is some meaningful, directed movement in your life first.

Third, the baptism, by virtue of it’s order in the sentence becomes the first public act you should be involved in in the process of disciple making. Using the picture of a baby being born, then growing up into a mature adult, a new believer can’t really mature at all until they are born. The baptism becomes early public evidence of the spiritual birth that has taken place. Once born, and confirmed by public baptism, the new believer is then fully ready for the next step in the discipleship process.

Fourth, teaching becomes the basic method for growing up a new believer. Note that it is the “you-pl-masc” that are to do the teaching. And this teaching should naturally follow baptism. Cursory reflection should reveal that early reception of teaching should gradually give way to later “giving” of teaching as the new believer becomes a mature follower of Christ.